Striped bass tips

[ped579]

Thanks shucker for the time put into the article.  A lot info there.

Again thanks

[Capt Craig]

Well it looks like we have got it all covered. The only thing I would add is for those of you that are fishing areas with strong current don't make your leaders very long. The longer they are your clam belly will come up off the bottom and start to spin. The same thing holds true if using bunker. The last time I checked clams and chunks of bunker don't swim up in the water column away from the bottom. The bait needs to lay right on the bottom. About 2 foot of leader or so, no more. Make sure your using enough weight to keep you down too. I fish in the Delaware Bay in the spring and fall. We have a strong current especially around the moon.

The Bass and Drum will not touch the bait if it does not look right.

[GregB]

One thing I can add is that I find when I buy fresh clams and don't use them all. I save them and use them the following week. They stink but do very well if not better than fresh. I figure that during a Noreaster the clams get broken up and are in the wash for at least that long. This may be actually more natural than fresh bait. The added scent can't hurt.

[Fish-1]

where can I catch these fish? what size hook is best to use? I can fish by keypot after working. yes?

[wingshooter]

yes you can catch them by keyport, stick around if youre serious and there will be some good info on it..this site is all about helping each other

[Capt. Ed]

Hi Capt. Craig and Shucker,

I made your posts into "Tips" on the front page. I slightly edited them. If you want the word file, I will send it to you.

Thanks and I hope you do not mind!

Capt. Ed

[Fish-1]

ok i will thanks

[rugman]

nice try catfish  i am not tell you so just pay up

[Luna Sea 5]

Here is a tip...  Fish with a Captain..

[Fishin Dude]

When I buy "Fresh Clams" from the bait shop, they have been out of the water for sometimes days. I place them in a 5 gallon bucket with fresh salt water for about 1/2 hour, then dump the water out . This refreshes the clams and you can keep them alive for long periods of time (weeks) by giving them a refresher bath . Just always use salt water, fresh water will kill them. Also , don't leave them in the water too long, they will use up all of the oxygen in the water and die , you'll be left with chum . Even then , I have caught Bass on old,stinky clams,but prefer fresh.  Happy Clamming.  <'((((><

[Mate Mike]

I use a 3 foot 50# fluorocarbon leader, then tie in a light trolling weight (drail) then my line.  I use just enough weight to keep my bait just off the bottom when I drift it back. I have had very good success with this rig using both clams and bunker.

[Luna Sea 5]

I use a 3 foot 50# fluorocarbon leader, then tie in a light trolling weight (drail) then my line.  I use just enough weight to keep my bait just off the bottom when I drift it back. I have had very good success with this rig using both clams and bunker.

I wouldn't want them too refreshed because then they become a bitch to open...  lol

[blynch]

Hi all, thanks alot for sharing!  I totally agree about SGW- i watch it all the time. I'll share afew useful tips i use...

I find fishing the surface to be rather unproductive, especially when you are catching alot of bluefish.  A softbait (storm, calcutta, gulp etc) or jig (ava, hopkins) towards the bottom will generally produce better.  The time to use topwaters is in low-light condidtions, especially around the sun movement (rise/set).  The best plugs are: wooden pencil poppers and bottle plugs and crystal minnows. use a dark-colored plug because it will provide better contrast against the dark sky.  Also, fish shallower when it is darker. 

[ped579]

Thanks blynch,

All are very good suggestions.  This site is crammed with very useful suggestions to make our outings as productive as possible.  This year I am looking forward to reading about all of our new members catching their trophy fish and allowing every one on here to be a part of that experience.

Happy Catching

Paul

[ped579]

BTW, if you want to catch a keeper striped bass on Sat. make your way to Oyster Creek's out flow side.  I hear that they are catching 30 inchers there now while fishing for white perch.  They say the water temp is in the 50'S.

The only problem is that Sat it will be take a number time because the area is so small and will not hold to many guys.

Good luck to whoever is going out.  I think I will wait till Monday and go out them to the back part of IBSP.

Happy Catching

Paul

[cj joe]

Guys,
The only thing I haven't caught since I got back into fishing last year in Raritan Bay is a Striper! My "younger brother"(47) tells me I'll never get one. This year I'm determined to do it and threads like this one will be very helpful in reaching my goal!! Thanks

[IrishAyes]

Follow the advise you read here and you will get that striper.   

[ped579]

As Joe has said, plus you have to work at it.  These hints, tricks and suggestions might take some getting use to but that is half the fun.  Once you master one technique move on the the next.  Don't try by bouncing around you will go nuts.

Paul

[blynch]

Guys,
The only thing I haven't caught since I got back into fishing last year in Raritan Bay is a Striper! My "younger brother"(47) tells me I'll never get one. This year I'm determined to do it and threads like this one will be very helpful in reaching my goal!! Thanks

i went a lot longer than i cared to admit w/o getting my first (fortunately, my first, and second, and third, etc...) came this fall...   Good luck!

[Capt. Joe G]

wait till May hits and listen to the radio... We'll be on fish all the time.. Watch, Listen, and be courtious on the water and alot of guys will help you with landing stripers!!! I'll start around the 25 of this month!!