hey fnf... nice plug you got there

nck is right.... it takes a little practice to get the pencil popper to work on top if you've never thrown a plug before. but it's not difficult at all. it is one of the easiest lure to work on top with a little twitch and pull on the rod tip you can make that popper move with some splashing in the water to try to entice the fish and explode in front of you and run with your lure. only thing you can do bout the crashing wave is timing when you cast your lure, you wanna make sure cast your lure on the back side of an incoming wave, it keeps it from going under and stays on top long enough for a striper to even get a chance to chase the lure. Perhaps it's time to meet up at the beach and do a little demo.

hey nck..... when will you get some CTS rods to demo? I'ts almost spring time....

sounds like a plan guys. you tell me when and i'll make my best effort to see you guys there!

Louis,
Nice assortment going to CBT! You should post some of the pics of the "custom" paint job on your plugs. The ones that are display only!!

I am working with Rich on the logistics of that...soon! On the side note the CF&G just voted down the rule change proposal for stripers!! I am Stoked!!

You mean this Glenn?.....

That is great news!!! Save the stripers for the next generation to enjoy..... thumbs up!!!

That's great news!

To the average person that is a box with wood in it...To the surfcaster that is a "TREASURE CHEST!!!!!"

The "typical" striped bass season usually starts in late March beginning of April. The fish are small in the 14-16 inch range. As we get into mid May the fish are a solid 18 inches. Mid May into June there is a good mix of 18-24 inch fish and they are starting to school up nice. June and July are the peak months to have a good shot at catching fish in the 20 - 30 pound range. You really have to work for those fish.

The above is if everything goes according to plan. There have been a few years where I've only caught 10 -15 fish all season. Needless to say it's very hit and miss unlike the east coast where they are right in the migration path and can count on the fish coming through.

I'm going to share some promising news so don't tell anyone. Haaahaaaa! Stripers are being caught right now. Not in great numbers but the fish that are being caught are already consistently in the 18-20 inch range. The ones I saw on the beach were fat like footballs. If the fish are this big now I can only imagine what they will look like come June and July. It seems like the bait guys using bloodworms are getting majority of the hits right now.

I don't think this is a fluke because the fish are from Seaside to Santa Cruz....keepers! Again this is a very sporadic bite and nobody has reported the fish to be in schools or concentrated in anyone particular area. I hope this is a sign for another good striper season on the Monterey Bay Beaches.

If this is your first shot at striper fishing a good go to lure is a white hair raiser with curly tail. Depending on what type of rod you are using a 1 oz up to 1 1/2 oz hair raiser will catch fish.

I'll keep you posted....

Glenn

Excellent report as always Glenn...... It's time to hit the surf..... it's early in the season but there are stripes cruzin the beaches.

You said it Louis.... Time to hit the beach! Get out now and get your casting arms, back and legs in shape for the heat of the season. LOL
You won't catch fish by standing in one place. You need to be on the move. I'll try to keep count how many times I cast in a session.....or maybe not. Haaaaahaaaaa

i hope its a good year....I will be on my hunt for my Moby! I dont keep any stripers, I want them to grow big...Very BIG!

arrrr dar she blows

The bait guys (live grass shrimp, blood worms, sand crabs) have been more successful are picking up some schools but again oohing consistent. The bait guys are actually targeting perch but getting lucky and picking up a striper here and there.

Now is the time to get your stuff together. Change hooks, sharpen hooks, change line, get your backpack or lure bag set up..... Some guys have asked if I had one lure to take what would it be. White Hair Raiser (East Coast call them Bucktails LOL) with a curly tail!!!!!

I like bucktails..... but Glenn, gotta have lures before you can set up your lure bag.....LOL