Teaching Beginners The Ins And Outs Of Catching Striped Bass

By Anna Sullivan


Fishing can be a tricky sport, especially when the fish are wily and unpredictable. Some even go out in search of a particular gilled opponent that continues to elude them. While this might seem excessive to some, real fishermen understand the philosophy. It is not surprising that catching striped bass, which can be difficult and frustrating, is a challenge they enjoy.

This fish migrates between saltwater and freshwater and may be anywhere along the Atlantic coast from Florida to Maine. Some of them reach very impressive sizes. Discovering one that weighs nearly a hundred pounds is not impossible. Stripers are unpredictable and constantly on the move. Anyone who hopes to reel one in has to have every available advantage, and that starts with the equipment.

You will have a lot easier time finding stripers with a fish finder. These wily fish cover a vast area and swim at varying depths. They can change course at a minute's notice. Having a finder will greatly enhance your ability to determine exactly where they are in the water. Of course, you have to understand how the finder works, and reading the manual will help.

If you want to catch a striper, you will have to interest him in the bait you are offering. Most experts agree that live bait is the best. It can be eel, mackerel, herring, squid, clams, or blood worms. Stripers like them all. Which one is most effective will depend on your location. If you don't know which to choose, check with the local bait shop. They will know.

Having the right tackle and rod and reel will make all the difference. How heavy and flexible the rod is depends on where you are fishing. What you need for surf fishing may not work if you are casting from a boat. Saltwater spinning reels work well in saltwater. Some fishermen prefer heavier lines when they are going after bigger catches. Of course the hook should be sharp.

You have to understand something about stripers if you want to catch them. They prefer certain water temperatures for instance. They will move if it gets too cold and may dive deeper when the water gets warm. You should be on the lookout for moving water because that stirs up the sediment. Stripers know that's where the bait fish will be. They are harder to find during the height of the day.

If you're looking for a prize catch, you should think about using live eels. Fisherman who do argue that it is exciting and effective. This is especially true on Cape Cod. Live eels make it easier to attract the biggest stripers which tend to stay on the bottom.

Avid sportsmen can't wait for the next fishing trip. They love the challenge of pitting themselves against wily opponents. They know winning the fight and claiming the prize are worth the wait.




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