Fishing for these elusive predators can be rather difficult at time especially if you are a beginner. If you really study and learn how to catch one you will be really using your time wisely on the water. There are several different fishing techniques you can use when fishing for the unpredictable, tricky stripers.
A great tip is to use a fluorocarbon leader which is clear virtually invisible line in the water so the fish cannot see it. Three main things to focus on are equipment, timing and bait. You also want to find out the size of the stripers in the water that your fishing as this might impact the size of your lures of bait that you will be using.
One way you can fish for these tough fighters is by beach or surf fishing and you don’t need much equipment for this method. Your basic items required would be a good strong surf rod, correct terminal tackle, a strong line, a sand spike and of course your best fishing boots for grip! Your surf rod should be approximately 8 to 10 feet long and after you cast it should be held vertically in the sand spike. You want your line to take at least 10 to 20 pounds. For your tackle it’s really up to you. There are so many different baits and lures and all have special tricks and advantages to get stripers in the surf. I would have several to pick from depending on the fish action and conditions.
Some more ways you can try is spear fishing and also jetty fishing. Spear fishing is one of the most complicated types and requires true skill. With jetty fishing, you need to keep safety as key for one swift slip or a big wave can produce broken bones or even worse. With this kind of fishing you will certainly need to invest in a great pair of jetty spikes and an alert brain.
Bridge fishing is also a very fruitful, valuable way to catch these fish. Unfortunately, this way can be costly and there is a lot of planning and preparation involved. You will need heavy duty line and equipment, and just in case you can’t haul the fish after you have landed it you also should invest in a bridge net and grappling hook.
Last but not least, is by boat and fishing for stripers this way requires a strong knowledge of tidal conditions and how they pertain to the stripers feeding patterns. Fishermen will troll live bait such as eels or bunker fish or use artificial lures or they will also use bottom-fishing with chopped bait like bunker or clams. Another technique is jigging with weighted lures and fly casting.
Whichever method you use if you go at the right time and know where to go you should have some definite luck at catching one of these stunning fish hook, line and sinker!
