As usual, I couldn't get out as much as I wanted this spring, it almost always seemed to windy for my 17' Boat. And I usually have to travel atleast 20 miles or more to get to where the large migrating Stripers are. But when I was able to make the long boat ride, It didn't take long until
I hooked up with big fish, It usually took less then a half hour! The big trick was to get out early, by 9am the bay was usually crowded with fisherman and the fish wouldn't bite as readily with all the commotion.I usually would mix it up by trolling and casting, the trolling was usually the ticket, but I had some good days on light tackle.
I would normally get a limit by trolling, then spend the rest of the day experimenting with different tactics and locations. eventhough I didn't have a lot of success experimenting, I think I get a lot better feeling of accomplishment then just trolling all day long, plus its less boring.
It would be nice if the big migrating fish stayed in the Chesapeake longer, but I can't wait to start catching the schools of smaller resident fish on light tackle with only a short boat ride.
What a great fishery we have here, I feel so blessed for living so close to the chesapeak
e.
