Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk AL Fishing Talk Striper fishing....

Ok...here's the deal. 'Huntress and I love saltwater fishing...so much, in fact, that last year I bought a used 20' center console I/O specifically to go to the Gulf to fish. Now, Federal and State waters are closed to fishing and likely will be for some time. Florida's saltwater fish creel limits are too draconian to make pulling the boat there worthwhile.

The boat could, however, be a fairly decent platform for striped bass fishing. Our problem is, we know nothing about striper fishing. Sooo...if anyone knows the ins and outs of striper fishing, but doesn't have a boat (or has a boat but doesn't mind coming with us anyway), let me know the best time and place to be to meet up...I'll supply the boat, gas, etc...you supply the know-how, and we'll go fishing!

Shooot man somebody better jump on this. They want beat that kind of deal and to top it off they get to meet the both of you. Heck of a deal if you ask me. Although whoever takes yall up on it better be ready to get whipped by a girl. That TexasHuntress has turned out to be one heck of an outdoors woman.

I can catch the heck out of them, but it's in the tail-races.
The last 2 weeks we've gotten a 18 couple of 12's, several 8's and 6's
Biggest so far is a 22 pounder.
They're beginning to slow down a bit.

Very cool!...need a "how to" please, mj!

Thanks 10gauge!...we need to get together again sometime for some more bass fishing, too...and maybe fire up the smoker afterwards!

I've got a pontoon available on smith. I'm wanting to do the same. I've been reading up and asking a lot of questions. Maybe we can get together and learn at the same time

Live Shad is the ticket for the big boys on Smith. Go out at night and look for the docks with lights on them. The stripe will be around those docks. Drop you live shad into the water and hold on. I haven't tried this, but a buddy I work with, took a guided trip. That is all the guide did. They caught some real whoppers.

how/where do I get live shad?

DOA, the best way to get live shad, is to catch them yourself. Most people will get either a throw net or a large dip net. Run up towards any dam and catch away. Usually the closer you get to the turbines and strong current, the more shad there is. Problem is, they die fairly quickly if handled or your aerator isnt running constantly.

I've come across stores that sell the Shad on smith

Are they real expensive, as compared to, say, large shiners? How about Black Salty's?...are those available? Expensive? By most accounts I've read, Smith is the premier striper fishery in the state, with Weiss a distant second. FFP, we'll have to try them sometime, when my schedule settles down some!

I'm leaving out tomorrow for a week on Lake Martin with the family...while they're mostly skiing, wakeboarding, etc., I'll be running some jugs. I know Martin isn't a fertile lake and isn't the best fishery in the state for fish like stripers, but you play the hand you're dealt! I caught a few cats last year there...nothing to brag about, but enough to keep me occupied!

Here's my boat...

DOA, is that boat good for offshore? I'm moving to Florida at some point and time. I have seen a lot of 20 -26 foot boats advertised as offshore?? How do boats that size handle the waves?

well the 21 and 24 foot we fished out of on a 9 miles and a 15 miles trip done well.the 17 foot done good to but we did not go more than 3 miles out. i am looking for a 21 to 24 footer now myself to do the same trips in.

DOA, try for some stripers down around Kowlidga bridge. It may be a little early, but might be worth a try. They've been catching some nice cats on catawba worms around Youngs Island. Anywhere from 10-12 feet deep on floats.
Buddy of mine got 50 last weekend. Also out in the big water in front of the old Bama Park. All along the edge there at the deep spots. Have fun

Will do, mj...thanks for the tips!

ICOT, the boat's good for it! She used to be a bowrider (that's why you've probably never seen another center console with an outdrive rather than an outboard!), but after some major repairs and a cap-off restoration, she was converted over to a center console. During the repairs and conversion, everything was built about 3 times heavier than most boats are built at the factory...I mean she's REAL heavy, like maybe 3500 lbs or so, not including the trailer, which makes for a relatively smooth and dry ride. With a little 140 hp 4-banger and a big 55 gallon tank, she's got long legs, too!

At 20' and with a 22" draft, it's not only good for big water, it's almost good for nothing else!

There are no catfish near Bama Park.

Good luck.

Muzzie, clean out your mailbox

DOA, check your pm

You fishing with shad or jigs??
I had a little luck at Kowlidga with a downrigger and some 2 oz bucktails. I'm in between boats right now and it's killing me. All I have is a small flatbottom...

Muzzy, post or send a pic of that Fish