Plenty of Pullage - Limited on Size

Surprise // Surprise

There was a low light condition on the water when we started to fish.  We fished some structures where quite a few nice stripers were caught last week. However, they moved on as I changed to my B Plan.  We moved south on the eastern shore and with no birds working to find some schoolie size stripers in each location, we stopped.  They supplied plenty of pullage, but only ranged up to 12", with an occasional 14" striper being caught.

I Wish

Gavin Hunter of Scotland, Chris Guest from England, and Pete Faverio met me bright and early at 6am at Sandy Point State Park.  These gentlemen were in Annapolis for a convention in the construction field.  They had one free day and wanted to fish and see the Chesapeake Bay.

I had 2 highlights this trip; one was when Pete caught a croaker on a spoon, and the other was when Gavin told me he had a great trip even though no big fish were landed.  Thanks guys for the memories.

Most Productive Light Tackle Technique:

Not that Bad

Jigging the Bottom - From the up current side of the boat, open the bail and let the lure hit the bottom. With the rod tip just above the water, jig the lure off the bottom swiftly by moving the rod tip swiftly from 9 to 10 o'clock. Jigging the lure swiftly is best done by snapping the wrist rather then moving the rod with the entire arm. Move the lure off and then back to the bottom as many times as possible while keeping a tight line.

Light Tackle Equipment:

Rod: Okuma, ReFlexios, 6', M, , One Piece, Fast Tip (Tochterman's Fishing Tackle)

Reel: Penn, SG3000, Sargus, Spinning (Tochterman's Fishing Tackle)

Line: PowerPro, 20# Test, Yellow

Leader: Yo-Zuri, 20# Test, Hybrid, Fluorocarbon, 6'

Productive Lures:

Spoons

Hopkins Hammered Shorty, 1 oz., Gold, Single Hook

Offshore Angler Freestyle Jig, 2 oz., Red/Chartreuse (1 hook)

Fly Fishing Equipment:

Rod: Orvis, Helios, 9 weight, 4 piece, Flex-Tip, 3 1/4 oz.

Reel: Orvis, Mirage, Size LA V

Line: Orvis, Wonderline Generation 3 Sinking Line, Class V Sink Rate

Leader: 4', 20# Quality Fluorocarbon

Productive Flies:

Matty-J Custom Saltwater Flies 

Half & Half, 5", Chartreuse/White, 2/0 SS Hook  

Matty-J Custom Saltwater Flies

Sinking Clouser, 3", Chartreuse/White, 2 SS Hook

Most Productive Fly Fishing Technique:

Short Striping the Fly - Cast the fly and count it down to the desired depth.  The rod tip should be parallel and very close to the water surface during the retrieve.  Start stripping swiftly in no more than 2’ increments at a swift speed.  Repeat this until the fly is back at the boat.

Fishing Tip: There are plenty schools of schoollie size stripers located throughout the Chesapeake Bay.  If you are looking just to catch large size stripers; cast big lures seminar to a 10" Bass Kandy Delight soft plastic bait, or a 6" Storm, Storm, 6" WideEye Swim Shad.  If no fish take these baits, move off the school and find another.  

SPECIAL DISCOUNT ON A HALF-DAY TRIP - This Sunday - 8/12/12

I'm offering a $50.00 discount off the normal Half-Day Trip Fee of $425.00 for 1 to 3 anglers on Sunday, 8/12/12, out of Sandy Point State Park. Your trip will start at 11:00am and you'll be back at the dock at 03:00pm. The total cost of your trip will be $375.00.