Tidelines Fall 2017

Remember to keep your eels in a Tupperwear container on ice, so they’re easier to get on the hook, and use a paper towel or a rag to hold them. Bring in and let out line as needed to keep that eel dragging right on bottom as it goes up and down the edges of those lumps. And wait for at least three bumps from a fish before setting the hook or applying any tension to the line. So, what’s it going to be—trolling, jigging, or live-lining? Any way you cut it, one thing is for sure: the fall of 2017 is probably going to offer you the best shot yet at catching the biggest striper of the year.

Truth be told, winter had set in by the time this monster was caught... but fish this size do enter the bay during the fall some seasons.

Living Large Fall is also an excellent time for live-lining. Yes, live-lining. Sure, the spot have departed, but they aren’t your only option for tempting big stripers. Cast-netting or snagging bunker is one way to fill the livewell, and put an irresistible treat on the end of your line. By the time you read this, there’s a good chance it will be too late to effectively cast net with anything smaller than a fast-sinking 10’ net. The peanuts have almost certainly moved out of the creeks by now, and may have even departed completely from the rivers. But if you keep a big treble hook handy and tie it about a foot above a one- ounce sinker, as long as pods of bunker can be spotted on the surface, you can snag them. Just remember to allow at least a gallon of water for each live bunker, or they’ll die in the well. Also be sure to hook them through the back or through the top jaw, only, or they’ll die rather quickly. That said, offer up a live and kicking menhaden and no self- respecting striper will reject it. Another live bait option that works well in the fall is live eels. True, this tactic has dropped off in popularity since the eeling heydays of the 90’s. But in the last two seasons anglers (eeling the lumps on the south side of Pools, in particular) have been having plenty of success dropping eels down to the bottom. Added bonus: it’s rare to get small fish bothering the eels, and generally speaking, 30 inch class fish are the norm when you get a bite.

Keep eels in Tupperwear or a similar container, on ice, and use a paper towel to grab them.

Page 14 | FALL 2017