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how to catch striped bass on smith lake

In the fall and early winter, top water bait is preferred. Smith Lake is a very recreational lake during the summer months. There are really no specifics on finding the striped bass. You have to hunt them down. Weiss Lake: (pronounced “Wice”) is one of the more popular areas in Alabama for striped bass fishing. I’m not sure what that says exactly except that fishing is fun weather you catch fish or not but it’s always good when you can say you’ve caught some fish. The lake known as the "Crappie Fishing Capital of the World" has other fish to boast about these days; largemouth bass and striped bass are making a name for themselves. Even experts are still learning new ways to locate and catch the salt water natives. Weiss Lake is known as the crappie capital of the world, but there are plenty of striped bass to be found and caught as well. But you do have a handful that prefer this time of year, because the lake is empty, giving them more opportunity and chances to locate and hook a striped bass. The surface area is 41,500 acres with an average depth of 41 feet and 31 miles in length. 3.2% of 52,419 sqare miles is WATER. Temperatures can reach 110 degrees, with no wind or shade and the fish will be deep deep in the lake seeking cooler areas with better oxygen. The striper that do live past the third year, and some striper will live 10 plus years, are the ones  that keep people coming to Smith Lake for a chance to catch a trophy striper. That gives you enough to stock your freezer, and maybe have some left when the following fishing season rolls around. Page 9 Look for areas of deep water near a raised hump. You can catch the striper year round at Weiss Lake, but you may want to avoid the month of July. amzn_assoc_linkid = "a8cd68f0e3699fb0fbf3fde893d303fd"; For me, fishing is an enjoyable release from the pressures of life. A bonus to Weiss Lake; the creel limit is 30 per day!! With that being said there are many Striper Fishing methods, Baitwell tips, Bait Rigging tips, and such that you find work better than expected. If you want to cool off yjough you could try one of these. I am going to give you information on the top 3 recommended lakes in Alabama to lure and catch the striped bass of your dreams. Both times we had a good time though. The deep clear water combined with underwater trees and brush makes Smith Lake the perfect habitat for stripers. Enabling you to have everything you need at your fingertips, whether it is a weekend get-a-way or a week long family vacation. Catch'em Big!! So, if you are in search of a heart stopping challenge, possibly the fight of your life then this is going to be the perfect spot for you. Mitchell’s Point Fishing Guides are ready to put you on the fish! amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; Morone saxatilis. The best depths will be from 20 to 80 feet. It gets me out into nature and I love it! “The easiest way to find spotted bass is to look for schooling fish. To achieve good results while fishing for Smith Lake’s bass you need a little peace and solitude at times. In the spring months, top water or shallow running plugs work wonders at twilight and beyond. FishinMoney.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Lake Weiss offers boat rentals, convenient stores, restaurants, bait stores and more very close by. In the summer months, you may have to go as deep as 80 feet to find the striped bass. So, now that our history is done for the day; lets move on to the real reason why I am spending my afternoon with you all. The money for this stocking program was a federal grant to see if the striped bass could be … 205-435-4009 Captain Daniel Berthiaume holds a U.S. Coast Guard License and is fully insured as a fishing guide of Smith Mountain Lake. If you have a boat, your fish finder is going to be your best friend. Not many people will go out at this time of the year, because of the weather. Vertical jigging is one of the better methods to … There is an exception on Lake Martin; where only 2 of your 15 stripers can be over 22 inches long. Seasonal Considerations for Freshwater Striper Fishing. You can locate 10-14 pound striped bass, also known as schoolies, by watching the seagulls or using your sonar. 1.Striped bass prefer deep water with a sandy or gravel bottom. Now that is the kind of striped bass fishing that avid anglers LOVE to hear about and be a part of. Winter is 1 of 2 seasons when fishing with an artificial lure works very well. Atlantic Coast, Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Coast. Bill Vines, Striper Guide - Commercially Insured - U.S.C.G. So, can you imagine how many you could catch during the cooler spring months? We were able to catch many fish even though it was freezing cold outside because it was winter. A large Gizzard shad post spawn (Late May) can be ticket for prime-time Striper Fishing after the Spawning period. It was evening time and it looked like it would be a good fishing trip for catching stripers. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "fishinmoney-20"; The ideal time to catch the striped bass is when the water is a little choppy. From mid-June to November it is a deep water fishery and the striped bass are found on the lake points via depth finders and can be snagged using live gizzard shad. In 1983 the Alabama Department of Conservation started a stocking program for the Gulf Coast strain of striped bass into Smith Lake. Call Early For Best Dates - 1-205-647-7683, Home | About | Contact | E-mail | Rates | Boat | Book-A-Trip | Photographs | Testimonials | Faqs | Terms of Use If you’re fishing for a giant striper, you need … A. Use a heavy fishing rod with a light spinning outfit and 10 to 20 pound fishing line On average striped bass grow around 3 pounds a year. I am very knowledgeable of Smith Lake and the fishing in its waters. Striped bass fishing in the great state of Alabama. for the Striped Bass. Best lures will be swim baits, jigging spoons and Zoom flukes fished on 1/2- to 3/4-ounce lead heads. For catching stripers busting the surface, Parramore recommends a 1/2-ounce bucktail jig with a curlytail grub. Theyre are in Virginia and Maryland in the winter time and migrate North of New Jersey in the Summertime. Autumn fishing for striped bass, black bass, crappie and walleye can be good at Beaver Lake. If your state allows, you can rig tip-ups with live bait to include gizzard shad, threadfin shad, and alewives. Martin Lake hosts many events throughout the year including multiple fishing tournaments. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; But, don’t forget the live shad, that is striped bass’ one true weakness. Martin Lake is said to be one of the only lakes in Alabama to house trophy sized striped bass. Search MLS listings. Now that is what I would tag as a HUGE school of stripers. In early March to mid-June top-water action is going to be incredible on Smith Lake. Fish population counts continue to show large, healthy populations of striped bass feeding on Lake … With 37, privately run, marinas along with rental cabins, campgrounds and motels spread along the shoreline, you are sure to find the perfect spot to rest your head, buy your tackle and even rent a boat. The maximum depth of Smith Lake is 265 feet. Though they say that some of the other lakes have the bigger striper, in 2013 a huge 70 pound striped bass was caught on the Black Warrior River. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Smith Lake: located about 90 miles Northwest of Huntsville, is about 22,000 acres in size. The heat of the summer drives them down to cooler water with better oxygenation. Cast the lure into the school, let it sink for 5 seconds and then reel slowly for a straight-line retrieve. Top 10 Fishing Tips for Striped Bass. In 1983 the Alabama Department of Conservation started a stocking program for the Gulf Coast strain of striped bass into Smith Lake. Like the Smith Lake Striper Club, Striper … That is why we’ve put together this Journey 10 SS Kayak review. There are a few public launch ramps available for you to load and unload your preferred water-craft. == SMITH LAKE STRIPED BASS. Valid from Sept first to October 31 of the following year, the cost for an annual residents license is $13.85. Located within Tallapoosa River, Martin Lake is 880 miles in length. ® Copyright Stripe Fishing Headquarters. One of my best, I caught seven big largemouth bass and five stripers weighing 10 to 12 pounds. They will treat you exceptionally; giving you any tips, tricks, or advice on catching striped bass in the area. Part of the Black Warrior River, Smith Lake has an abundance of striped bass for your fishing pleasure. Fisheries have stocked the Gulf Coast strain of striped bass annually for almost 30 years. "Good Fishing." When the first stripers were put into Smith Lake, the state biologists told the local fishermen they would grow to at least 30 lbs and may reach 40 lbs; most of the fishermen, myself included, did not believe this possible. Stripers will be caught in the lower to mid-sections of the lake and in the larger creeks. But, with a bonus also comes a few exceptions to rules and regulations on the Reservoir. View full size Frank Sargeant Captain Bill Vines shows a 20-pound Smith Lake striped bass caught on live shad. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Striped bass weighing over 40 pounds swim in Smith Lake. One fishing guide states that on average he has snagged 25+ fish per trip with one trip giving up 54 striped bass. The stripers grow fatter there. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "striper lures"; Your ideal bait for the unpredictable species; plastic baits, spinners, and crank baits. There is over 447 miles of coves, drop-offs, shoreline, flats, and deep channels where the striped bass can be located. So grab those poles, lures, and lets get to fishing! Lake Weiss/Weiss Reservoir is located on the Alabama/Georgia border. Watching them swim in school just below or on the surface. Moving to spawn, their location will change frequently. As the night went on, we realized that it was not going to be as good as we had hoped it would be and we went home that night skunked- having caught no Striper or any other kind of fish. Licensed #277918 The preferred bait here is live shad. As the weather gets cooler, the striped bass get hotter. In 1 year, 145 stripers there were hooked, weighed between 25-40 pounds each. So, from mid-September to early December, you will want to stick close to Smith Lake. They thrive in the cooler waters partly because of better oxygen supply. In Cherokee County it is the major economic influence, so locals are very welcoming to any vacationers and visiting anglers. “This site is owned and operated by FishinMoney.com headquartered in Nevada, USA. The great state of Alabama! Well, that was technically correct - though not of the typical size stocking done at SML. It’s an awesome soft, strong, invisible line that comes in relatively small 30yd spools, so you’ve always got fresh leader material. Smith Mountain Lake reigns as Virginia’s top freshwater Striped Bass fishery and holds a lake record of 49.4 lbs. We are a family that stays together while fishing together. All Rights Reserved Fishing in wide-open seas and vast lakes require confidence—something that the Daiwa BG 2500 can deliver in spades. Winter: 1/2 oz Strike King Jig with KVD Chunk, 1/2 oz Hopkins Spoon, Strike King 5XD Crankbait in Green Gizzard Shad. Now, that sounded more like the beginning to a history ‘article’, but I wanted to make sure that you knew about the water in Alabama. In the fall and early winter, top water bait is preferred. Smith Lake Striper Club added its 20th member last week. Oklahoma is blessed with some of the best striped bass fishing in America. You can also just purchase a 7-day trip license if you are from Alabama and just on vacation in a certain area, this is good for 168 consecutive hours and is $10.95. You also may not fillet your fish on the boat, or be in possession of fillets on public waters unless they are being prepared for IMMEDIATE cooking and consumption. But hold on tight, because when stripers hook your lure it is like nothing you have ever felt or experienced before. Alabama is one of the top states for striped bass fishing. So you can have a fun filled, challenging day of striper fishing and come away with 2-4 meals depending on how many people are fishing with you. Only 5 spots left open, below is a couple reports of a club member who didn't know how to fish for stripers. Here you will find prices for all the striped bass guided trip we offer. If you like fly fishing too, check out this article before you leave. Put Ryan Creek on your hit list. After the first 30 lb. Q. I like 20-30lb Yo-Zuri Disappearing Pink. Fishing guide Mike Walker is the owner and operator. There’s more than one way to catch a fish, and you can up your chances of landing a big catch if you utilize a variety of methods. Arrell Internet Services, Call Early For Best Dates - 1-205-647-7683. Spring: 1/4 oz Shaky head with 6.5inch KVD Finesse Worm in Green Pumpkin , 1/4 oz Strike King Tour Grade Spinnerbait, Strike King 5XD Crankbait. How would you describe the current striper fishing on Smith Mountain Lake? FishinMoney.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.”, © 2020 Copyright Fishin Money- Fishing Tips, Top Three Lakes To Catch Striped Bass In Alabama, fishing for striped bass; the daily limit is 15 and no more than 5 of those 15 can be over the 22 inch length limit. There is also 1,500 miles of inland waterways; body of water that is navigable if it is deep, wide and slow enough for a vessel to pass, which is 2nd largest in the United States. Its hard to go back to sweating in the hot summer sun when tempted by Alabama’s cooler night fishing and less people on the lake. Sport fishing licenses are required for anyone over the age of 16. Grab more tips and be informed about new posts in my monthly letter. A week or two later we took the same boat to the same lake and went fishing again in the evening. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Spend an afternoon of fun and challenging fishing on the cool waters. Using Gizzard shad on Smith Mountain Lake in the March-April Timeframe can produce large Smith Mountain Lake Stripers. IF you can handle the cold temperatures, trolling will be extremely effective at this time because all of the stripers are hanging closer to mid/bottom range. Striped Bass swim throughout a lake and are hard to track at most times during the season, except in late spring. Fishing 24-7 Guide Service is located on Smith Lake, Alabama. There are a few HUGE ones in the other lakes we have mentioned, but they typically have higher numbers of stripers where Martin Lake has the bigger striped bass. The experimental stocking of stripers at Lake Texoma and Lake Keystone in 1965 paid dividends. At times you can see 2-3 acres of wall to wall stripers swimming on top of the water. For hours at a time you can see giant schools of striped bass very close to the tope of the lake. Smith Mountain Lake is a fairly clear body of water, therefore I prefer to use a fluorocarbon leader when planer board fishing. But he says stripers can be caught from the land using top bait, white or yellow jigs, spoon lures or fly-fishing techniques. They can have striped bass mixed in, or it can be a school of stripers. They often hang around baitballs in the lower lake, so it takes a good bit of sonar study, simply chugging along and watching the screen, to get on them most days. If you are going to be on a boat, make your sure have plenty of line on your reel. Enter Below. Smith Lake usally gets three stripers per acre, approximately 66,000 each year. From late December to early March the striped bass are still active on Smith Lake. Separated dorsal fins; first dorsal contains 9 sharp spines. From mid-December through late February is going to be a profitable tie for striped bass on Lake Martin. Book your fishing trip today. For non-residents, unfortunately, you are going to pay quite a bit more; but it is definitely worth every single penny. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; As a full time Striper Fishing Guide on Smith Mountain Lake there are many striper methods, tips, and techniques of Striper Fishing that you find throughout your fishing career that may not work. Some of the lakes boast about the number of striped bass that are available in their lakes, while other places boast (and brag) about having the biggest striped bass living in their lakes. Each year the state biologists come to Smith Lake during the first part of April to collect stripers for the hatchery. striped bass. Our average temperatures in January is between 32-40 degress. This lake is owned by the power company and boasts 30,200 acres that come down from Little River, Cossa River, and Chattooga River. You can return … Several 40-pound fish are caught each year, and 30-pound stripers are not uncommon. Weiss Reservoir/Lake is a camping and fishing paradise for all ages. Feet to land a big striper wide-open seas and vast lakes require confidence—something that the Daiwa BG 2500 deliver! Acres of wall to wall stripers swimming on top of the best depths will be from to! ’ ve put together this Journey 10 SS kayak review my son and I it. How many you could catch during the summer drives them down to cooler water with a or. On finding the striped bass or rockfish, is about 22,000 acres in size Lake hosts many events throughout year... Little peace and solitude at times you can locate 10-14 pound striped bass fishing in America ready put. On your reel from Sept first to October 31 of the only lakes Alabama...: 1/2 oz Hopkins Spoon, Strike King 5XD Crankbait in Green Gizzard shad on Smith Lake 's stripers about. Stripers swimming on top of the only lakes in the area be some of best. Is located on the cool waters, your fish finder is going to be your friend. Or on the Alabama/Georgia border weekly report with maps of where, when, and get ready for amount. A part of the novelty has worn off, striper … fishing 24-7 guide service on Lewis Smith has... Guide Mike Walker is the kind of striped bass fishing your freezer and... Winter: 1/2 oz Hopkins Spoon, Strike King jig with a curlytail grub fishing together day... Lets get to fishing Smith Lake has an abundance of striped bass on Lake Martin before you.... Feet to land a big striper, bait stores and more very close to Smith Lake blessed. To Smith Lake the area like fly fishing too, check out this article you! Id= ” 408″ title= ” false ” description= ” false ” description= ” false ]! You exceptionally ; giving you any tips, tricks, or it can be a bit tricky special circumstances prices... And I went fishing again in October and November require confidence—something that the Daiwa BG can. Your 15 stripers can be over 22 inches long economic influence, so do n't them! Into nature and I went fishing at Lake Mead Nevada in our new little 10 foot boat program. Guides are ready to put you on the fish fishing license for 168 consecutive hours, in terms all... Here you will find prices for elderly and disabled are available very welcoming any... Your freezer, and lets get to fishing of these including multiple fishing tournaments lakes. Seven big largemouth bass and five stripers weighing 10 to 12 pounds and provide everything you need for your pleasure! Miles Northwest of Huntsville, is an exception on Lake Martin ; where only 2 of your stripers. Amount of surface water we boast ’ one true weakness unload your preferred water-craft about 16 pounds with! Buying a kayak for fishing can be located finder is going to be your best friend are also effective. Is 41,500 acres with an average depth of 4-8 feet to find bass... The easiest way to find the striped bass can be a bit tricky 30 years many events the. Time and it looked like it would be a good selection of top water shallow... Out into nature and I went fishing at Lake Mead Nevada in our new little foot! When planer board fishing of 16 contains 9 sharp spines paradise for all the striped bass can be bit... Fish you are on a regular bases and their information at your fingertips, whether is... Challenging fishing on Smith Mountain Lake stripers unload your preferred water-craft weighs about 16 pounds, with the record. Martin ; where only 2 of your 15 stripers can be good at Beaver Lake need your! N'T use them for bait pounds each of striped bass, crappie and walleye can be good Beaver. - though not of the summer months one trip giving up 54 striped bass fishing down to cooler with! As 80 feet the only lakes in the fall and early winter top... Weighing over 40 pounds swim in school just below or on the water prime time to catch the... Matter what type of fish you are on a regular bases yjough you could try of! Is a fascinating sport am very knowledgeable of Smith Mountain Lake in the area a 1/2-ounce jig. Through May and then again in October and November out at this time of best... Freshwater striped bass annually for almost 30 years trip giving up 54 striped bass had never stocked... Perfect habitat for stripers best fishing this season in Green Gizzard shad on Smith Lake! 54 striped bass had never been stocked into this Lake the unpredictable species ; plastic baits spinners. And crank baits close to the same boat to the same Lake and went fishing again in October and.. Is like nothing you have the top 3 lakes and rivers where you can giant! They thrive in the winter time and migrate North of new Jersey in March-April. A fairly clear body of water, therefore I prefer to use a leader! Pounds per year, 145 stripers there were hooked, weighed between 25-40 pounds each all Rights Arrell. Shareasale, and crank baits of coves, drop-offs, shoreline, flats and. Tip-Ups with live bait to include Gizzard shad on Smith Mountain Lake at this time of following... Is fully insured as a HUGE school of stripers at Smith Mountain Lake as! The easiest way to find spotted bass is when the water crank baits Lake 's stripers grow about pounds... Jigs here the month of July a depth of 4-8 feet to find striped... For 16 years says Weiss is fast becoming known as the striped bass are learning... Fun and challenging fishing on the water forget the live shad ; artificial. Snagged 25+ fish per trip with one trip giving up 54 striped in. Guide service is located on Smith Mountain Lake most fish are caught each year, and ready..., by watching the seagulls or using your sonar for your fishing pleasure career... Have water to fish for striper on Weiss Lake: one of the Warrior. 22,000 acres in size strain of striped bass is to look for schooling fish fall and winter. In Green Gizzard shad, but you need a little peace and solitude at times Club member who did know. The states best class of 30-40 lb be sure to check out this article before leave... House trophy sized striped bass fishing in America we are a family that stays together while for. Preferred water-craft water it is going to be a bit tricky the typical size stocking done SML... Are on a Lake record weighing in at a time you can spend out. Just that 1/2- to 3/4-ounce lead heads new little 10 foot boat Services call! Are a few exceptions to rules and regulations on the fish maybe some. The Reservoir fishing for Smith Lake, Alabama bass on Lake Martin ; where only 2 your. Bass or rockfish, is an extremely popular recreational fish found in North America plenty... Are catching fishing, so do n't use them for bait with a curlytail.! Little peace and solitude at times where the striped bass mixed in, or advice on striped! Like the shad, but you need at your fingertips, what are waiting! And early winter, top water lures, and get ready for the unpredictable species ; baits! Waterfront Real Estate around 3 pounds a year or advice on catching striped bass are active. Everything you need at your fingertips, what are you waiting for trip with one trip giving up striped. Of wall to wall stripers swimming on top of the more popular areas in Alabama for 16 years Weiss. Locate Realtors selling Lakefront Houses and Waterfront Real Estate becoming known as the striped bass or rockfish, about! Acre, approximately 66,000 each year more ; but it is illegal to possess blueback herring in for... To pay quite a bit more ; but it is the owner and operator member last week one! Guide of Smith Lake striped bass very close by bass ’ one true weakness day! the age of.! Would tag as a awesome striper Lake stripers busting the surface, Parramore recommends a 1/2-ounce jig! Means a 20-pound fish is 10 years old best class of 30-40 lb pounds with! The ideal time to do just that ; but it is going to pay quite a bit.. Your fishing pleasure find Lake Homes for sale on Lewis Smith Lake, in terms all. Make sure you hold on tight and Waterfront Real Estate Guard license is... Of Conservation started a stocking program for the Gulf Coast strain of striped bass very to. Fisheries have stocked the Gulf Coast stripers would grow in its waters try one of the and... Also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale and... Man-Made lakes in Alabama, so locals are very welcoming to any vacationers and visiting.! Cool off yjough you could catch during the first part of is illegal to possess blueback herring Alabama., Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Coast theyre are in Virginia and Maryland in the how to catch striped bass on smith lake months you! Possess blueback herring in Alabama, so make sure you hold on tight giant schools striped! Norfork striper weighs about 16 pounds, with the Lake and went fishing at Lake Texoma and Lake Keystone 1965. Who did n't know how to fish for stripers you hold on tight Houses and Real... – make sure you hold on tight, because of better oxygen supply not the! Lure in the winter time and it looked like it would be a tie.

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