In lieu of all the hostility

[MNfisher]

Originally Posted by SAMBOLIE

Mike, I would like to spend some time at the bar just listening.
Most likely the bouncer would evict me because my reputation for destroying a fishery is well known. Just ask Alpha.

I would be happy to take you sometime!

[SAMBOLIE]

Originally Posted by MNfisher

I would be happy to take you sometime!

Thanks Mike. I will likely get another kayak since I have sold my boat. I look forward to going with you.

[txnative]

Originally Posted by agelesssone

I'm thinking about hitting the bar this afternoon......

Is the fishing ok there in the afternoon?

Not looking for rockfish, just maybe some whites or tilapia.

For some reason I can't explain, I have no desire to catch either rockfish or hybrids. Well, maybe once in a great while, but definitely not species of main focus.

Please include GPS coordinates, perfect bait choices, depth to fish, # test of line to use, preferred color of any lures used, type of hooks, color of line, and how far should I cast past the bar?

Thank you very much for your assistance.

Yes, fishing is good in the afternoon. White bass are suckers for cranks like the size 5 shad rap in black back/silver or a 1/8-1/4 oz jig with a super fluke jr or similar bait in white or chartreuse. Fish the right bank (facing the GSP) from the barrier to the first tree that leans out over the water, casting past the barrier.

Tilapia are thick near either bank. Mealworms below a bobber are a good bait, but TM's are just as productive, I like mealworm (gold) or bison colors fished slowly under a TM float. Be sure to fish near the channel drop off in the mouth of the GSP for tilapia as well. The most important factor is to fish slow.


Chris Bryant

[agelesssone]

TX, I will have to go VERY slowly then because most of the yaks would out run my boat.
Thanks for the info. If I get out, (wifey is talking straightening up my garage a bit, (I told her to go ahead) so the fishing plans may get put on hold for a day or two).

How can I shake off a striper if one hits? I've heard jad2t is pretty good at that, maybe I should send him a PM!

[jad2t]

Originally Posted by agelesssone

How can I shake off a striper if one hits? I've heard jad2t is pretty good at that, maybe I should send him a PM!

Haha we'll see what happens this weekend. That's one of my secret techniques that I won't share with anyone!

[txnative]

Originally Posted by agelesssone

TX, I will have to go VERY slowly then because most of the yaks would out run my boat.
Thanks for the info. If I get out, (wifey is talking straightening up my garage a bit, (I told her to go ahead) so the fishing plans may get put on hold for a day or two).

How can I shake off a striper if one hits? I've heard jad2t is pretty good at that, maybe I should send him a PM!

Most of the yak guys (about 99% of em) fish weekends only. You shouldn't have much company. As for the stripers, there are good odds that they'll try to take your rod out of your hands in the middle of a good white bass bite, happened to me last week



Chris Bryant

[txnative]

If you want a good visual of where the white bass stack up, and a look at what I was using for their bigger cousins, check out my vid. It's about 1 minute in if you want to skip the boring striper fights

http://youtu.be/6axrfk-c32s


Chris Bryant

[agelesssone]

Cool video! Looks like you were wearing them out.

[MNfisher]

Originally Posted by SAMBOLIE

Thanks Mike. I will likely get another kayak since I have sold my boat. I look forward to going with you.

I have a 12' aluminum V with a 9.9 that we could take also. That is if metal boats are allowed at the bar...guess it depends on who the bouncer is. Haha

[SAMBOLIE]

Originally Posted by txnative

If you want a good visual of where the white bass stack up, and a look at what I was using for their bigger cousins, check out my vid. It's about 1 minute in if you want to skip the boring striper fights

http://youtu.be/6axrfk-c32s


Chris Bryant

Chris, what is the difference in the Rookin and the Super Fluke?

[nomad60]

Originally Posted by Travis C.

Aww shucks guys, your making me



This is a great site that TK has here and I am glad to be a part of it. There are a lot of good people who aid in creating the family, fun and fishing atmosphere. I am just a small cog in a much bigger machine.

Don't sell yourself short. I've only been a member here for about 2 years but in that time, I have really learned a bunch about river fishing and a lot of that came directly from you. I remember how frustrated I was when I first started fishing current because I had no idea how to find the fish and you and several others pointed me in the right direction. Now I'm at a point where I feel pretty comfortable as far as being able to go out and catch LM, spotted and white bass. Still haven't caught a @*&%^)@#$% striper but that day is coming too .

[txnative]

Originally Posted by SAMBOLIE

Chris, what is the difference in the Rookin and the Super Fluke?

The Rookin is a solid soft-plastic swimbait with a paddle-tail, super fluke is straight-tailed and has the belly slit for using EWG hooks. The profile difference is pretty obvious, too. I've used both this winter, along with 4 and 6 inch sluggos in varying colors with good success. The weekend this video was made, the Rookin outperformed the others for reasons known only to the stripers. It seems that their preference regarding color, size, and bait profile changes slightly each time I go (averaging twice a week, 3 times if I can sneak out after work). I do like the durability of the Rookin vs. the super fluke and sluggo. Its a tougher plastic that still has nice action on the tail...not super wiggly, more subtle, like a shad that is being slowed down by the cooler water temps of winter.

The color I used is called "ghost shad," it's a light gray with super fine glitter mixed in the plastic. Chartreuse with the same glitter also worked in Sunday, but was useless Saturday...the water has stained up from the rains, so the higher visibility color came into play.

Regardless of lure choice, the retrieve has been the same, and it makes the single biggest difference. I've been catching fish after fish while others haven't had a hit numerous times, even using same lures I was (I know they were because I gave them the lures). It takes a definite "feel" that is easily explained, but hard to grasp if you aren't seeing it firsthand.

I can't really explain the subtleties via typed messages other than to say to make your lure act like a baitfish and ignore what YOU think the stripers are doing...don't think like a striper, instead act like a shad.


Chris Bryant

[SAMBOLIE]

Originally Posted by txnative

The Rookin is a solid soft-plastic swimbait with a paddle-tail, super fluke is straight-tailed and has the belly slit for using EWG hooks. The profile difference is pretty obvious, too. I've used both this winter, along with 4 and 6 inch sluggos in varying colors with good success. The weekend this video was made, the Rookin outperformed the others for reasons known only to the stripers. It seems that their preference regarding color, size, and bait profile changes slightly each time I go (averaging twice a week, 3 times if I can sneak out after work). I do like the durability of the Rookin vs. the super fluke and sluggo. Its a tougher plastic that still has nice action on the tail...not super wiggly, more subtle, like a shad that is being slowed down by the cooler water temps of winter.

The color I used is called "ghost shad," it's a light gray with super fine glitter mixed in the plastic. Chartreuse with the same glitter also worked in Sunday, but was useless Saturday...the water has stained up from the rains, so the higher visibility color came into play.

Regardless of lure choice, the retrieve has been the same, and it makes the single biggest difference. I've been catching fish after fish while others haven't had a hit numerous times, even using same lures I was (I know they were because I gave them the lures). It takes a definite "feel" that is easily explained, but hard to grasp if you aren't seeing it firsthand.

I can't really explain the subtleties via typed messages other than to say to make your lure act like a baitfish and ignore what YOU think the stripers are doing...don't think like a striper, instead act like a shad.


Chris Bryant

Chris, thanks for sharing all that info. When I first read it I thought you might be messing with me about the split tail on a super fluke. I thought my flukes might be fluked up because they have a paddle tail. Actually I was thinking about the swimming super fluke when I asked the question.
Of all the things you mentioned I think presentation of a bait is the key factor in getting strikes. I think this is evidenced by your catching when others were not.
I have baits that are at least 30 years old that look like the split tail fluke. Colors resemble shad or other fish. I also have baits that are somewhat triangular shaped with a paddle tail like the swimming super fluke. Some of these are definitely colors that the fish have not seen for years. I do not believe they were called flukes back then. They were generally stocked in loose boxes or bins (no packaging). I have slugos about that age also.
I doubt the Rookin is more durable than my flukes. Oh wait, mine have not been attacked by a fish.

Enough rambling.

[TNBronzeback]

My last 2 trips down there were both "action" days. I was throwing a 1/4 oz. Head and pearl with silver glitter Zoom (i think) fluke. Its a split belly narrow profile spit tail fluke but its really soft compared to others. I would let it hit bottom and really snap it up several times swimming it then let it hit bottom again. The stripers were chasing and the shad were busting so im sure that helped the hook-ups. Bro was in the boat with the same bait but working it more like a bass jig and he didnt get bit.
For getting as big as they do and eating the amount and size of bait they do, they sure can be finicky on what they hit. Lol....makes it fun when ya finally sting one!

[Travis C.]

Originally Posted by txnative

I've been catching fish after fish while others haven't had a hit numerous times, even using same lures I was (I know they were because I gave them the lures).

Chris Bryant

So what are you trying to say... yes, he is speaking of me in at least one instance.

He's got the striper lovin jiggle down for sure.