Correction on the florocarbon … We use Vicious 17# …
All of my rod/reel combos are Okuma … Got a place in Michigan that’ll sell me 4 combos (OKUMA CPC-762-MA20D COMBO. OKUMA MAGDA MA20DX REEL ON A CLASSIC PRO 7’6" 2-PIECE ROD. A medium action Classic Pro 2-piece rod which is 7’6" (E-Glass blank construction) with stainless steel hooded reel seats and EVA foam grips and double footed aluminum oxide guides and paired with a Magda MA20DX bushing reel 5.1: 1 gear ratio and (240/14, 190/18, 160/20)yds/lbs line capacity, machine cut brass gearing and a corrosion resistant graphite spool and a power handle) for just under $180 shipped to my house … All the reels have built in line counters (assuming you install the correct amount of line) which is a nice added feature …
At a cost breakdown of $40 per COMBO my whole setup costs less than most base reels … In our experience these combos work excellent for the price … If it breaks they are cheap enough to simply buy a new one … I would call these great starting combos so you can get out there today and build a more quality set as you go …
If I had to pick another setup then I would go with the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6000/6500 on an Ugly Stick Striper rod … A complete combo is a little more than double the Okumas, but if you want the ability to rebuild then these are the ones to go to (at least, that’s what I’m told) …
All in all we are very satisfied with the Okuma setups … I bought a second set of four, but opted for the 7’ poles over the 7’ 6" poles for the second set because the 7-6" are a tight fit in my rod lockers … I do notice a slight difference when pulling planers (shorter poles seem not to pull the planers as wide as the 7-6’s) but I think there will be no difference when down rodding … I plan to purchase 2 more just to fill out our spread and to use as immediate swap outs in the event of line failure …
There have been about 10 different topics presented under this one thread. Perhaps, the next time someone chooses to “change channels”, it might be good to start a new thread/topic.
I think this has been a very good thread, Why would you start 10 new topics when everyone is adding to the depth and content of this one. Should not have called names Sorry everyone
Key West 1720 Sportsman
FISH: An animal that grows the fastest between the time it’s caught and the time you tell your friends about it!
Now now now, gentlemen … no need to get testy … Rick, no worries, brother …
Agent is new to this and like all of us who were just starting out he is asking a lot of questions … Heck, I STILL ask a lot of questions …
I know it’s hard to follow and all but all of it is good information to have in a single thread …
Perhaps Agent can rename his topic to something more fitting of the overall discussion - but that’s his choice …
So before anyone starts taking things the wrong way and/or things get out of hand, let’s all take a breath and try to be sociable on our boards and leave the “trolling” to the pinheads in the Inshore Discussion group …
Yes. I see both sides to the argument as to the scope of this thread. There is quite a bit of great information here in one thread; however, the “channel changing” does make it a bit overwhelming. I have also contributed; so I will share in the achievement or blame:smiley: What I don’t get is the snap at Rick K. His comments were a polite suggestion, using the word “perhaps.” No need to get chippy. No one is trying to play “forum police.” Had the comments been typed in all caps with numerous exclamations I would get it. Lets keep things friendly as always.
Yes, this thread has wandered a little bit, but it began with Agent expressing current difficulties he was experiencing. Many individuals, all very cordially, added to the thread to share tid-bits of information and their own experience, that often impacts the success or failure of a fishing trip for stripers. It’s not surprising that the thread took several different branches on the subject. I’m sure that Agent is not the only angler that has ever encountered difficulties in pursuit of the big striped guys. That all being, there are still not any guarantees in catching them, but employing proven/best techniques in thought chosen locations still gives one the best opportunities. Lot of good information shared on this and other threads over the course of time. I’m appreciative of the many things I’ve learned from this forum, and I feel sure many others are also. It’s too bad we had a little weather sucker-punch hit this week. Just another variable. Agent, don’t be discouraged over your last trip. Apply and practice what’s been shared and you’ll get your rewards.
Agent, you can jump on my boat next time I go. I almost always fish after work, around 5:30. I’m not liking this weeks weather, but I’ll be out some time next week. Maybe Monday if the weather forecast holds.
In my humble opinion Rick K.and his suggestion were a good comment on the meandering aspect of this thread.Capt Rick is a good friend ,great striperfisherman, and many other species of fish .But no Perch.LOL Let’s all just get along and enjoy our great fishery. Catch em up . PS Maybe sharing and posting ph numbers would be another option. Mine is 1-803-309-1901 Midlannd striper club member for 10 years ( awesome club) I live in Chapin. 95 percent catch and release!!!
My first time striper fishing on Murray was with Rick. Front had just passed and it was clear and windy. We never caught anything but he showed us techniques and some of his favorite spots in crystal lake. My buddy used to come down from Pittsburgh and rent one of his cabins. We rented his boat the next day and caught a bunch of fish. Knowing we would not have boat access again we fished from 6AM till 2 AM. Only break was 2 stops at big birds for food and bait. Quite a few in the 10 to 15 lb range. Rick is the one responsible for my addiction.
In my humble opinion Rick K.and his suggestion were a good comment on the meandering aspect of this thread.Capt Rick is a good friend ,great striperfisherman, and many other species of fish .But no Perch.LOL Let’s all just get along and enjoy our great fishery. Catch em up . PS Maybe sharing and posting ph numbers would be another option. Mine is 1-803-309-1901 Midlannd striper club member for 10 years ( awesome club) I live in Chapin. 95 percent catch and release!!!
TOM GITTO
Rick, Liz & The Kids … (321) 626-7293 (my cell) … (803) 233-1387 (H) … If I don’t answer leave a message or I won’t call you back … Texts to the cell are preferred …
We live in Lexington over by Hallmark Shores (and if my property lines was 36" closer I’d be able to use their ramp ) …
1st year Midland Striper Club members (Agent - club meets are every 2nd Tuesday at Flight Deck - that’s next Tuesday - you HAVE to go - good stuff there) …
First couple of fish under 10lbs are 100% catch and release (into my cooler) the rest and anything over 10lbs goes back to the lake … unless we’re tournament fishing … Then it’s to the scales and then back in the lake …
Thanks Steelytom I might take you up on that. However, I probably need someone to jump on my boat to see if I can catch a couple of fish with my equipment. I would like to see what a good fisherman looks for to decide when to drop some lines. The last time my friend and I went out we saw a lot of birds and even a few good screens on the fishfinder but never caught a fish.
I’m not sure of your experience level, please don’t take my question and comments the wrong way. I’m probably way below average compared with a lot of these striper guys. When you say you saw a lot of birds were they sitting or actively diving into the water? The latter is what you are wanting to see. Be sure to fish around and under the diving birds. When approaching this scenario be as quiet as possible. Whatever you do, if you want to have a chance to pick off a bunch of fish from one school, do not roar full throttle right up to the area and spook the fish.
Also, there is a 50/50 chance that the birds may be over feeding white perch, or a mixture of perch and stripers. An example of this, with or without diving birds, is in Fogman’s posted Saturday report. An 8# striper was in with the first batch of perch we fished. Basically, I believe that when you find the “food source” you usually have found the fish. Then you need to figure out what presentation will work the best for that particular day.
If I am fishing in a area with water that is 20 to 30 foot deep this time of year I would say that I rely more on my FF to locate fish and or bait. Not to say that seeing some birds is not a good sign. If they are sitting on the water or diving to me is not that big of a deal, I figure they are in that area because they have been feeding there and they are just waiting on some action just like us fisherman are. You also may see some white flaky substance floating on the water under some diving birds and they are feeding also, on some crackers someone threw out to divert the run and gun bass boats this time of year, so also be aware of that. So unless you are in shallow water fishing which it sounds like you are not and seeing fish on the FF you are on the right track. Were the fish you were marking under bait balls. The fish I have been marking were under bait balls in other words for the most part the bait balls were in the 15 foot range and the fish were right under or a little behind.
Key West 1720 Sportsman
FISH: An animal that grows the fastest between the time it’s caught and the time you tell your friends about it!
Tell us exactly where you went, what kind of water you fished in and what your presentation was. Then we can probably tell you what you are doing wrong. Seems crazy that you can’t even catch some shorts.
Agent, unless you are just really lucky or have an inside track on exactly where the fish are, getting skunked is a part of this hobby. At least for me it is, and I’ve been part-timing this chase for Mr. Linesiders for 12+ years. I still get skunked regularly because I’m only getting to the lake about once or twice a month. The more you go, the more you can pattern them. Being on here and asking questions definitely gives you a leg up. Joining MSC is another plus. The reports will get you close and some guys will give you details to put you right on them. The best days I’ve had were when I knew exactly where to start and the fish cooperated. IMHO, as far as schooling- and birds- go, it just isn’t what it used to be. I know that isn’t a big help to a newbie but there was a time when just about every trip to the lake I would see huge schooling action- I’m talking an acre of rolling fish- but for me I haven’t seen schooling action like that in 7 years. Chasing the birds can be helpful but the best technique for fishing the birds is to try and figure out where they are heading. Do not run right to them and scare them down. We’ve all been frustrated when you have set yourself up and someone runs overthem and sends them all down. But if you can determine what direction they seem to be moving they will come to you- and they might pass by a few times on a great day. Good luck- keep at it.
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