New Guy with questions

[jsn]

I wanted to introduce myself as I look forward to learning the ropes when it comes to striper fishing on SML. My name is Jeff and  I've been living in Bedford for the past 15 years. I teach in Campbell County and don't really get as many opportunities to be on the water as I would like but I  have done most of my fishing either at Buggs or on tidal regions of the James.  I have wanted to learn how to striper fish but have avoided it in the past because of what I perceived as the sharp learning curve and the somewhat specialized equipment involved in the sport.  Honestly I get tired of driving 2 hours to Buggs whenever I want to go fishing, especially considering how close I live to SML.  

 I have been in the process of purchasing some of the necessary gear but still am unsure of somethings. Here is what I have; a 18ft Stratos fish n ski with a Terrova tm, HB 998SI at the console and HB859 DI at the bow,  4 Abu Garcia Striper Specials on order to start with along with the Shakespeare Striper Rods, 4 Rock Creek planer boards, and Redi-rig floats.

 I have a 6ft, 3/8" Old Salt, and a 8ft, 1/4" Betts cast net but from the reading have I done on here I have gathered that I will need a different net. I have no real experience with cast nets and have read on the forum about the discussion with Tim Wade nets.  

  I don't have a bait tank and  I am trying to decide between the SBTII and the Grayline. What I have gathered is that most people here prefer the SBTII.  I like the smaller footprint of the Grayline tanks considering the somewhat limited floor space in my boat even the smallest SBTII is big. I have been reading many of the previous posts on the forum and have gained much from it.




So some real quick questions if I may.

Do most guys use mono of braid?  I like hi-vis for other forms of fishing is it acceptable for stripers? Primary use being planer boards and down lines.

I think I will need a different cast net.  Is the Tim Wade net what I should get? 

Sorry for the length of this post and thanks in advance for any help.

[mwardncsu]

My feedback - others will likely have different opinions so they should all share.....

Do most guys use mono of braid?  I like hi-vis for other forms of fishing is it acceptable for stripers? Primary use being planer boards and down lines.

Mono for my live-bait reels - tied to a swivel. Bead above the swivel on planer-board setups. Weight between the swivel (and bead) - above the swivel for light-lines and downlines. Flourocarbon leader to the hook below the swivel.

I think I will need a different cast net.  Is the Tim Wade net what I should get? 

lots of different brands and different price-points (and different quality levels). I'd focus 1st on what size/type net. A 3/8" to 1/2" mesh is good for alewifes & small gizzards. a 5/8 to 1" mesh is good for larger gizzards. Honestly I'd not go with smaller than 8' diameter. You've probably seen a lot of the discussion on nets already, and I look at them like golf clubs and they each have their place - but if you were to get one net for all types of bait, then I'd recommend a 1/2", 1.5 or 1.25 lb/ft net. It will get you ales on the lights and smaller gizzards (and larger gizzards) in the shallows (up to 12-15').

You also have to consider nets to be disposable. You WILL hang them up on stumps, logs, and gosh knows what else - and you will rip them open if not lose them to the depths entirely. So, factor that into the net you buy and the price-point you pay. However, in general it is like many things in life - price corresponds to quality. A cheap "hoop style" net will generally throw like crap. Spend a bit more money and get a panel net. Throws and opens a lot better.



Also - if you've not found the "How-To" section - some good info there - take a specific look at this thread....
smlfishingforums.proboards.com/thread/219/live-bait-fish-stripers

[smlfishing]

I started off using Braid with Fluorocarbon leaders but switched to mono and fluro leaders after reading on this forum and advice of Dwayne at Captains Qtrs. I think most use braid pulling U rigs. The thing I found really made the most difference was changing the leader to different LB for different type of fishing and matching the hook to the size bait. This really made my bait come alive and increase the fish we caught. I have no experience with the Tim Wade nets but it seems like everyone love them. I got a couple cracker nets from Captains Qtrs and really like them but have nothing to compare them to. I use a SBT2 and really like the quality and the ease of use. Hope this helps.

[Gator]

mwards feedback is spot on. I will add that if you are new to the lake and throwing a net in water that is new to you; I'd consider a less expensive net to "learn" the lake. Not to say that your 200 dollar TW net won't find those same hazzards. It just makes it a little easier to swallow tearing a Fitec vs. a TW net. FYI, if you join the Smith Mountain Striper Club Fitec offers club members a pretty nice discount off of retail. I too have a small boat and my bait tank situation sucks as far as the footprint. Many others here with a similar boat to yours that have made it work and I am sure they will offer ideas to help. Tight lines

[coheasion]

A note from a new beginner as well:

1- make sure you have an adequate landing net....finding out your previous landing net is too small while you have a 30" striper going berzerk at the side of your boat is not a fun situation....funny to others maybe, but not fun for you ;-)

[striperjohn]

I personally think you should use braid for your main line with Fluro leader. The braid will last you 5 times longer than the mono. The fluro leader is a bit stronger then reg mono thats the only reason to use it.
Look at some of Yams videos. He's dragging that dang wolfcam around and the fish completely ignore it. Used to be you used mono because it was thought you had to hide your line so as not to spook the fish. Well Yam threw that theory right in the dang water! Lol.

[Jason54]

I also fish from a fish and ski. I use a 40 gal sbt I removed the front passenger seat and put my bait tank there. A fish and ski is not the prime boat for striper fishing but casting decks on both ends are nice for catching bait and a full windshield is nice for staying warm while running up and down the lake on the cold days.

I use mono main line and flouro for the leader with the swivel and bead as Mward described.

I use a betts 8'dia 1/2"mesh 1.5lb per ft net for ales.

I have tried a few gizzard nets so far: My first was a Calusa 10ft. 5/8"mesh 1.5lb. It was good. after it had been patched up way to many times I purchased a Cracker with the same specs. It was ok. Threw good just not built as strong as the Calusa. Recently I have been throwing primetimes Tim Wade 10ft 3/4"mesh 1.5lb net I am very impressed with it. It opens great and has been very durable so far. I just ordered a new Tim Wade the same specs as primetimes except for 1"mesh and I'm looking forward to trying it out.

[jsn]

The consensus seems to be mono for the mainline with flouro as a leader. What are your opinions on color? Clear, green, hi vis yellow. I would like to order the line today or tomorrow to get my rigs set up. Personally I like the hi vis yellow but I don't want to put it on if its not the best option.

Thanks again for the replies.

[mwardncsu]

I use the Suffix Superior in "Smoke Blue" 20 or 25 lb on my live-bait reels - 17 lb on my downrods

[Jason54]

I use smoke blue or low vis green in 20lb

[Deleted]

Jan 13, 2016 13:01:57 GMT -5 striperjohn said:

I personally think you should use braid for your main line with Fluro leader. The braid will last you 5 times longer than the mono. The fluro leader is a bit stronger then reg mono thats the only reason to use it.
Look at some of Yams videos. He's dragging that dang wolfcam around and the fish completely ignore it. Used to be you used mono because it was thought you had to hide your line so as not to spook the fish. Well Yam threw that theory right in the dang water! Lol.

Braid absolutely lasts longer. And there is no doubt in my mind that the fish could care the less if you use it. I used to be nothing but braid. However, braid tangles horribly when dealing with multiple rods. The rats nests that occur from braid drive an insane man insane. Additionally, if it's freezing out, your screwed because braid freezes. This freezing aspect is not a problem if you are only using 1 pole because you can dip your rod in the water. But multiple poles?? You would do nothing but dip all day.

[Deleted]

Jan 13, 2016 13:42:42 GMT -5 jsn said:

The consensus seems to be mono for the mainline with flouro as a leader. What are your opinions on color? Clear, green, hi vis yellow. I would like to order the line today or tomorrow to get my rigs set up. Personally I like the hi vis yellow but I don't want to put it on if its not the best option.

Thanks again for the replies.

Whatever color is best for you.

[BentRod]

I like blue or pink

[irons]

The only thing I use mono for anymore is to cut small pieces off when I need to hang something around the house.
Braid to fluro leader. Better feel and I think it has better hook set with circle hooks.

[jmr04]

Pink. A certain captain uses it so I copy.