Bigger stripers follow the food. Long releases draw baitfish, which draw predators like trout and skippies, and that draws in the big stripers. A big striper isn't going to run from way downriver and back every day, so released need to be high enough and long enough to make a striper feel safe to travel thru previously skinny water. I've seen big stripers feeding in shallow stretches in rivers, but there's deep holes nearby for them to retreat to.
You're really gonna have to dedicate yourself to catching a big fish. Most of the "striper" lures are not big enough to tempt a monster lineside. I use the 10" fin s fish, but even it is on the small side. Big Huddleston lures, castaic swimbaits, ac plugs, and some Muskie sized lures work, but they are über pricey, and big stripers live in places you may not wanna chuck a $25 lure. Live bait is the primary method used, but again you have to think BIG. Skipjack over 20" are not too big. The hardest part of the livey game keeping it alive and in good shape.
Of course, big is a relative term. If you're thinking over 20 lbs, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one below oh dam, Cordell hull dam, and some other known hotspots. Anything over 40 lbs gets a lot harder, however. My personal best is 45 lbs, and I hooked into one much bigger in my kayak...on a fly rod (tragic ending to that story...I still wake up at night sick to my stomach over it). I would pick one area that historically holds these fish, and fish the crap out of it till you get one.
Chris
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