Boards Shad and the Striper Connection

Stripers get no respect. Often overlooked and sometimes shunned, this species grows large, they are strong fighters, wide spread throughout the United States and one of the finest eating fish that swims. The average striper is eight to 18 pounds. Trophies up to 40 pounds are taken every year and these fish are abundant throughout the nation's midsection and deep south.

Live bait trolling is one of the most productive ways to catch stripers. Shad will out produce other minnow species two to one. The problem is keeping these delicate minnows alive. For best result's shad must be stored in a bait well that has round corners and the bait changed frequently.

When rigging, spool up with 20 pound test monofilament. Sturdy level wind reels and medium/heavy action bait casting style rods are required. The traditional rigging method calls for threading a 1 ounce slip sinker onto the line and then tying in a barrel swivel. On the opposite end of the barrel swivel a five foot leader is tied to a No 2 treble hook. A lively shad is hooked through the mouth and let out 20 to 45 feet behind the boat.

Anglers can also use an Off Shore Tackle Snap Weight in place of a slip sinker. Snap weights ranging in size from 1/2 ounce to 2 ounces should be placed on the line from 10-50 feet from the bait. Changing the amount of weight used and the lead length enables anglers to fish different depths without having to cut and retie rigs. Also using a Snap Weight ahead of the shad allows the bait the freedom of movement and natural action not possible when using slip weights.

When fighting fish, the Snap Weight stays on the line until the angler removes it at the rod tip. This trolling weight system is easier and more flexible to use than slip sinkers, keel weights or rubber core sinkers.

In-line planer boards are a major part of this slow trolling presentation. An Off Shore Tackle Side-Planer board is attached to the fishing line using the black OR 14 release that comes with the board. On the back of the board a small snap swivel is connected to the board using a split ring and the snap closed over the line. Once the board is attached to the line in this manner, an electric motor is used to slowly propel the boat forward.

As the boat slowly moves forward, the board pulls the live bait to the side of the boat. Let out line a little at a time until the board works its way out 50 to 75 feet. Two boards are normally rigged on each side of the boat for maximum coverage.

When a striper grabs the bait, the fish immediately heads for deep water and usually pulls the board abruptly underwater. The angler grabs the rod and puts steady pressure on the fish until the release on the side-Planer pops free and allows the board to slide down the line via the snap swivel on the back of the board.

Stripers are powerful fish that make numerous runs before coming to net. These fish are often found suspended over 50 to 200 feet of water. Shad forced to the surface by schools of feeding fish are the best clue to their location.

The best time to troll for surface orientated stripers is during March, April and May and also during November and December. During the rest of the year downriggers, divers and other deep water techniques produce most of the fish.

Stripers are delicious when baked or fried. The skin and the thin layer of red meat along the lateral line should be removed. The remaining snow white meat rates as one of the finest tasting fish available.