Striped Bass

Question
QUESTION: I was wondering where stripes would be this time of year on Cherokee lake along the banks. Coves, around tributaries? Anywhere on the bank? I need an answer FAST because I'm goin fishin tomorrow. Also what lures would they be hitting this time of year? Its been bluebird skies the last few days. THANKS

ANSWER: Hi Caleb,

I'm really not qualified to answer this.  I'm from Wisconsin and I have never fished there.  

I'm guessing that they would start to head deeper now.  I'm also guessing that it's a shad bite so a live shad would be a great bait.  For lures, something like a 3/4 ounce Rattle Trap, a big minnow bait like a Bomber A, or when all else fails... a jig.  It could be a bucktail jig or a jig and a plastic body like a Sassy Shad or some other type of Swimbait.  A big Roadrunner is always a good striper lure.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Good fishing,

Marc

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QUESTION: Ok well do u know anything about where trout would be in rivers this time of year?

ANSWER: It would be a typical summer pattern by now.  Look for them in the deeper holes, undercut banks, or behind any obstruction in the water flow.  They may come up into the faster riffle water to feed so watch for them to dimple the surface eating bugs.

Good fishing,

Marc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do you knowif there is any way to catch shad on rod and reel? or skipjack?

Answer
Hi Caleb,

Shad, no.  They are filter feeders and you can't catch them on hook and line.  A cast net (if legal where you are) is the best way to gather shad.

Herring, yes.  They will hit a small jig with a 1" white twister tail, a small spoon (3/4" inch long), or better yet a sabiki rig (if legal in your area).  A sabiki is a leader with a weight on the bottom and several hooks on short lines tied to the leader above.  You find the bait and jig the rig in the bait.  You can catch several at a time if things are going right.  The hooks are sometimes bare gold hooks or sometimes dressed with a small feather to simulate a small school of minnows.

Good luck,

Marc