Stripers

[captaincarpy]

Hey guys,

 Anyone have much luck with fishing for stripers in the marsh? I was wondering how stable the population was and if guys catch them consistently? Any tips or tricks, live or artificials ... depth... etc? 

 Thank you

[icemole]

I get a few here + there casting topwater plugs or jerkbaits, far from an expert though. Early spring end of March to end of May, with April being best are prime times for me. The alewife are spawning close to shore and if you're lucky the hybrids will be busting them. Low light before sunup, after sundown or cloudy days seem best. As summer progresses they become more nocturnal along with the alewife.

There are guys who do better trolling with downriggers or using bait. Both require using your fish finder to locate schools then fishing that depth. I don't do either so can't help much - if you plan on live bait you need a "cast net permit" for alewives along with a round bait tank with very good oxygen system. You can also get them on liver but for the most part they are smaller fish.

Most of the fish are the hybrids the last stocking of pure stripers was in 2010. The hybrids seem to max out in the 10-15lb range(a few bigger), while the pures keep growing(many of us release the pures hoping for monsters LOL). I use standard bass tackle(baitcast reel 12lb mono 7' med heavy rod) and it works on the hybrids - can't say on the bigger pures haven't hooked one yet LOL. If I got into bait fishing I'd probably up my gear. My last one hit a 2.5" gulp minnow on my crappie outfit(ML spinning rod 6lb mono) had to chase him down with the boat as he was about to spool me. (I only have about 75yrds on that spool)