Brad Topper

Brad Topper began writing feature stories for The Fisherman back in 1997 when just out of college after replying to an ad in the magazine that asked: “Are you one of the 10% who catches 90% of the fish?” An avid angler as a youngster, he grew up on Long Island’s North Shore and with his father, Robert, fished mainly on party boats.

It was aboard renowned vessels like the Starstream II out of Freeport, the Speedy Fleet from Captree, the Ever Ready II in Huntington, and countless others on Long island and neighboring states, where Brad began asking questions of the captains and mates. In short order, he honed the techniques he uses today to be a successful fisherman.

Over the course of any season, you’ll find Brad at the rails of one Long Island's many party boats. Whether bucktailing for fluke or chunking for bass, what he enjoys most is helping those around him, especially youngsters. Asking questions of those who are catching, he advises novice anglers, is the best way to acquire new fishing knowledge - especially in the open boat game.

Although he does take a few trips on his own, Brad most often found fishing with his sons, Brendan and Connor, and his wife, Jennifer, who often ends up as high-hook for the family.