Tom Hughes
Member
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2005
- RO Number
- 18152
- Messages
- 15
Cloudy Skies + Upper Bay + Clean Water = Catching Striped Bass
John Keeler and I launched at Sandy Point State Park, on 7/13/06, at 8:00am, and headed north to the first structure. As we crossed a drop-off from 13' to 25', the fish finder showed some good marks, but after 3 non-productive drifts we moved north to fish a hard sand bottom with oyster beds.
We targeted the structures from the Bay Bridges south to the Belvedere Shoals north, on the western and eastern shorelines. The water quality was good in these areas and has cleared up from the storms we had last week.
The next structure was located in 26 to 31 feet of water and it was holding some quality striped bass. All fish were caught on light tackle and lures and returned to the water to fight another day. We also located plenty striped bass on underwater mounds and oyster bars that crest to 16 and 17 feet.
We had many double hook ups throughout the day. Here's John holding 2 nice stripers.
Pictured below were the most productive lures for this trip. The large striped bass would not take any large plastic bait. The majority of fish were caught вЂon the bottom' jigging from 6' to 26' and were hitting all day.
Hopkins 1 1/2 oz. SHORTY Gold Spoon (I used)
Chartreuse 2 oz. Trout Bomb with 1/4 oz. Dropper Tied Up the Line (John Used)
The water temperature was 80.7 degrees as we fished under cloudy skies. It turned out to be one of my most productive days in such a small stretch of the Chesapeake Bay.
Fishing Tip: Take along some hand wipes to clean your hands after handling the fish.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Tom Hughes
Light Tackle & Fly Fishing Guide
John Keeler and I launched at Sandy Point State Park, on 7/13/06, at 8:00am, and headed north to the first structure. As we crossed a drop-off from 13' to 25', the fish finder showed some good marks, but after 3 non-productive drifts we moved north to fish a hard sand bottom with oyster beds.
We targeted the structures from the Bay Bridges south to the Belvedere Shoals north, on the western and eastern shorelines. The water quality was good in these areas and has cleared up from the storms we had last week.
The next structure was located in 26 to 31 feet of water and it was holding some quality striped bass. All fish were caught on light tackle and lures and returned to the water to fight another day. We also located plenty striped bass on underwater mounds and oyster bars that crest to 16 and 17 feet.
We had many double hook ups throughout the day. Here's John holding 2 nice stripers.
Pictured below were the most productive lures for this trip. The large striped bass would not take any large plastic bait. The majority of fish were caught вЂon the bottom' jigging from 6' to 26' and were hitting all day.
Hopkins 1 1/2 oz. SHORTY Gold Spoon (I used)
Chartreuse 2 oz. Trout Bomb with 1/4 oz. Dropper Tied Up the Line (John Used)
The water temperature was 80.7 degrees as we fished under cloudy skies. It turned out to be one of my most productive days in such a small stretch of the Chesapeake Bay.
Fishing Tip: Take along some hand wipes to clean your hands after handling the fish.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Tom Hughes
Light Tackle & Fly Fishing Guide