newbie needs help

[ranger700xp]

Hello everyone. Just wanted to run my idea by you guys to see what you think. I am a complete novice when it comes to striper fishing, but I've been reading alot on the internet and have picked my method. I will be using live shad as bait. To keep them alive I think I have decided on the Grayline (20 or 30 gal.) bait tank. I will be fishing them on downrigged lines. Also, if it helps, I'll be fishing lake Tillery in NC.
How do you guys think this will work? And should I troll the bait or just sit still. My fishfinder shows lots of big fish suspended at about 35-50 feet in 65 feet of water. I thought about counting my 4 rods down to 25,35,45, and 50 feet. Any ideas will be appreciated.

[NC Jim]

Troll down rods w/trolling motor. Look around mile marker 11, bouy may still be gone? Check for stripers in creeks holding bait. Fish won't be deep in the morning or evening 10-15, but up to 25 feet midday. Check out creek bank bait tanks made right there in albemarle, they have a great design. Shad can usualy be caught around swift island ramp this time of year. The fish your seeing deep are likely big cats, stripers wil be bunched together this time of year. All this rain we had will have the river messed up, running flood gates will have trees and debris floating down river. Good luck, Jim

[ranger700xp]

Thanks Jim, lots of good ideas for me there. I appreciate the info alot.

[jford]

They are on the same pattern at Lake Murray in SC. Between ramp 3 and big man bridge in 60' of water suspended at 20-35'. Several limits in consectutive trips reported. Same place is also killing the catfish. Nice ones. They were drift fishing with rods in holders. Cut hering for bait.