4/28, 4/29 evening

[luv2fish]

Fished Craddock Creek behind lighthouse both nights until about midnight. Slow rolled thunderstick on points out of the wind. Three stripers just under 30" the first night. One about 27" and one right at 20" second night.

Can anyone give me advice on artificial tactics that would work better, including before dark? My son and I overheard a guy on the first night say "caught six so far tonight, 23 last night". Though we are catching some, I think we could be doing better...

[remington111]

I've had really good luck with umbrella rigs. They sink fast but I use a float and have the rig 6-8 feet behind it and troll. So when you stop, true rig won't sink and snag the bottom

[pullingdrag]

I use Redfin and thunder sticks too , but most of my striper come using a Rapala F18. You should definitely get you some.

[mike175]

I like using a Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper. Walk the dog back to the boat, all the way back because they may hit right next to the boat. Like big flukes also.

[luv2fish]

Thanks for the suggestions! I was thinking the F18 was only for earlier in the year...I will try that as well as a popper. It would be awesome to have them hit a popper!

[mike175]

That popper comes in two sizes and many colors. I like the smaller one in the silver and blue and the silver and black. I will try and find a link for you.. Okay this one on the six inch size www.fishusa.com/product/Cotton-Cordell-Pencil-Poppers?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NX_Shopping_PLA&utm_term=1100008794998&utm_content=Cotton%20Cordell&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NX_Shopping_PLA&utm_term=1100008794998&utm_content=Cotton%20Cordell They work well in the spring and the fall.

[smlranger]

My favorite topwater lure for this time of year is the Striper Strike. They are hard to find now.  They work best in early AM and during the last hour before dark.  There is just no more fun than seeing that bulge in the water as a striper prepares to hit that thing.  If your pulse doesn't speed up with a striper hitting a topwater lure, you need to see a cardiologist.  Some folks use Zara Spooks, Rebel makes a big popper, but most any good topwater popping lure will work. 

I don't do much after dark fishing now but the Rapala #18 is very good.  I wish they made a saltwater version with some decent hooks.  One or two nice stripers caught and the flimsy hooks on the #18 are usually done.  I generally put stronger hooks on mine. 

[mike175]

You could always change out the hooks and rings on the ones you have?

[slammer]

Haha. I think that was me you heard that night. I was on the phone talking to a friend. I've been hitting it hard for a month now. That week was decent fishing but this whole past week has been tough. Getting ready to head out now. All I do is lure fish so PM me and I can help you out all I can. We ended up with 18 the night you heard me talking. I may need to be quieter when I'm on the phone. Lol!!