Post by SlightlyInsane on Nov 14, 2013 15:13:56 GMT -5
This article courtesy of Captain Wendell Dudley @ www.pullindrag.com
When fishing for Striped Bass, I generally use two types of live bait - - gizzard shad or ale wives. I use gizzard a lot during the spring to catch record size fish. When the water warms up and the fish go deeper, I use ale wives. You can catch both types of shad using a cast net. Gizzard Shad can be caught during the day in the back of coves. Ale Wives are to be caught at night where light shines on the surface of the water.
December / January / February
During the months of December, January, and February, I use a combination of fishing methods using gizzard bait and ale wives. The most successful way are down lines, which consists of a 2 ounce sinker, swivel, 2 foot leader and a lot circle hook. The second successful way are light lines, which are rigged the same and down lines, but with a 3/8 ounce weight instead of a 2 ounce sinker.
March / April / May
During the months of March, April, and May, I fish top water with gizzard shad using planer boards , free lines, and float lines. Stripers feed near the surface on bait fish that are in schools, (see video demonstrations on how to use planer boards). Free lines are weightless--just a plain swivel, 2 foot leader, and hook. Float lines are the same, just take your free line and add a balloon or a RediRig float to keep the bait on the surface of the water.
June / July / August
During the months of June, July and August, the water temperature is warmer on top causing the Striper to go deep in search of cooler water. The down line is the best method to use so that you are able to get your bait deep enough where the Stripers are located. Using the 2 ounce weighted line, your bait will stay in one spot--not allowing it to escape the Striper.
September / October / November
During the months of September, October, and November, the water starts to cool off on top allowing the Striper to come to the surface and feed on bait. Planers, free lines, and float lines will produce fish for you.
When fishing for Striped Bass, I generally use two types of live bait - - gizzard shad or ale wives. I use gizzard a lot during the spring to catch record size fish. When the water warms up and the fish go deeper, I use ale wives. You can catch both types of shad using a cast net. Gizzard Shad can be caught during the day in the back of coves. Ale Wives are to be caught at night where light shines on the surface of the water.
December / January / February
During the months of December, January, and February, I use a combination of fishing methods using gizzard bait and ale wives. The most successful way are down lines, which consists of a 2 ounce sinker, swivel, 2 foot leader and a lot circle hook. The second successful way are light lines, which are rigged the same and down lines, but with a 3/8 ounce weight instead of a 2 ounce sinker.
March / April / May
During the months of March, April, and May, I fish top water with gizzard shad using planer boards , free lines, and float lines. Stripers feed near the surface on bait fish that are in schools, (see video demonstrations on how to use planer boards). Free lines are weightless--just a plain swivel, 2 foot leader, and hook. Float lines are the same, just take your free line and add a balloon or a RediRig float to keep the bait on the surface of the water.
June / July / August
During the months of June, July and August, the water temperature is warmer on top causing the Striper to go deep in search of cooler water. The down line is the best method to use so that you are able to get your bait deep enough where the Stripers are located. Using the 2 ounce weighted line, your bait will stay in one spot--not allowing it to escape the Striper.
September / October / November
During the months of September, October, and November, the water starts to cool off on top allowing the Striper to come to the surface and feed on bait. Planers, free lines, and float lines will produce fish for you.