Swimming Spooking and Popping…
Allan Cole Owner AC Plugs
Big baits on the surface can be a blast here on the Delta, especially as the fall run gets underway. Stripers have been known to Blast on big baits that swim, pop and walk, though the remainder of the battle is always at or below the surface, when attacking a lure from below, a striper may emerge completely from its watery confines. At times, an aggressive striper may even leap into the air prior to pouncing on the plastic bait from above. Regardless of the way it happens, when one of these linesided monsters engulfs a lure, one has to experience heart flutter from the rush of adrenaline, and this huge fish was no exception!
Armed with the proper lures, tackle, and know-how, such experiences and trophy fish can be more than a dream Delta anglers. Catching big striped bass, however, can be very hard work. When using artificial lures, dedication and hundreds of casts are required, but one monster striper is worth all the effort!
The best chance to catch striped bass on artificial lures is during the fall and winter when they push through the shallow confines of Franks Tract, Mildred Island and Discovery Bay. The accepted method for catching big stripers is by working large minnow-type top-water lures near points or underwater islands. According to recent Reports from Gene Bucholtz at the Hook Line and Sinker, the hours near sunset or sunrise seem to be the most productive, but many are caught during the middle of the day.
For Many of us, instead of the larger bait casting rods and reels and heavy monofilament line preferred by many striper fishermen, the lighter bait casting, spin casting, or spinning rod and reels with 14 to 20 pound line, similar to those used for casting spinner baits, or the jigs for largemouth bass, are more suited to making the hundreds of casts that are sometimes necessary to get a strike. The lighter rods and reels, however, are still ideal for casting the larger 6 to 7 long plugs.
The actual method of fishing these many top water swim baits is relatively simple. A slow steady retrieve that causes a little "V" wake behind works best. It is very important that the lure remains on the surface while wiggling its way back toward the boat. AC Plugs, AC Minnows. great wake bait that will take the Bass community by storm that also draws vicious striper explosions.
Below the surface try Storm Wild eye and Fish Traps in trout and shad patterns.
Top water dog-walking lures, like Zara Spooks and Most walking baits draw unbelievably powerful strikes in a striper boil. Zara Spooks have been around a long time, and they will probably always be in the boxes, bags, and boats of bass fishermen. Well, the old Spook got even better. The Heddon Super Spook. It has great fish catching colors and beautiful light reflecting finishes that will attract a lot of attention, getting you more bites and more fish in the boat. They also added loud rattles for more attraction, Walking-the-dog is easy with this big lure, and when fished slowly with long pulls, it will glide back and forth like a snake coming across the surface. You can also fish it fast and furious with lots of loud splashing. Either way, the Super Spook will walk and talk on command.
Pencil Poppers, an old standard that just never goes away, Cotton Cordell Pencil Poppers after many years, they are still top notched baits. Cotton Cordell Pencil Poppers are designed to deliver super-long casts. Within the tail section of each Pencil Popper an added weight forces the lure to sit "tail down," creating a bobbing target. Superb for striped bass fishing, Chrome Black, Chrome Blue and Rainbow Patterns are favorites.
When using artificial lures, most stripers are caught during periods of lower light, because stripers are sometimes repelled by strong light sources. The lower intensity of light brings them and their huge appetites into the shallows where they’re easier to catch. While in shallow water, however, they tend to be very spooky. Too much noise will make them vacate an area in a hurry.
Conditions for these baits are improving daily get out and give them a toss!
<(((><
Enjoy!
Dan
Mathisen
FishDelta.com
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