Lot a Bait = Lot a Stripers (w/Pics)

Tom Hughes

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Joined
Jul 6, 2005
RO Number
18152
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15
When I pulled into the ramp parking lot I was surprised to see a few anglers standing around their boat just talking. It was just before 6am on August 9, 2006. I parked next to them after launching my boat and asked if anything was wrong. “No, the wind should die down around 7am", one angler answered. Then it hit me…how fortunate I was to have a 22' powered catamaran that would take Justin and me safely across the Upper Chesapeake Bay that now had 3 and 4 foot chops without pounding or getting us wet.

We were greeted by this at our first stop
08_09_Pic1.jpg


Justin quickly mastered the technique of jigging a Hopkins Shorty spoon
08_09_Pic2.jpg


This is the largest school of bait fish I've seen all year
08_09_Pic3.jpg


We spotted quite a few stripers mixed within the bait
08_09_Pic4.jpg


Justin worked a Bass Assassin, 7", Opening Nite rigged on a 1 ounce jighead to fool this striper
08_09_Pic5.jpg


A variety of techniques were used on light spinning tackle that keep us catching throughout the day.

The largest striper when using this technique:
Cast the lure out and let it hit the bottom. Pull it horizontally toward you in a slow sweeping motion, with the rod tip just above the water, then lift the bait off the bottom and vertically jig it through the water columns. A good cadence is to crank the spool handle 5 cranks, stop, and vertically jig…..5 cranks, stop, and vertically jig. Keeping a tight line and do this cadence backs to the boat.

Fishing Tip: When looking for somewhere to start go to ‘clean water'. Always were a PFD when on the water.

Tight Lines,

Capt. Tom Hughes
Light Tackle & Fly Fishing Guide
 
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