WHAT IS YOUR RECIPE FOR SUCCESS?

PLAN A:

• Check last years’ log for temperature and conditions.
• What is your multitude of techniques? Can you remember what to use when you are on the water?

PLAN B:

• Go with what you know.
• Go where you caught before.
• Share each other’s experiences.
• Don’t give up.
• Keep changing tactics.

STRIPER FISHING:

• The realizing, you need a bigger net.
• The swimming along or swimming toward you stripper.
• Go Big or Go Home.

PREPARATION:

• If high winds are expected bring a windsock.
• Onboard tackle boxes work best.
• Know your bait tolerances for water temperature.
• Water temps are also critical for catching stripers.

DOs:

• Make decisions with safety in mind.
• Always give drag.
• Use GPS trails to navigate.
• Use a time limit and stick to it. Set an alarm.
• When fishing area gets crowded, leave. Too many pings from sonars affect fish.
• Learn from others.
• Change your presentation if fish stop biting.
• If marking fish with no bites come back later.
• If fish not taking bait in one direction, go in the opposite direction.
• If you suspect a bite pickup the rod, tug the line, tighten the line or pitch a herring.
• Pull at different speeds or do crazy Ivans.

DON’Ts:

• When windy never use anchor or spot lock with lines out.
• Don’t put out full compliment of rods when checking new area.
• Don’t be discouraged by others telling you it’s not time for this or that.
• Avoid fishing too close to tree tops to avoid the freight train hit.
• Don’t leave fish to find fish.
• Pass the rod from one to another.
• Don’t get too greedy with too many lines out.

IN GENERAL:

• A fish is a fish is a fish (if you are striper fishing and catch something else enjoy it).
• Catching one day is different than another day.