Evolution of a Master Angler: Stan Low
It started simply enough, a few short, questioning posts to the PFIC Message Board in 1999. But soon he had grown to be a master angler, one who amazed the other pier rats by his seemingly weekly catches of large bat rays, stripers, halibut and sturgeon. He had listened to the advice, practiced, and learned. He became a teacher and never hesitated to help, offer encouragement, and share his secrets to those still learning. Then, a tragic accident while fishing from a decrepit wharf along the San Francisco waterfront. He was gone and the pier rat nation was stunned.
At his funeral a contingent of pier rats, some who had fished with him, some who had merely read his posts, showed up to pay respects. And they brought a hand-wrapped fishing rod to give to his family, to show the admiration and friendship he had earned on the board. His family was touched and added the rod to the casket so that he would be buried with a token of his favorite activity, fishing the piers and shoreline areas of his beloved Bay Area.
1999—
[Stan's first post to the Pier Fishing in California Message Board was a simple one]: Does anyone know where South Bend reels are made? Are they any good? (August 7, 1999) [Soon after, another short question]: Can somebody give me their thoughts on the Okuma Fina reels? (August 10, 1999) [He then asked a question in response to a report about the Fort Baker Pier]: Is it very crowded down there? Will my line get caught with someone else's? (August 10, 1999) [And then his questions became more focused]: How deep should your live bait be for stripers? I've been told halfway deep by one person. Another said your bait should be on the ocean floor, but lures land stripers on the surface. Any info. would be greatly appreciated. (August 20, 1999) What is the best live bait for stripers? Some say anchovies, another says smelt, others say shiners. I need some input please. (August 28, 1999) [The messages and their diversity continued. In response to a message that the Warm Water Cove Pier had burned down]: I went by this pier 6 weeks ago and also saw drug sales outside a van. This place seems very unsafe and is used by the homeless. I've never fished there before and don't know what you catch there. (September 5, 1999) Is striped bass season over? Any answers would be helpful. (October 5, 1999) I'm wondering if I should get the Shimano Baitrunner 6500 or the Penn 8500ss. Any input would be helpful. (December 10, 1999) [And then a breakthrough]: Fished Oyster Pt. Pier on 12-13 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Got a 32-inch striper on anchovies. No other fish were caught. (December 13, 1999) Which bait in order is best for sturgeon: herring, grass shrimp, anchovies, or pile worms? (December 15, 1999) Fished Oyster Pt. Pier on 10-17 from 11:00 am to 4 pm, not a single fish. I enjoyed using my new Baitrunner though. (December 17, 1999) Fished Oyster Pt. Pier on 12-20 between 11 am and 3 pm. Caught one 23-inch striper and one 20-inch shark. (December 20, 1999) [In reply to a message about a secret new pier near the PG&E outfall]: It is a good place for stripers but is located in a high crime area. I got my window broken and pole and reel stolen. I also have been told of muggings there. Other fisherman tell me they feel safer bringing a gun and fishing with a lot of friends. I would not recommend fishing at night. (December 21, 1999) Fished Dumbarton Pier on 12-21 between 10 am to 4 pm. Caught one 19-inch striper. Other anglers got a 20-inch striper, 67-inch sturgeon, and 30-inch shark. Excellent weather. (December 22, 1999) Went fishing at Dumbarton Pier on 12-23 between 9 am to 4 pm, hooked up a 50-55-inch white sturgeon but could not get it up to the pier since no one had a proper snare. Tried using cloths-line style as snare but the loop did not hold up. I will go back next week with a snare. Never depend on others with landing equipment. This was my only second day of sturgeon fishing and would have been my first sturgeon. It took ghost shrimp. (December 24, 1999) Fished Dumbarton Pier on 12-30 between 7:30-3:30. Got nothing and wasted $17.00 on mud shrimp. Only thing that was hooked by other anglers was kingfish. I didn't see the boats get any sturgeon either. (December 30, 1999)
2000—[A new century!] Fished Ferry Bldg. Pier on 1-2 between 8:30-11:30. To my surprise I was the only angler fishing there. After catching only 4 crabs I can see why. Finished my day at Candlestick Pier for the next 3 hours. Didn't see any fish caught by anyone. What a change of weather from last week, cold and windy. (January 2, 2000) Fished Oyster Pt. on 1-5 between 10 am - 3 pm. The only excitement was when a bird accidentally crossed my line and caused my rod to bend. Other than that it was DEAD. (January 5, 2000) After seeing six herring boats in the waterfront I decided to go to Candlestick Pier for sturgeon. It was DEAD. Not even a single bite. I'm still waiting for my first fish of the year. (January 7, 2000) [In response to a report on sturgeon at the Martinez Pier]: Hey Mike, I'm just wondering how many sturgeon you caught so far? It seems to be a hard fish to catch. I'm still not over the one I lost at Dumbarton. (January 7, 2000) [One key to learning is asking questions.] Is filleting herring better than using cut herring chunks for sturgeon? Any info would be appreciated. (January 7, 2000) Sometimes I feel so ashamed when I do not even get a bite after a day of fishing that I don't even want to give a pier report. I still have not caught a fish this year yet. I sure hope the fishing picks up. (January 13, 2000) Fished Dumbarton Pier on 1-17 between 8:30-3:30. Caught one kingfish and ray. Others caught one 24-in. striper, one 16-in. striper, three kingfish, and one 19-in. sturgeon. Extreme low tide when I left. (January 17, 2000) Fished the Oyster Pt. Pier between 2 p.m.-5:30 on 1-25, caught only four kingfish. (January 26, 2000) Fished Dumbarton on 2-10 between 7:00-4:00 in search of the mighty sturgeon. Ended up catching a kingfish, small striper, and a shark. I was told that two large sturgeon were caught last weekend. (February 11, 2000) [But his skill and techniques were growing.] Caught several perch at Candlestick and missed a good pump. I used a balloon to get my line out there and it seem to work but didn't set the hook. Will give it a try again later this week. (March 6, 2000) [After a question was asked]: I first cut the lip off of a blown up balloon, I then use a snap swivel which I attach to my sinker. I hook up the snap swivel very lightly to the balloon and let the current take it out about 100 yards. This will work only during outgoing tide at Candlestick. After the balloon reaches the spot you want, you pull real hard on the line and release the balloon and let your sinker drop. I place the balloon to the left of the boat drop off at Candlestick. (March 7, 2000) Caught one cabezon, five perch, and three kingfish at the pier today. Saw boat drop off bridge removed while fishing. It's going to Pac Bell Park. (March 10, 2000) Sturgeon rolling? While fishing for sturgeon, my 100-lb. spectra line snapped. I had just set the hook and was waiting for the fish to make its run. My rod kept flexing but no line was going out. As the line snapped, I saw a large silvery fish surface. Was this a case of sturgeon rolling? Should I have tried to bring the fish in? How can I prevent a sturgeon from rolling? Any info would be appreciated. (March 26, 2000) Fished the outgoing tide and caught three 2 ft-long leopard sharks and three bat rays that were over 60-lbs each. Boy my arm will be sore tomorrow. I also saw three stripers caught by other anglers. (April 27, 2000) Fished the 2nd pier at Candlestick today in search of bat ray action. I ended up with a 70-lber and was quite disappointed; caught eight rays two weeks ago and had a good workout. The usual smelts and perch was caught by other anglers. No stripers or halibut was caught on the pier. (May 13, 2000) [But sometimes the conditions are against you.] Tubes & Candlestick. Fished two hours each and ended up catching nothing but seaweed. Does anyone have any idea when the seaweed will disappear? I got seaweeded immediately after each cast. (July 30, 2000) Fished the further Candlestick Pier on 8-17 and got a 26-in. halibut on live bait. Another angler caught and kept a under-size halibut. There was still lots of seaweed. (August 19, 2000) [In reply to a question on lines]: Carlos, 90% of the sturgeon fisherman at Dumbarton use the Power Pro 100-lb. which can be purchased at Fishery Supply at S.J. It cost 10 cents a yard and is strong. I caught my sturgeon on 25-lb. Trilene Big Game but switched to the Power Pro since everyone else was using it. You just don't want to chance losing a big sturgeon if you hook on to one. (August 19, 2000) Stan was learning and now giving out advice.
2001—[A new year.] Fished the Candlestick Pier between 11-4 pm for bat rays. I caught five of them and the biggest going around the 100-lb. range. Most of the rays were caught on the last of the outgoing. I was using squid and anchovies. (April 6, 2001) [In reply to Big Batties in the Bay posted by Dennis Gasi]: Where is Strawberry Pt.? How do I get there from S.F.? I am getting tired of the crabs and seaweed around here. Can you give me the best tide conditions for catching the rays? Thanx. (June 3, 2001) [Strawberry Point would become one of Stan's favorite spots for big bat rays and he would share that spot with others later. But he caught many types of fish.] Fished the little pier behind the Embassy Suites in Burlingame between 6:30- 10:00. Ended up with one 54-inch and one 15- inch leopard. It was real cool to see planes landing at SFO. (June 30, 2001) [In reply to questions]: I was using sardines on a high low leader...The pier is located on Anza Blvd. in Burlingame... I would not fish at this pier till 11 pm. The outgoing tide at this pier just does not produce. It is more productive during the incoming. (September 8, 2001) Fished Candlestick #1 from 2-4 pm and caught one small ray. Went to Sierra Pt. Pier afterward and lost a 30-inch halibut right when a fellow angler tried to grab the fish off the rocks after I had walked it down the pier. Another angler also caught a 24-inch halibut. (September 19, 2001) [In reply to a question]: My halibut took a chunk of sardine while the other halibut took squid. This pier is also called Brisbane Pier under Ken Jones' monthly report. (September 19, 2001) Fished Candlestick #2 from 10:30-1:00 and caught one 32-inch ray and two 20-inch leopards. Finished the day at Burlingame and caught five small rays -- "18 inch." (September 25, 2001) Fished Oyster Pt. from 12:30-3:00 and caught one 24-inch and one 36-inch leopard. Finished my day at Burlingame and caught one small ray. (September 27, 2001) A few weeks ago while I was reeling in a 4-ft. leopard I saw a seal right behind it. It got real close to the shark and turned away. I don't know if the sight of a human scared it or it just was not interested in the shark. Has anyone ever seen a seal eating a shark? (October 27, 2001) [In reply to: Dead Croaker...and more posted by Montgomery Burns]: About 20 years ago at Muni Pier I was fishing and saw a huge crowd about 40 yards away. I went over to check it out and saw an angler had a dead lady on his heavy boat rod. The Coast Guard came by and picked her up. I never fished Muni Pier again. (November 1, 2001) [In reply to Foster City shoreline & sturgeon questions posted by Leony]: Yes, Candlestick is the place to go for dinos. The crabs may be a problem there though. You will see them jumping out there. (November 8, 2001) Fished from 5-7:30, results: one 24" leopard and several small sands. I also had a big hit and when I got to my rod it was gone. When I reeled up I noticed the hook was bitten off below the eye. I think it was a large leopard since the line was peeling so fast. I was using Mustad 5/0 octopus. Has anyone had this happen to them? (November 15, 2001)
2002—[Another new year. In reply to Dumbarton Pier posted by Nufo]: I used to fish there often two years ago and never saw anyone using squid. Ghost shrimp was the choice. I used mud shrimp which was close to $20.00 for 2 dozen and only caught one sturgeon which I lost since no one had a snare including myself. I must of spent over $150.00 for shrimp baits for all the trips I made there. If I only knew about squid back then. (January 4, 2001) [In reply to Candlestick #2 posted by jundim]: Hey Jun. There are no seaweed problems there. Perch are always caught with an occasional sturgeon for those who can take the cold windy conditions. (January 23, 2002) Fished Pier 2 on 2-3 from 12-3 pm. Caught several perch and rockfish. Bait was sardines and shrimp. (February 4, 2002) Fished Candlestick #1 from 11-2:30 and to my surprise, I ended up battling another 40" bat ray. Boy, these monsters are so slimy that I had to wipe my hand clean before taking the picture. As I was leaving, a DFG person asked me to answer questions about my fishing habits. He was just taking down info about different fisherman, how much I spent for fishing equipment, how many days I fished last year, etc. (February 24, 2002) [In reply to: WOW! posted by mobilesuit]: It sounds like you had a large ray. I used to get spooled a lot before switching over to super braids. The breaking strength is greater and you can apply more pressure to tire out this mighty beast. (February 26, 2002) In reply to How do you stay clean? posted by gyozadude: I use bronze hooks and just cut the line. I'm not going to try to pick up a 50"+ ray to remove the hook. That would be backbreaking and messy. (February 27, 2002) [In reply to Oyster Point 2-27 night fishing posted by tomaurand]: Oyster Pt. is more productive during an outgoing tide. Fished Oyster Point Pier from 2-5:30. Results: one 39" ray, one 36" ray, & one large kingfish. [In reply to A few questions posted by Sinker]: I used a 12-ft. Ugly Stick, Shimano Baitrunner 6500 with 65-lb. power pro. It took squid on a slider setup with a 15-minute battle. I pulled the ray up with my hands, you can see the water by the ground. The stinger was already removed. I never keep the stingers. [In reply to: Hook Size ??? posted by Sinker]: 5/0 baitholder bronze. (February 28, 2002) [In reply to whole squid or strips posted by pierangler8787]: I use both but caught this on a head. Fished Oyster Point from 12-4 and caught: nine kingfish, and three leopards{30" range}. Saw a person lose a big hit, I said it was a ray but he insisted it was a sturgeon. (March 8, 2002) [In reply to Oyster Pt. posted by crazyguy]: Yes, I used squid to catch both the kingfish and leopards. The kingfish was also tearing up my squid. (March 8, 2002) Fished from 6-8:30 am. Results-1-42"ray, 1-38"ray and 1-32"ray. It felt good to have line peel out of the reel after getting skunked on the last trip. There was no wind at all. I also had another ray that bent and broke the point of the hook and was lost. That’s part of using bronze hooks. (March 20, 2002) [In reply to I too am interested posted by Sinker]: My equipment is Shimano Baitrunners and Ugly Sticks. I use the 12-ft. Uglys on piers to stop the rays from wrapping around the pilings. I use the 8-ft. med. Uglys on the shoreline unless I need a long cast. I use Power Pro 50-80lb.-test to prevent getting spooled. I prefer the hi lo leaders unless there are lots of rocks, then I will use a slider setup. If I can get fresh sardines, that will be my choice. Otherwise, frozen squid is my bait… Forgot to mention size 5/0 Mustad bronze baitholder hooks (March 20, 2002) Oyster Point Pier. Fished from 7-9:30 am. Results 1-38"ray & 1-34" ray. I gave the 34" ray to a Cuban fisherman. He was very grateful and said he'll make taco meat out of it. He offered to let me try it out tomorrow, but I declined. has anyone ever tried bat ray taco? (March 22, 2002) [It was obvious that Stan was mastering, or had mastered, the science of catching the big ‘ol mud marlins – bat rays. But some offered criticism. In reply to PLEASE RELEASE ALL THE RAYS!!! posted by realdrum]: Sorry if I offended anyone with this post. I always take great care in handling of the rays I catch. Last year I caught over 200 rays and gave 2 away. Most of my pics are by the water so I can release this magnificent beast after snapping a pic. I've noticed that most of the rays I've caught have had their stingers removed. Thanks fellow board members for supporting me on this one. I will be at it again tomorrow and will post my results. (March 22, 2002) [In reply to A note to Stan posted by dennis giasi]: Hi Dennis, I usually don't target sturgeon. They are a very difficult fish to catch. I caught a 50” 3 years ago at the Dumbarton Pier, but lost it since no one had a snare or crab net. After losing that sturgeon I’ve tried many countless days but ended up skunked. I ended up targeting bat rays since they are very easy to catch and they are a blast to battle. (March 23, 2002) Fished the last of the outgoing tide at Candlestick Pier #1. Results –1-51” and another 44” ray. The larger ray made several short runs instead of a long run to start out. The ray would of looked bigger if the igloo was behind it. My shoulder is beginning to hurt with these ray exercise. (April 2, 2002) Fished from 8:30-12 pm at Candlestick Pier #2 with anchovies on hi lo setup. I heard halibut action was hot, so I decided to use 'chovies instead of squid. I’ve also caught many rays with this setup. All I caught was this 25” butt. There was lots of boats at Oyster Pt. and I saw 1 other butt landed at the pier. (April 6, 2002) [In reply to Flying Bat Rays posted by Nufo]: Nufo, It happens quite often when the tides are towards the very bottom. Most of the rays are small, but I had a 40”er jump right in front of my eyes earlier last month. I've also seen the huge rays surface after making a long run. That's why I love to catch them. (April 8, 2002) Fished the shoreline by Embassy Suites in Burlingame from 10-1:30 pm and caught 9 rays ranging from 24"-43". Unbelievable weather. I think I caught over 6 rays on each trip this whole week. (April 13, 2002) Fished from 1-3:30 pm at the Sierra Point Pier and caught this 52” leopard on a live shiner. I was hoping for a monster halibut or striper but I knew pretty much it was going to be a large leopard. (April 17, 2002) Fished from 10-1 pm at Candlestick Pier #2 and caught rays of 24"+ 36". I also caught a 27” striper, which surprised me. You see, I was using squid for sharks and rays. I guess you can consider it an accidental catch. I gave the striper to my mom. (April 21, 2002) My name is Stanley Low. I am 35 yrs. old and am a laid off telecommunications tech. I have been fishing on and off for 13 years. My first memories was sneaking in to a pier with my brother and catching huge rock cods. My favorite spots are Fisherman's Park and Strawberry Pt. because they have many rays and leopard sharks which happens to be my favorite fish. Catching 13 stripers at the Brisbane Tubes is one of my most memorable trips. My word of wisdom is catch and release. I get upset when I see a person catching and keeping fish on a daily basis. (Autobiography posted May 7, 2002) [In reply to Question posted by Sinker]: Sharker, Most of the times a far cast is not required. The rays are both far and close and should be able to smell your bait. (May 15, 2002) [In reply to No doubt about it, Stan. posted by StinkyFingers]: My go to bait is sardines for sharks and rays. I have not been using them since there are small baitfish picking them apart. Right now squid stays on the longest. (June 8, 2002) [Many anglers consider themselves lucky to ever catch a 7-gill shark. Not Stan!] Fished from 2-5 pm at Oyster Point Pier and caught 3 small sand sharks, 1 small ray, 1- 30" leopard, and this 3 ft. 7 gill. This is the 5th 7-gill that I've caught this year. (June 24, 2002) Fished Oyster Point Pier from 4-8 pm with squid and caught 7 sand sharks{20"}, 7- 7-gill{20"}&1 42" seven-gill, 5 rays {24"-36"}. This must be a breeding area for the 7 gills. (June 26, 2002) Fished from 4:30-8:30 pm at Oyster Point with squid and caught 10, yes ten seven-gills, 8 were babies but 2 were 42"er. Caught 3 rays{24"-32"}and 7 small sand sharks. Board member Matt showed up later and was busy himself catching his share of sharks. He is posing with one of the 42"er. I am surprised of the good 7 gill action. I don't know how long it will last though. (June 27, 2002) [In reply to Stan, Please read. posted by SumeGuy]: I use the hi lo spreader arms rigs for sharks. Your tackle shop should carry this item. I prefer the single spreader arm rig since sharks like to shake and roll and can cause major tangles on a dual spreader arm rig. (September 12, 2002) Fished the Point Pinole Pier from 9 am-4:30 pm with ‘chovies and squid and caught 12 Jacksmelt (12"-16"} and 2 Rays{32"&24"]. I also caught a halibut on squid. What a beautiful day to be fishing. (September 23, 2002) In reply to SQUID??? posted by pEsCaDoR5312: I caught the halibut on a whole squid on a hi lo setup. I've caught 3 halibut and 2 stripers on squid this year. All fish was caught while the bait was stationary. (September 24, 2002) Fished for a few hours this afternoon at Pier 1 and caught 1 32" halibut, 1 kingfish, and 1 sand shark. Sardine was the bait. This was the best fighting halibut I have caught. Most of my halibut act like dead weight until they surface, then they start to fight. I actually thought I had a striper or leopard until it surfaced. (September 30, 2002) [In reply to Really nice Stan... great fish. Just wondering, where have those ray and leopard catches gone? posted by SD Fisherman]: I'm still catching them... but they've been smaller. Rays are 24"-32" and many sand sharks around the 24"-34" range. Have not caught a huge ray in almost 2 months. Are you guys getting the huge rays down there? I gave the halibut to a friend. (October 1, 2002) Fished the Point Pinole Pier today from 10-6 pm and caught 1 32" ray, 3 jacksmelt, a few dozen shads, and a 30" striper that took a smelt fillet. I usually only catch 1 or 2 shads but today I was surprised to catch that many on a Sabiki. (October 11, 2002) Went back last night to the Oyster Point Pier for some steady doses of sharks and was not disappointed. Results- 7 leopards{24"-36"}, 6 sand sharks{18"-30"} and 1 42" 7-gill. Most sharks seems to prefer the sardines over the squid. I'll be out there again tonight for more shark action and to cheer the Giants on. Believe it or not, the Giants are 5-0 when I bring my t.v. there to fish in the championship and World Series. Superstitious, hell yeah. GO GIANTS!!!!! (October 26, 2002) I'm trying to fish as much as possible since I believe the action will slow down in a few weeks. Started at 2:00 at Pier 7 and was skunked until the turn of the tide. I ended up catching about 4 34" range sand sharks. I also caught several smaller ones as well. I left at 6 pm as it became too dark. I sure hate this time change. (October 29, 2002) Fished the Point Pinole Pier from 10-4:30 using squid and 'chovies. Another fisherman had 1 19" striper in his basket as we arrived. He later lands another 24"er. My buddy then gets a 19"er. I ended up with this nice fat 35"er. I've been very lucky the last few trips here. (November 1, 2002) Fished Bayfarm Island from 10:30-3:30 pm and got skunked. There were about 20 poles in the water and I didn't see anyone catch a dino. For all you people that asked if I ever get skunked, here you go. (November 25, 2002) Fished the Oyster Point Pier from 4:30-8 pm and caught 2-28" leopard and this 52" 7 gill on squid…Miguel, who is a regular, also landed a 44" leopard. There is still decent shark action at this pier. (December 11, 2002) Point Pinole Pier. Would you believe a halibut in December? A nice 32"er on 'chovies. There was also a barely legal striper caught by another angler. (December 13, 2002)
2003—[The final year. And now Stan showed he could also catch the dinos.]
Fished the Sierra Point Pier from 11 am-4 pm and landed this 60" dino on herring. Someone had caught this beast and removed it's front fins previously. Speaking of vision, I had a good feeling about hooking up with a dino that day. The day before at the same spot, I had a sturgeon pump but my hook did not set. Determined to get the missed pump, I went back the following day at the same time and cast to the same spot and got the fish at the same time. What are the chances of catching the same fish that you lost previously? I need opinions on this. Has this happened to anyone before? (February 8, 2003) Oyster Point Pier.
I must say that this was my best fishing day ever and that I'll never have another day like this. Started at 10:30 am and left at 9 pm. Caught this 68"er [sturgeon] on a fresh headless herring. As you can tell, I had a hard time picking up this beast up. I would end up catching and releasing 3 more in the 58" range. As far as for the sturgeon power, it does not compare to the mighty bat ray. I was using 80 lb. superbraid and these dinos had a hard time stripping line out. Only one of the dinos put up a really good battle. I haven't hooked a over sized one though. (January 30, 2003) Oyster Point Pier 1-29-03. When I arrived at the pier at 10:30,I saw several people on the pier netting herring. I knew the herring would be there soon as I saw them jumping around about 100 yards in front of the pier 2 days earlier. I got my net and after several cast had half a bucket of herring. I got my equipment and removed the heads from the herring. My buddy Lee, who is a experienced sturgeon hunter says that sturgeon have poor sight and rely on smell. That way they can smell their guts, flesh, and eggs easier with the heads removed.
I hook the herring on 2 size 5/0 Eagle claw Alaskan hooks that is tied to 80-lb. Spiderwire Fusion. As the day went by, there was no sign of Mr. sturgy. It is now evening time and I'm shooting the breeze with the other dino hunters when I notice the sound of my reel screaming. I set the hook and the fish was on. The fish was not stripping out any line. It tried, but it just couldn't. It then jumps out of the water and I can clearly see that it was a sturgeon. I then notice the line was coming straight at me and I crank my reel really fast but not fast enough as the sturgeon is now under the pier. I was able to muscle it out and slowly the fish was getting tired. After 5 minutes the fish was belly up and I walked it down the pier to have a fellow angler carry it up onto the pier. Everyone was giving me high fives for catching the sturgeon. (February 11, 2003) Fished Oyster Point Pier from 12-4 pm and caught DIDLY SQUAT (skunked). I also noticed that all the herring eggs have disappeared from the rocks. Where have all the sturgeon gone? Funny how your luck can change in a couple of weeks. (February 13, 2003) [In reply to: Oyster Point Perch posted by andthelinegoeszziipp]: Never be nervous to introduce yourself to me. I am not mean and am a very small person. Most people consider me on the nice side. Many of you consider me a great fisherman, I consider myself average. There are far superior and knowledgeable fisherman than myself. Nice to meet you and you should check out the Brisbane Tubes for perch. (February 15, 2003) Hot sturgeon bait? I do believe that the pile worms are spawning now. I've seen several gulls swoop huge worms out of the water. I've been told that pile worms are excellent bait for dinos when they are spawning. They were nailing the sturgeons a few years back in Emeryville during a pile worm spawn. (March 16, 2003) [In reply to: Oyster Point Fishing Pier posted by moi]: Look under the Pier of the Month for directions. To catch sharks, fish the outgoing tide and use squid, try to cast towards the front of the pier and use a 4-6 oz. sinker so your line won't drift into other people's line. I caught a bunch of sharks and rays there last Saturday. (March 17, 2003) [In reply to In memoriam, my fishing buddy, Muffdaddy]: I can't believe it. It was not too long ago when I saw Steve at Oyster Pt. during the sturgeon run. He really wanted to conquer a sturgeon, well I know he's slamming some monster dinos in a world far better than this. I had the opportunity to fish with Steve several times and considered him a super guy. I will miss fishing with him greatly. (April 19, 2003)
Ironically that post and its reference to the death of muffdaddy was Stans’s last major post on his fishing trips. Sensitive to the criticism of (unknown) anglers he preferred to keep his catches more to himself. On August 26, 2003 there was a post by a person trying to contact his family and after several days of confusion (and attempts to contact his family or find out what had happened) it was revealed that Stan had experienced an accident while fishing from a waterfront wharf and been killed.
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When news of Stan's death was posted on the Pier Fishing in California Message Board the impact was immediate! The loss to the PFIC community was heartfelt and the expressions of condolence were both numerous and sincere.
Posted by Sinker on September 3, 2003
Fellow Pier Rats I just got off the telephone with Janet Low, Stan’s sister. She has told me it is OK to go ahead and inform you of what has happened. Originally I was going to let Ken do this but now with her approval I feel it appropriate.
Facts :
• Stanley Low was reported missing from fishing the area of Pier 70 on August 25th, 2003.
• On August 31, 2003 Stanley Low’s body was found in the waters near Treasure Island.
• His Family has indeed been contacted and are making plans for his final arrangements.
• Janet will send me the information so that all who are interested may attend his funeral – I will keep you up dated.
• The Low Family would like the attendance of all who new and fished with Stan.
Speculation :
• Although the official cause of death will not be released for 6 to 8 weeks yet is speculated that Stan’s death was an accident.
• Apparently he was going back to retrieve a tool for dislodging hooks from fish that he had left on the pier or had loaned to someone. He was riding a bike back to the location when he apparently struck a light pole lost control of the bicycle and went into some rotted wood and fell through to the water.
• There were no witnesses to this accident and thus the investigation continues.
• His body is being released to his family today
• His family is happy that at least he died doing what he loved “FISHING”
I am presently putting together a music montage of Stan and his catches and have been asked by Janet to burn three copies to CD for his family. I may need some help with getting this to be a download from my website as well—G-Dude, Slinger, someone I could use some help here. Southern California folks—I will be trying to make his Funeral and would like to take others along who are willing to attend and help with the drive.
Farewell To An Angler
Posted by tomaurand
Stan, you will be missed..Peace to you and your family....
Posted by kneetoe
Had the Pleasure to fish with Stan and when no poles were doing the bendo dance, his was. RIP...
Posted by baitfish
My sympathy..It is a terrible loss for the family and the pier rat family. My most sincere condolences to Stan`s family and all that knew him and called him a friend. Adam
Posted by bigrich
I am going to miss you Stan
Posted by nimrod
Stan save some fish for me up there in the Heavenly fishing grounds.
Posted by jimbojack
And a true sportsman. What a shame, and such a loss to us all. A peaceful journey to you Stan. Jim...
Posted by Red Fish
Stan was always free with information and not stingy. He would tell you right where he caught his fish and was pleased that people were inspired to get out and fish by his posting of his catches. My vote for the best angler on this board bar none (and you know I'm not going to say that about just anyone).
R.I.P.-Stanley Low Now one of the fishgods.
Posted by caffeinehigh
Real sorry to hear about this (A great loss to the Low family and a great loss to the fishing community.) I`ve only known Stan from his reports and pictures. He always had a big smile in those pictures....
Posted by TheBiggest
We gonna keep fishing till the wheels fall off, Stan. May you Rest in Peace brotha. My deepest condolences go out to everyone that knew Stan and had the pleasure of meeting a true fellow fisherman....
Posted by Davey Jones
Stan was only once on this world. Stan was a Fisherman. Stan knew how to catch Big Fish. Stan shared. Going to miss you Stan. Thank you to the Low Family, for the chance to know about Stan....
Posted by TheCrw
He'll be fishing that perfect spot in the sky...
I ran into Stan once even before I knew about this board. All the other fishermen were there to sing his praises and I was wondering "who is this guy?", then of course his rod goes bendo...This was at Oyster Point Pier at the beginning of the summer. Shortly after that, I went to buy my very first surf rod cause I knew my little lake rod wouldn't handle anything close to what he hauled up, a 3.5' bat ray, which looked absolutely HUGE to me at the time. I'm sorry I didn't have the time to make his acquaintance, but do feel a sense of loss for his family and our fishing community. Rest in Peace. ~Elric aka TheCrw
Posted by ark
I never got to meet stan but I think I ran into him at Oyster Point once. May he rest in peace. I pray that he had a fulfilling life. May his loved ones have strength that he left behind and the ones that mourn his passage....
Posted by salty nick
I ran into Stan once, fishing off Candlestick Pt. Pier. It was a miserable, windy & rainy day. I recognized him from his pictures in his posts and introduced myself. He was very nice and offered me one of his small poles to catch shiners, when he saw I didn't have one. I tried for awhile, but couldn't catch any. Then he gave me a couple of his live shiners. Nobody was catching anything at the time. Actually Stan was the only one who caught anything - a medium-size bat ray. He was definitely a great fisherman, always making sure he used the freshest bait, and seemed to know which side of the pier the fish would show if they did. I remember he said "we'll have to fish again" - sad to think I won't run into him again fishing. My sincere condolences to his family. And thanks to Sinker for all his efforts in this matter. Salty.
Posted by kelp
As a long time lurker here, I remember when Stan one day appeared on the board. And then he appeared again. And again. And again. It got to the point where I think Stan wasn't even posting everything he caught because of the overwhelming positive and respectful responses to his reports and pictures probably started to get embarrassing to him. I didn't know Stan personally but I got a kick out of reading his reports usually with fish that rivaled his personal size and weight! First cast for Stan! Rest In Peace -Kelp
Posted by scooterfish
Heartbreaking...I just got back from my yearly vacation in the Nevada desert and find this sad news...I never met Stan myself, but I felt like I knew him because I shared his love of fishing. His incredible catches certainly placed him at legend status in my opinion... I used to fish Pier 70 quite frequently with Big Rich, and I now remember how dangerous the pier really was. I had to pull Big Rich out of one of those holes once... Luckily only his leg went through. Just one too many close calls. They really need to repair and make this place safe again, because it is one of the deepest water spots available in the bay from shore, which obviously is an attraction to big-game fisherman like Stan, myself and a multitude of others on this board...I am certain that wherever Stan's soul may be now, he will continue to catch unbelievable fish of epic proportions. A man who dies while doing what he loves best, dies a happy man. Scooterfish
Posted by Red Fish
Why don't we all call in sick at work....In reply to: Stan Memorial Fishing Get Together posted by TheCrw ...on the day of Stan's service (funeral) and then meet at Oyster Point Pier or somewhere for an hour or two of remembrance and fishing. I couldn't think of a better reason to take one of my sick or vacation days!
Posted by Hungz
I've never met Stan, but always enjoy his no-thrill reports. It's a great tragedy for his family especially because he's so young. The site lost a great contributor today. My condolences to his family...Hungz.
Posted by cougar
Stan The Man....Stan inspired me to fish for rays and sharks. One day drove from Berkeley to fish Oyster Pt. Pier, actually just wanted to get a glimpse of Stan and watch him work his magic from afar. Was too nervous to introduce myself, and was just thrilled to see this legend pull up ray after ray and a coupla large leopards. Much thanks to Stan for allowing me to sheepishly watch and learn from him. Every time a bat ray surfaces on the end of my line I will think of Stan and the stream of beautiful pics he so graciously bestowed upon us. God Bless You Stan...My condolences
Posted by fishinnorcal
I never met Stan, but always made a point of reading his posts. By reading his posts, I felt like I knew him. Well, this is a sad day. My condolences to his family.
Posted by Davey jones
Stan will always be a legend to us
Posted by kastmaster
That collage of Stan was awesome!! He's caught more fish in this last year than I have since I've started fishing. He could've written an awesome book with his expertise and experience. He fished SF Bay big game with precision & finesse. Something a lot of people take for granted when fishing for big game. May God Bless him!! Kastmaster
Posted by gyozadude
It is a sad day to know that as a fishing family, we lost one of our own. Though I never met him personally, and was even skeptical of all his catches at first, he proved time and time again, picture after picture, fish after fish, that he could catch fish better than anyone around - whether that was sharks, rays, halibut, stripers, or sturgeon. Some have labeled Stan amongst the top 10% of anglers that catch 90% of the fish. Some have even suggested that he was in the top 1%. And certainly he'd be in anyone's top fishing group, but I say he was perhaps in a league all by himself. Some one many of us envied and admired at the same time. Stan was a rugged individual, self-reliant, skillful in the arts to the extreme, helpful to strangers, and a lover of the fishing environment. And he was young - a man in his prime fishing years, doing just that - fishing. I'm certain that wherever Stan's spirit has gone, so have gone the ghosts and goblins of the fish, for even in death, I doubt the fish can stay away from his beckoning! Stanley Low: 1967 - 2003. We will miss you, your reports and your fish.
Posted by caffeinehigh
Stan was a definitely the bat ray man...and leopard man, and halibut man, and striper man!!! he`s probably up there saying he`s just a "fisherman" Very Sad..
Posted by Snakeman70
Met Stan once, at Coyote Point. Didn't introduce himself as a board member, but I eventually recognized the face from his pictures.....Heck of a nice guy. What a shame... At least he went down doing what he loved the most, FISHING. My condolence to all of his family and friends....
Posted by CHi
RIP Stan you will be missed as is evident from the response on this board, you were always an inspiration with your big smile and helpful words. You were definitely an inspiration to me as I started targeting the rays after reading your great reports. I was always a day behind you for sturgeon as I followed in your footsteps to get to the hot-spots by reading your posts. You were already missed by your lack of presence on this board recently but more so that we will no longer be entertained by your knowledge. My condolences to your family .
Posted by Sinker
Stan my Friend I wish you God's Speed
I met Stan as a result of this board. Although he lived up North and I down South we both shared a love for catching large Bat Rays and became friends via the board sharing our stories and pictures of our catches. I was amazed at the number and size of fish he caught and he had a desire to catch the shovelnose he saw in my posts. The first annual Mud Marlin Derby came around and although Stan could not make it he gave me all of his information so that he could meet Skinner, Pierhead and I at 6 am for a little Bat Ray action at Strawberry Point. Skinner, Pierhead and I arrived at Strawberry Point after driving all night at 5:30 am, we went to McDonalds for breakfast and coffee then went back to Strawberry Point and started fishing. Stan pulled up about 6:30 am and we finally met, we liked each other right away and he giggled a bit and said “You guys are fishing the wrong spot – follow me”. We followed Stand up around the bank to an area that he had his famous blue chair stashed in the rocks. He shared with us how he baited his rigs and sure enough within minutes the Bat Ray battle was on. Stan kept the promise he made to me on the phone and had all of us hooked up with Tight Lines, Bent Rods and Screaming Drags.
We had a wonderful time that day with Stan and we all felt privileged to fish with a gentleman of his caliber. You see Stan is one of the 10% of fishermen you hear about that catch 90% of the fish. Every thing he did he studied and did it to get results and let me tell you results is one thing that Stan did get. This year alone he managed many Bat Rays that he became known for and yes ones just as big and bigger than last year, a number of Seven Gill Sharks some going very large, more than any ones fair share of Halibuts (can you say a 32 incher from a pier) backed up by a 28 inch on the same trip in 40 minutes time, more Stripers than I would care to count and a number of Sturgeon with 2 going to large (out of the slot limit) although all were released as far as I know. Stan slowed down posting on the board here but he and I kept in touch and continued to share our stories with one another and I can tell you he never slowed down catching fish, honestly he made it look to easy. I came to realize Stan was a very quite but proud man, a very good, kind and caring man, one who would give you whatever you needed to be successful as he got as much enjoyment watching others catch fish as he did himself. Stan was a man among men, a true fishermen a good man, kind and caring of others but most of all he was my friend and I will miss him dearly. For those of you who knew him this is not a time to be sad but time to feel privileged to have made his acquaintance. He will forever more look over us as we fish. I am sure Stan arrived at Heaven's Gate with rod and reel in hand, passed through and was directed the fishing spot of his dreams. Stan I wish you God’s Speed, may you Rest In Peace my friend while embraced in God's arms, you will not be forgotten but rather thought of often. Goodbye my friend until we meet again and you show me the new fishing grounds you have found.
Until then, may your Lines Be Tight, Rods Bent and Reels Scream forever.
Your Friend, Tim A.k.a. “Sinker”
Posted by corbinaman1
I never met Stan, but enjoyed reading his posts of catching big bat-rays, sharks, halibut, stripers, and everything else he caught. Am saddened by the news...I'm sure he is catching some big ones right now in heaven! He will be missed!
Posted by patrick333
RIP Stan. Even though I have only met you one time in Berkeley Pier earlier this year, but you were kind enough to share your fishing knowledge with me, a guy come to know you and admire you through your reports. You will truly be missed.
Posted by jundim
Stan...how could we forget an unselfish person like you......
Posted by pEsCaDoR619
Not just an impact... influence and inspiration.We all strived to catch bat rays like Stan did. Even now whenever a bat ray over 30" is caught by one of us it's referred to as "stan size".
Damn!
Posted by andthelinegoeszziipp
Man what terrible news. Definitely one of the nicest anglers out there. These shorelines aren't going to be he same. I'm thankful I was able to meet the legend himself and see him doing what we best know him for. God bless Stan and those mourning his passing. Cheers Stan!
Posted by bigfoot
I ran into Stan maybe three times at Pier 30/32, both times with Steve (Muffdaddy). We drove onto the pier and Steve said, "Yeah, that guy Stan from the board fishes here a lot...look for a chair and a cooler." Sure enough, Stan was there and we met him that day.
Stan was a very cool, very helpful guy. Always willing to share bait and some tips on fishing a particular spot. I must admit it was a bit intimidating fishing with the great Stan. It was like meeting a guru. The last time Steve went out, before he was diagnosed with cancer, Steve met Stan at Oyster Point and spent an evening fishing for sturgeon with him. The next day, Steve sent me a picture of him holding an enormous sturgeon, just under six feet long, by the gill plates. Stan had taken it. When Steve passed away, I sent the picture on to his girlfriend Cindy. Cindy said that the picture of Steve with the sturgeon was one of her favorites. When he learned that Steve had died, Stan too wanted a copy. Stan said, "I'll treasure it always." That was what, five months ago? This is just terrible. I was under the impression that Stan was OK and just came home to this. Two great guys, gone.
Posted by drizzle35
Sorry to hear that Stan is no longer with us. Over the year I have seen so many of his pictures with fish that he caught all over the board. I'll miss you Stan even though I never met you. R.I.P.
Posted by chuam
Stan was the ultimate human I have ever met. I sensed this about him before I even knew of his fishing prowess. I met him a few years ago while fishing in Burlingame. I was new to surf fishing in the bay having always looked down on it as I was a boat fisherman. Stan came up, introduced himself and then went on to show me how to fish the bay. He was one of the kindest, friendliest people I have ever known. I spent many a day at Fisherman's Park and Coyote Point with Stan. He was the first to turn me onto this board. I loved his posts. Some were skeptical of his catches but when fishing with Stan you knew he was going to come through with a big ray, halibut, striper or sturgeon. He could just flat out catch fish. He was always smiling though in some of his pictures he looks a little sour. He was fun to be around as his grin and laugh were infectious. Since I moved to Socal I have been e-mailing Stan and talking to him about his fishing trips. We had made various plans to fish each time I was back in the Bay Area but family and time constraints always kept me from fulfilling my promises with Stan. He was always understanding and said "next time you come up." I am truly saddened that I missed my chance to fish with a truly great friend and fisherman. I wish I had the chance for that last big ray chase with Stan. Stan, you will be missed dearly by many of us. You have touched our lives in such a positive way. I am saddened that others will not be able to be touched by your generosity and friendship also. I know for sure you are in a better place. Take care my friend........Marcus
Posted by anadromous
Although I never met Stan, his legend has been very real to me in the time I've been on the board. My condolences to all of his loved ones, and his loss is a loss to us all. I bow down to Stan...
Posted by 2d
Lessons learned...Given the heart wrenching revelations of the day, I started reflecting on Stan, fishing and life. here's a list that I started. feel free to add your own.
1) enjoy life. In a world where emphasis is placed on the glamorous, Stan took a lowly (in the mainstream eyes) fish like the mud marlin, and made it special. I truly believe that some people fish to display their trophies. Stan's love of mm's shows that he loved to fish for fishing's sake.
2) respect your adversary. Stan's C&R ethic as legendary. his eventual release of many of his catches show's true respect and admiration for those winged balls of muscle. Though I rarely ran into him and never fished with him (just saw him coming and going), I can't help but believe that he treated his fishing spots as well as he treated his fishing catches.
3) respect the ocean. I don't know if he knew how to swim or not, but, given the temps in the norcal, even that skill is negligible. always have a plan if the unthinkable happens. know your route out of the water. if you don't know how to swim; learn. For those (myself included) who fish the coastline where the seas can get rough, invest in a wearable personal floatation device. wear it.
If these and other lessons that we learned from Stan in the past and the present can live with us through the future, then Stan will also accompany us into the future.
My condolences to the Low family, and all who knew or was touched by Stan.
Posted by Anotherbite
I extend my deepest condolences to Stan's family, friends and even casual acquaintances. Though I never met him it is not difficult to tell that he was a top notch human being. Only the passing of a great man draws a response like this. He and those close to him are in my family's prayers tonight. I wish I had known you buddy!!
Posted by urge2fish
Although I didn't know Stan Low, all the tributes to him show that a great person was among us and has passed on and left an example in humility and caring for others to follow.
Posted by madwing
life in the balance...congratulations, anadromous. working further on a journey where two are one, and where one gives life to two...and now we see how life goes on, too...losing Stan (who I didn't know, but wish I had) one day, joining into new life the next, the one makes the other that much stronger. Peace to you and your lovely wife.
madwing
carpe piscis!
Posted by fishnchips
Stan the Man...You'll truly be missed! I remember going out to Oyster Point, on one of my first fishing trips, there Pat and I met you! I just got off the phone with Pat, and that was the first memory out of his mouth too! I remember feeling like I had learned a lot from watching you...I marveled in your intelligence for fishing! I remember wondering, how does he know what he's got on the other end, without even seeing the fish???...that was skill in my opinion! Although a little cocky the first time I met you, after fishing with you a few times, I realized where it all came from. You could catch fish man, and the fatties too! I'll never forget your past dino run! You killed 'em man, that was cool! Anyhow, rest in peace Stan!!!!
Posted by mel
Too close to home (Stan) The thing about what happened to Stan hits me really close to home. It's really got me trippin'. I had the same thing happen to my best friend about twenty years ago. We were fishing at pier 1 at night and my friend fell in the water. There used to be some concrete structures around there and we used to jump back and forth between them to fish. They were only about 3 or 4 feet apart. We were on the end of the pier at the time, and my friend was near the front. We suspect that he had been jumping back onto the structure and must've lost his footing. All we heard was the splash. We ran down there but we couldn't see anything. We yelled out for him but got no answer. Some of us ran back to the car to see if maybe he was there. He wasn't. We jumped into the water to see if we could find him. It was dark and we couldn't see anything. We called the police, they called the Coast Guard and it took them a awhile to get there. Needless to say, his body washed up a week later at Pier 7. We speculated that when he fell, he hit his head on the concrete pillar that ran at an angle underneath the pier and knocked him unconscious. It was one of the most horrible situations I have ever been in. We had to answer to his parents, his brothers and sisters and to see the devastation it had on his family was just absolutely terrible. My heart really goes out to Stan's family. I really can feel their pain. As a side note: If you notice in the pictures taken of Stan fishing along the SF waterfront, the structures around there are decayed and rotted really bad. If you feel the need to fish there, please exercise caution! That waterfront has been around for a long long time. It was decaying when I used to fish around there more than 20 years ago. We even used to be able to punch holes in the asphalt just by stomping on it. Just think of the condition it must be in today. Once again, please be careful while fishing there or anywhere. Rest in Peace, Stan.
Posted by johnp
Thanks for the message. That sick feeling in the gut, when something like you describe happens, stays for a person forever. But life is relentless. The next morning, the sun rises. And you muddle through that day. Then, the sun rises again. And again. Eventually, a person can smile again, sincerely, when he sees the sunrise in the mornings. But sometimes, something happens, and memory of that old feeling returns with full force. Compassion is remembering that sickening feeling in the gut while believing in an inevitable sunrise.
Posted by dunbarton dave
A Toast...As I sit here reading all these heart felt posts of Stan, I couldn't help but remember a couple of weeks ago, everybody on the site was arguing at each other and name calling. I'm amazed how we all can come together for a common cause; a fallen comrade. I also remember how Stan stopped posting because of all that was implied about him. If this doesn't stop all of that@#$^^%, nothing will. So as I raise up my shot of tequila in the air, let's all raise our favorite beverage together and toast a true champion of our beloved sport. God bless you Stanley Low!! dm
Posted by Davey jones
I have heard a few more:
WTG Stan,
Nice Fish Stan,
Monster Fish Stan
Thanks for the bait Stan,
Thanks for the help Stan,
Stan The Man.
I am sure there are a few more that others remember.
Posted by tomaurand
Cheers!!! I went by Oyster Point Pier yesterday after work and did just that. I spoke with Mike at the tackle shop about Stan and bought a beer. I walked to the end of the pier (where Stan and I have fished on several occasions) Opened my beer said a toast and a prayer to Neptune, drank half the beer and poured the other half in the bay on the same spot Stan usually put his rod on the rail. I miss Stan already and am heart broken I will not see him fish OP Pier again. Tears for Stan and Cheers for Stan, Tom
Posted by ron
Stan Low Memorial Plaque? I don't know if it's been suggested yet, as the tragic news about Stan Low is new to me, but has anyone thought about having some sort of memorial plaque with a few descriptive words about the man engraved? I was thinking maybe a pic could be included below the words that's laser-etched on some sort of bronze plaque that would be mounted, with permission of the park rangers, on his favorite fishing pier. That way for all those who knew of him via the internet, that may just be visiting from out of town can visit this memorial piece and pay tribute. I'm not sure which pier is his favorite. But, I'm sure one can deduce that info through searching the archives of his most frequent/favorite one. As for costs of having it made, perhaps Ken can collect any donations, via PayPal, of any amount, to help get this created. Just a thought.
Posted by lucy
I haven't read the board for a few days and just found out about Stan. I'm so sorry to hear it—I never met him, but from his posts here and from what others said about him, he was a fine person and he certainly was a superb angler. He was an inspiration, blue chair and all, and if there is an afterlife, I hope there are plenty of whoppers there for him to catch.
Posted by OB Pier Rat
Stunned...Been out of town for a couple weeks and come back and read about the passing of a PFIC legend, Stan. I remember during SD Crew get togethers the topic of conversation would inevitably get to Stan, his fantastic reports and pics, and his expert fishing knowledge. I sure will miss his reports and the pics of rays with the cooler or chair next to them. Very sad indeed. Nice tribute to him too-you guys are a class act. RIP Stan...
Posted by sharker
(In reply to hey yall I'm back posted by kastmaster) Stan stopped posting before you entered the board. He was the best pier fisherman who ever lived. Leave no fish behind!
Posted by Daniel E.
In reply to Stan Low Memorial Plaque? I wonder if you just took a piece of flat stone and wrote something on it about Stan and what kind of man he was. And then just put it out on the pier in his favorite spot. Would it stay or would it go. Would someone use it to cut bait on it or just toss it over the rail. some times you just have to listen to the thought of a mans personality and you can hear what he would say. And maybe he would just want you to listen to his past of what he liked most. And I think that of most of us all would be just a good fish story. His own words would be good on the rock.
Posted by das limpet
Thank you Stan for your contribution to this board and to fishing. You will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.
Posted by das limpet
How bout bronzing his chair and placing on his grave or stitching a patch on it saying "dedicated to Stan the Man" and we can all take turns borrowing it to take pics of our bat rays/stipers/sturgeon with at the derbies/get-togethers.
Posted by pkranger
One last thing about Stan...Some of you may know me I'm the harassing Park Ranger at Candlestick Point State Park. (sorry, Stan asked me to be that way) He did not want Candlestick to turn into Pacifica Pier. I first met Stan early this year during halibut season. He was as everybody has already said a very kind ethical fisherman. You can not put into words what kind of a person Stan was. I'll put it plain and simple a great friend. The kind of person no matter what kind of day you are having he could make you feel better somehow. I only knew him for a short while but I truly looked forward to coming to work when I saw his white car in the parking lot. He showed me a lot in those few months I knew him. I think he was happier than I was when I caught my 1st halibut. He was yelling and screaming "finally the ranger gets one." Stan will truly be missed by all. Jeremy
PFIC well Represented to Pay Respects to Stan
Posted by gyozadude
Stan - One last casting rod — 1961-2003
A small crowd of Pierfishing.com'ers assembled inside the Green Street Mortuary in SF Chinatown just after 2 pm to pay their last respects to fellow angler Stanley Low. Gathered were Sinker, Tomaurand and Shannon, Salty Nick and wife Elaine and daughter Allison, Predator - Martin and Dolphinrider - Lisa, Redfish, Nufo and Jennifer (?), and myself. A death of anyone is painful, but someone as young, skilled and productive as Stanley Low is nothing short of tragic. And it was clear that fishing was important to Stanley as his family recognized his passion and eulogized his successes. Stan was memorized as nothing short of a generous and humble soul that never stopped helping and giving to others in life, both while fishing, and in other endeavors. We all had words in memory of Stan. Sinker and Predator gave heartfelt eulogies of their experiences with Stan - a pioneer of SF Bay fishing, regardless of the species. And we were there to honor him. But the honor was all ours in the end, because Stan's family was so generous. You see, in the last several days after his death, I began building a bat ray rod to commemorate Stan and to get as many Pierfishing attendees at the ceremony to sign the rod and present it as a memorial for Stan and his contribution to anglers all over. The varnish had barely dried and I barely had time to head out and catch a bat ray to inaugurate it. The flaws were obvious to any trained eye.
And yet, Stan's family, surprised by the offer of a custom built rod invited everyone present to approach the podium and sign the rod, which was then interred with Stan in the casket for Stan to bring with him wherever his next fishing destination. This act was deeply humbling for me as I would never deem my tackle worthy of such respect as to be buried with Stan. Yet, we, his friends and family, formed a line and solemnly signed it in silver India ink and they opened the casket and placed the 2 pc, 10 ft rod next to him, closing the covers tightly... a farewell to Stan, and what I hoped was a good send off for him to the fishing shores in the after life. I only hope two things - 1) that Stan knows how to take care of tackle up there since it'll be hard for me to handle warranty claims, and 2) that Stan builds up a database of heavenly fishing spots for us terrestrial folks who'll be following him up sooner or later.
God bless Stan and may God shed his grace on Stan's family.
Posted by Sinker
I was going to give a long detailed description of my visit up North to attend the funeral and burial of Stan. I believe after G-Dudes post it is no longer necessary. The main reason for this post is to show you all that Stan’s Family not only read all your messages about Stan but also printed them and displayed them on the poster board at the mortuary. I believe this was done because Stan was such a well respected member by so many if not all members of PFIC and his family knew that he had many friends and followers here and that PFIC was at one point an important part of his life as well. His Family members have I believe also gone through the message board search and reviewed all of Stan’s Messages and I think were amazed and happy to see how he was respected here. G-Dudes rod was a beautiful piece of work and I Believe was shown the Ultimate Sign of Respect and most sincerest sign of Thanks by having it laid to rest with Stan to take with him on his journey to his new fishing locations.
I had the opportunity to see PFIC Members James (G-Dude), Martin (Predator), Lisa (Dolphin Rider), Robert (Redfish), Mike (Nufo), Jennifer, Tomaurand, Shannon, Salty Knick his wife and daughter – hope I did not miss anyone. I wish I had more time to spend with each of you and could have gotten out to fish with each of you, hopefully that time will come soon... All who asked me to pay respects I did so although many had already been delivered by Stan’s Family viewing the PFIC Message Board themselves. I also was able to meet and make new friends on this trip. Due to each of you taking the time to respond and post a message regarding Stan, G-Dudes Hand Built Rod and Songslingers Haiku, all of which were displayed and the attendance and non prepared words we each spoke at Stan’s eulogy left PFIC and it’s members well represented. I personally would like to thank each of you as Stan was my Friend, many here unaware of how close which makes my thanks that much more sincere. Respectfully, Tim
Posted by dolphinrider
PFIC was well Represented to Pay Respects to Stan...This is an extremely sad time for us however, I have one thing to say to you all... Let`s strive to be caring, giving, sharing, loving, and above par, as much as is humanly possible - the way that Stan was. The world is a better place because of people like Stan.
Posted by Red Fish
In reply to the rod and a great memorial service. I just got home a half-hour ago because I went to the cemetery near Serramonte and then stopped at Pier 70 on my way back home. It's a good thing I started out around 12:30 pm to get to the 2:00p ceremony because the 49ers traffic made it very difficult to get there and return home to the East Bay. Thanks Sinker for the hard-copy of the photo-jam. I actually could not download the Shockwave file for some reason or other previously. Anyway, I lastly stopped at Pier 70 and took the walk out to Stan's final fishing spot (BTW-I hear it is only 30-40 feet but I assumed previously that it was as deep as the similar Delancy Street dock which is 60-100 feet). I had only been there once last year and had did not fish it. Actually, I never walked out as far as end of the dock where Stan was. I had forgotten that you have to go way past the guard station to get there so I parked far back and descended on my journey to the pier. After a couple of misdirections, I found my way past the trailer trucks to the open holes in the cyclone fence and out on the abandoned dock by myself. The signs of years of decay were ever-present on the old dilapidated dock. I looked around at first for the spot for the small memorial marking the spot where Stan went in but could not find it. (I forgot exactly where Stan's friend Rich said it was). Then, I figured that Stan would probably fish at the end of the pier facing the bridge on west side. I continued to walk further west when the cement part of the pier ended and became wooden. I actually was very apprehensive to walk the last 60 yards or so but did. I walked the last part on my toes as boards creaked beneath my feet (some actually lifted up a little).
The program, which I believe Sinker created, was wonderful. I want to share the words from it with you if I may:
Keep my memory with you,
For memories never die.
I will be there.......................
In the Fall,
In the Winter,
In the Spring,
In the Summer,
For memories of you and memories of me will live on.............
I will never go away,
For I will live on in your hearts
Forever and a day.
"Rest assured that I am catching more fish than you can imagine......."
