Summer Striped Bass Pattern in Bloom

As Ted, Dale, and I moved out on the Chesapeake Bay, Monday, July 2, 2007 we were greeted with 3' swells and a strong wind coming out of the northeast.  No match for my 22' catamaran, as we cursed south in comfort.  The strong wind blowing against the tide cut down on the locations we could fish, but fortunately the fish finder lit up at our 1st stop.

We found striped bass in waters from 8' to 27' deep as Ted and Dale bailed fish from 06:30 until around 11:30.  The most productive lure was a Hopkins, SHORTY, #75G, 3/4 ounce, gold spoon.

Most Productive Technique:
Swimming the Lure
1^st Part of this Technique - Cast the lure, let it drop to the bottom; take the slack out of the line while moving the rod tip pointing at the lure and just above the water.  Lift the rod tip swiftly from 9 o’clock to 10 o’clock than back to 9 o’clock while taking the slack out of the line allowing the lure to hit the bottom again.  Do this 2 to 3 time. 

2^nd Part of this Technique – With the rod tip pointing at the lure just above the water; keep all the slack out of the line while moving the rod tip horizontally from 12 o’clock to 10 o’clock (right hand casters) OR from 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock (left hand casters).  The lure is now swimming both horizontally and vertically back to the boat.  Jig the lure, very swiftly, each time the rod tip is at 10 o’clock OR 3 o’clock.  Do this back to the boat or a striper hits the lure. 

Note: Using the wrist to create very swift horizontal and vertical jigging is a must to make this technique productive.

Fishing Tip: Keep everything stowed in the proper and safe location on your boat.  Unforeseen rough seas can occur anytime you're on the water.

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Tight Lines,

Capt. Tom Hughes
Full Time Light Tackle & Fly Fishing Guide
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