Thursday striper below Chickamauga 10/19/2006

[drumking]

Since Watts Bar wasn't running any turbines this morning, Dr Phillip and I decided to try below the Chick. Now I know why I drive all the way to Watts Bar. Fished 2 hours for 2 striper bites. I caught the 8.5 pounder below, and Dr Phillip had one in the low teens that pulled off right at the boat. He did nothing wrong, the fish just found the right angle to pull against and tore off.

Saw another boat up there early fishing for stripers with live bait and they didn't get a bite. They quit at the same time that we did. So the artificials outfished live bait again.

We caught a couple of skipjacks and of course I had to catch my drum (8.0) or thereabouts. That was it. I would have more bites at Watts Bar in 10 minutes than we got all morning down here.emoBang emoGeezer

 

[rsimms]

DK... I always tell folks (clients included) that there are far fewer stripers below Chickamauga than either Watts Bar or Nickajack. Less bait and shallow water make it far less condusive for stripers. I still like it for two reasons:
#1 - It's close! I can make those quick 30 minute forays before and after work.
#2 - Due to shallower water it makes for a better topwater bite. I love catching stripers anyway I can, but watching them blow up on a topwater bait is extra special. Too bad we can't have the best of boths worlds.

Do you throw topwater very much below WB?

 

[fishinvol]

I tried a little while ago with noluck. I did notice the water is way down and not much current at all. Not to mention this little warm spell will slow them way down. I am hoping with the cooler weather next week they will turn back on. I have never fished below watts bar or Nicka jack so I have nothing to compare.

 

[drumking]

rsimms - 10/19/2006 12:49 PM

DK... I always tell folks (clients included) that there are far fewer stripers below Chickamauga than either Watts Bar or Nickajack. Less bait and shallow water make it far less condusive for stripers. I still like it for two reasons:
#1 - It's close! I can make those quick 30 minute forays before and after work.
#2 - Due to shallower water it makes for a better topwater bite. I love catching stripers anyway I can, but watching them blow up on a topwater bait is extra special. Too bad we can't have the best of boths worlds.

Do you throw topwater very much below WB?

Richard, I'm going to have a few topwaters available next time that I go below Chickamauga. I have tried them without success below Watts Bar, but my efforts were only half-***. I can't make myself fish topwater up there when they are tearing up sassy shads. knowwhatimean, Vern?emoBigsmile emoGeezer

 

[shsimons]

Guys,

I was hoping to fish for some stripers for an hour or so this weekend in the morning or evening. What baits would you recommend? pleace be specific if you can, I have never fished artificial for stripers, just live shad. My dad used to take me fishing for them about once a year on Lake Norris and we always drifted with shad with our guide. Sounds like a hit or miss thing, was it fishinvol who just slammed them the other day? that would be nice. Also, are they up against the wall or closer to the bridge? Thanks a lot for any info. Thought I would post a pic of one I caught as a 4th grader, or I think that was the grade.

Shsimons

 

[polo-dog]

Nice fish guys. "Good things come to those who wait" I have fished many times and never caught an 8lber. I'll bet that those stripers fight like bulls don't they?

 

[fishinvol]

shsimons - 10/19/2006 2:25 PM

Guys,

I was hoping to fish for some stripers for an hour or so this weekend in the morning or evening. What baits would you recommend? pleace be specific if you can, I have never fished artificial for stripers, just live shad. My dad used to take me fishing for them about once a year on Lake Norris and we always drifted with shad with our guide. Sounds like a hit or miss thing, was it fishinvol who just slammed them the other day? that would be nice. Also, are they up against the wall or closer to the bridge? Thanks a lot for any info. Thought I would post a pic of one I caught as a 4th grader, or I think that was the grade.

Shsimons

Redfins,zara spooks,white bucktail jigs with some sort of trailer. These all work well when the stripes are running good.

 

[rsimms]

fishinvol - 10/19/2006 7:50 PM

shsimons - 10/19/2006 2:25 PM

Guys,

I was hoping to fish for some stripers for an hour or so this weekend in the morning or evening. What baits would you recommend? pleace be specific if you can, I have never fished artificial for stripers, just live shad. My dad used to take me fishing for them about once a year on Lake Norris and we always drifted with shad with our guide. Sounds like a hit or miss thing, was it fishinvol who just slammed them the other day? that would be nice. Also, are they up against the wall or closer to the bridge? Thanks a lot for any info. Thought I would post a pic of one I caught as a 4th grader, or I think that was the grade.

Shsimons

Redfins,zara spooks,white bucktail jigs with some sort of trailer. These all work well when the stripes are running good.

FishnVol has the right baits down pat... patience and perserverance is key for topwater stripers. Concentrate on sunrise and sunset. It's not unusual to cast for an hour or two without so much as bump, and then they'll turn on and you'll catch 'em on back-to-back casts... or not.

 

[Liveliner]

shsimons - 10/19/2006 5:25 PM

Guys,

My dad used to take me fishing for them about once a year on Lake Norris and we always drifted with shad with our guide. Thought I would post a pic of one I caught as a 4th grader, or I think that was the grade.

Shsimons

Sam I think your Dad looks a lot like forum member Webfoot.

Webfoot, if you are lurking, What do you think?

By the way Sam. I have not forgot you. I have basically put off all fishing to deer hunt. We will go again soon, I hope.

 

[shsimons]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Liveliner, I had a great time fishing with you last time. Maybe we could go out with one of your sons sometime. Hope the hunting is going well.

Rsimms and fishinvol, thanks for the advice. I'll make the trek over to sportsman's warehouse and see if I can get a bait or two.

Drumking, you da man! Are you running any kind of underground guide service? ha, happy fishing this weekend fellas.

Shsimons

 

[fishinvol]

Earlier in the week I caught a few stripes on a smaller minnow looking crankbait/jerkbait. The bait is 7 inches long(more of a bass lure for sure) and of course throw any color hat resmbles a shad/skipjack. The trick is the current,if they don't have much running(water wise) I never catch any. **** luck to ya!!

 

[drumking]

shsimons - 10/19/2006 9:21 PM



Drumking, you da man! Are you running any kind of underground guide service? ha, happy fishing this weekend fellas.

Shsimons

No, just happy to share my boat with those less fortunate. I like half day trips the best. Crappie, stripers, and catfish sometimes.emoSmile emoGeezer

 

[drumking]

polo-dog - 10/19/2006 7:39 PM

Nice fish guys. "Good things come to those who wait" I have fished many times and never caught an 8lber. I'll bet that those stripers fight like bulls don't they?

Polo, hook one in the 30-40 pound range and you would think that you hooked onto the back of a Greyhound bus that was screaming in the opposite direction. Stripers really test your equipment. That's why I only use Ambassadeur level winds and 20 pound Trilene big game line. Stripers almost never give up even at the boat. When they are tired and alongside the boat, they will still toss their heads from side to side and won't hardly open their mouths for you to get a good hold on them. Fish for them for very long and you will get a shower as they throw water on you while you try to get them in the boat, but I love it.emoBigsmile emoGeezer

 

[JerDog]

Drumking,

I second that! They are fighter's! Looks like some good fish are being caught out there. I love the fall feeding frenzy!