Wood Plugs in the Hudson? Am I crazy

[lsmokeBXNYC]

I have been told by more than a few..If you plan on plugging the upper Hudson "Your just gonna get yourself tired."
"They won't hit plugs they can't see, they go to the scent"
I was also told the fish behavior is different than being in salt. They are in spawning mode and eat to continue moving North to spawning grounds.

Then I hear conflicting stories saying that
"depending on visibility and action of the lure it's possible"
"Maybe add scent to the plug."
"Try poppers or pencils"

I'm not one to back down from a challenge. So it's my own personal challenge for this year.
I've tried a couple times so far but remain unsuccessful. I have scoped out tributaries that lead into the Hudson and have experienced very clear water.
I plan on giving them a better shot once the fish get more stacked up.

Any feedback..would be greatly appreciated..

I'm talking wood plugs not necessarily tins but if you have had success with them more than wood please feel free to chime in.

[GoMets]

I'll be interested how you do. Met a guy at the Rondout creek last year who said he's had a lot of success with plugs, had a whole box of them and seemed experienced. I've tried plugs a little with no success, but don't know much of anything about how to fish them. I just don't see a lot of surface action from stripers in the creeks or on the main river until much later in the season so I'm not sure what conditions they would hit in.

[Striperjim]

I've seen them work there especially around the flats near the lighthouse in the shallows in am. Smaller profiles. I used to sit on the bank in the mornings watching guys pluck them on plastic thundersticks and rebels from bass boats.
Ive only had success on worms, herring and bunker from the shore although I tried paddletails and bucktails and everything else.
A guy pmd me and told me to use big pencils at a certain spot.
Dont personally get out to go often enough But yes they do definatively work.
The mackeral colored magnum divers were the trolling lures of choice two years ago. They were working the channels below kingston at around 16 to 20 feet.

[darndam]

Im usually able to pick up some smaller stripers with topwater plugs toward the end and even after the spring run. Its the only time I use them, but when you hit its a totally different feeling than bait. They get attacked and its pretty cool to watch a 24" fish crash through the water to get at them.

[tree-on]

Saw a guy catch 20" class stripers one after another up at the TD late in the season on poppers. I tried and got nothing. Like everything else there are tricks and techniques for every method.

[lsmokeBXNYC]

Thanks guys... I figure anythings possible but you won't know if you dont try.
So, its officially ON... "The Hudson River Plug Challenge" that is.. (above the TZB)
If anyone wants to join me in my 2011 challenge feel free. This could be fun.
Post a pic if you get one this year.

[518striperz]

Why are u spot burning tree on that's bull man

[Striperjim]

I wouldnt think its considered spot burning saying your using big pencils near any dam. Thats like a no brainer.

[518striperz]

Ok its still spot burning I want that post deleted its bull s*it , can you please delete it

[Striperjim]

Ok - its edited - stop swearing we dont know you well enough.

[518striperz]

Thank you, just angry at that post

[cdubz14]

lolzz^

[tree-on]

Originally Posted by 518striperz

Thank you, just angry at that post

Did not think that spot was a secret.

[lsmokeBXNYC]

Me either, I've only been up in Troy once though.
Guess it wasn't BS as you say, 518.. There must be some truth to his statement to warrant such an angry reaction.
Were you the plug dude he was talking about? If so no worries
Besides, I live too far South to infringe on your secret plug spot.
I know spot burning is a no no but if i asked who has caught a carp on a mackeral rig and where? (which would be highly unlikely) and someone happens to know the general area in which one might be most successful.
I don't see that as a big issue.
Except to the guy who catches carp on mackeral rigs.
I find it humorous that a internet post could make anyone angry.
I declare Shenanigans...518 lighten up, we can all learn from each others' participation..

[GoMets]

So lsmokeBXNYC, did you manage to get any fish this year on plugs?