Keep
It Simple Stripers (hair jigs)
fishdelta.com
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The
Keep It Simple Striper (KISS) approach to Delta Striper fishing,
Keep it simple could save you a ton and catch you more fish!
Striped
Bass are river fish! No "if's", "and's", or
"but's" about about it, the Lineside is a current oriented
creature. A careful look at the anatomy of these fish will show
you how the striped bass are designed to live in flowing waters.
Their long torpedo-shaped bodies are perfect for running against
the current, and their thick musculature provides the power needed
to overcome the swiftest moving water. The thick, broad tails
on these fish is easily strong enough to propel them through rapidly
flowing waters.
When the pumps are moving water or the current is running strong,
my number one hotspot would be a shoal directly upstream or downstream
from a deep hole. These are normally fairly easy to spot, as the
shallower water will boil and bubble against the rocks underneath.
These shoals will attract shad, and in turn stripers. A ½
to one ounce ounce bucktail jig
dressed with a four to six white trailer is a great way get em’
to go. The eddies and quiet pools in the shoal, which many fishermen
overlook, should be hit with large topwater plugs like the Super
Spooks or Vixens as you drift downstream.
As
long as the fish are very aggressive on top and smash on topwater
lure with no hesitation. I won't fool with the jigs.
Toward the latter part of November as the water cools, stripers
will only swirl lazily at the lures. When this happens on a continuous
basis. it is time to dig out the bucktails or Persuader Swim Baits.
In the Fall and early winter. I prefer a half ounce jig
with a banana shaped head. The length of the actual hair on the
jig
is very important. Hair at least four inches long will allow the
bait to fall on a gradual incline which will always draw more
strikes. I use a six-inch twister tail for a trailer during these
periods. I like to cut half of the body off so the entire jig-trailer
combination is six to seven inches long. I have tried several
color combinations, but the white jig
and white trailer combo seem to work best for me (kiss).
While
the fish will swirl a top water lure. I like to keep a jig
tied on another rod that I can get to quickly. By using a the
fast approach from one point to another and casting the top water
lure across the structure, stripers are easy to visually locate
on the surface. After you locate a good area as the fish swirl
the top water lures, cast the bucktails directly in the same area.
Most anglers let the jigs
go too deep before beginning their retrieve. Remember, a striper
will not normally travel down after a lure or bait, so it is important
that you retrieve the jigs above their heads.
A 7-foot good quality, graphite rod with a medium heavy action
is better for casting jigs. The long stiff rod will cast even
a small jig
a good distance. Stripers will strike the jigs very lightly, so
all you may feel is a slight tap on the line. The name of the
game, when using jigs
this time of year, is reflex. A striper will take the lure and
spit it back out before you can blink your eyes. As soon as you
feel the tap, set the hook and hold on. Any good level wind or
spinning reel will work with bucktails. The trick is line size.
A jig
will not develop a natural fall with a heavy line. A good line
like 17-pound test Stren Heavy Cover is an excellent choice. With
a half ounce jig and trailer combo, it will drop with just the
right descent.
After I make a cast toward the structure, I immediately begin
my retrieve with a slow sweeping motion of the rod. The depth
of the lure can be determined by allowing the lure to fall a few
extra seconds before dropping the rod slowly reeling up the slack
as you go. It is a must that contact with the lure is maintained.
A striper will always strike a jig as it falls, I fish bucktail
from 4 to 30 feet deep.
I
feel more confident by picking out a certain area, say a couple
of square miles of deep water channel and working it thoroughly
before moving. If you get a strike or catch a fish on a point,
return to the same point in an hour or so and you will probably
catch another fish. Stripers run in large schools during this
time of year and, often several fish can be caught off one point
before the school is spooked.
Hope
this helps get your fall bite started, Enjoy!
Dan
Mathisen
FishDelta.com
- All Species, All Delta
The
Ultimate Resource For California Delta Fishing
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