Stocking a wiper/striper tackle box from scratch...

[PA StriperChaser]

Howdy Fellas,

I've been reading the forums for a bit now as a guest and decided to register. I've been dreaming (and reading) of wiper/striper fishing for the last couple years. At long last I've gotten a boat and can get out there where they live . I've been away from fishing for many years so I'm basically starting from scratch when it comes to outfitting my tackle boxes . What would you all suggest as basic, well-rounded lures/jigs/live bait rigs to outfit myself with. Please be specific as to manufacturer and model ( again, I've been away from all this for a while).

I'm open to suggestions on tackle/gear and equipment too - much of mine has been broken/lost/whatever over the years.

BTW, I actually like to troll and have two Scotty propacks from years ago( for what it's worth).

Thanks in advance for the help.

P.S. I forgot to mention... Alewives are the primary forage in my local lake, but gizzard shad are present in many other nearby (within 2 hrs) lakes - if that helps.

[MasterBaiter]

I have never fished for stripers other than in the ocean but I would probably work the same kinds of baits. Large crank baits, bucktails, topwater pencils/poppers/needlefish. If herring are predominant in your lake, try to match their patterns but throw something a little different just to attract more looks from fish. My favorite live bait is eels, not sure if you can get those or if they would do well in a lake tho....Chunked herring (if its legal) will probably get you good results....or whole herring, remember the bigger the bait the bigger the fish you will attract....just my .02...good luck.......and welcome to the site, all these guys are very helpful and I'm sure this post will be followed by much more helpful info

[JakeF]

If you like trolling, I'd pick up a couple Tube & Worm rigs. Tip the hook with a monster night crawler and troll it slowly around structure near the bottom. This is primarily a saltwater rig used with sea worms, but nightcrawlers work nearly as well.

[panfish]

If I were going to fish live bait, all you needs are hooks, weights, swivels, beads, and planner boards and of course a shad tank.

I like Offshore Tackle boards, and I use a CreekBank shad tank.

When the water gets warm like it is now. I troll bucktail jigs or buck tail spinners, or umbrella rigs. http://www.cumberlandpro.com/


You will also need a cast net to catch your bait. I like to throw 5 and 7 ft nets. They are easier to throw, get hung up less, and are less expensive.

Also it is nice to have rods with line counters to help control your depths and trolling distances. I use Cabelas Depthmasterâ„¢ Gold Linecounter Reels/Depthmasterâ„¢ Trolling Combos. They are economically priced and do a great job.

I also like Little Casino's Stealth Rigs. These can be used in place of downriggers. To get a better desription, go to the sweetwater room and the fifth sticky down is a post on these.

This will be an awesome arsenal to put you on the fish.

[PA StriperChaser]

baitrunner,
The tube and worm rigs... I haven't heard of these bing used on fresh water much less for hybrids have you used them in freshwater/ hybrids ?
Thanks to all that have posted.
Keep the info coming guys.

[JakeF]

I haven't personally,, but I sent a few to a buddy back in Missouri and he's having good luck with them. Blood red & black tubes with big ass nightcrawlers.

[LittleMiamiJeff]

If there are Gizzard Shad, the Gizz4 crank bait is a must.
Green Pearl, Black Pearl, Red Pearl and White.
I like Orange Chartreuse, but that's an Ohio River favorite of mine.
http://www.smacktackle.com/index.html
Check them out, STRIPER CANDY!
LMJ

[JakeF]

Hey LMJ,, I've been giving those Gizz 4 quite a bit of time lately in the salt. Have yet to catch a Striper with one, but did have a monster bluefish smash the Blue/Black one

[Striperjim]

Some %$#$er stole mine with a bunch of my freshwater tackle.

[YAZ]

Originally Posted by LittleMiamiJeff

If there are Gizzard Shad, the Gizz4 crank bait is a must.
Green Pearl, Black Pearl, Red Pearl and White.
I like Orange Chartreuse, but that's an Ohio River favorite of mine.
http://www.smacktackle.com/index.html
Check them out, STRIPER CANDY!
LMJ

Hey LMJ,

You remind me of the "Slim Jim guy". Popping up everywhere, holding a fist full of Gizz 4's, shouting "eat me!!!!".

Yaz

[PA StriperChaser]

striperjim-

Actually, that's what happened to me a number of years ago (someone broke a window in my vehicle and stole three tackle boxes full, and three casting rod/reels) . I never did replace the items and now I've found myself severly lacking for tackle and gear .

Please keep the info coming.

[Striperjim]

It was some hump in my community or a guest.
My fishing license was in it with my address.
No point getting upset. I had a trolling motor, mushroom anchor and a battery taken at my beach 3 years ago so its not a complete surprize. Its 70 yards from my door.
Normally I can leave stuff around but in the summer the sh*t heads show up.
Sorry for hijacking the thread.
I get to stock a new one from scratch. That was my panfish and large mouth tackle.
The gizz 4s are a bit costly but they are a great plug. I switched out the hooks on one for the salt but it was in that box. Ill have to order a few more.

[PA StriperChaser]

Hey guys,

Besides terminal tackle, I'd be interested in hearing some advice on what type and how many of rod/reel combos to stock up on. Please realize, this all is expensive so I'm buying some now, some later and plan to be fully stocked 'til next season . It would be nice to know what to buy initially and what to leave for later.

I'm looking at casting rod/reels - any recommendations as to make, model line weight and capacity .... rod actions ? How many of you use spinning gear and how much use does it see ( I already have several very good Shimano outfits, a bit stiff though - used them for jigging smallies up on Lake Ontario).

Thanks again.

[Slowretrieve]

If you are fishing freshwater, I would also recommend having some Kastmasters, about 1.0 oz. or less in gold and chrome; some Bomber Slab Spoons in chartreuse; and an array of Stump Jumpers with both the 4 and th 6 inch tails.

I prefer spinning gear after dark and baitcasters during the day. I fish mostly wipers and they eat reels and rods. Buy nothing shorter than 7 feet and nothing less than a medium rod. Bass Pro has a great one for $49 and for about the same price, Cabela's has onee called a Tourney Special. I vote for 12 lb. test for trolling with baitcasters and 8# test for all other. I stay far, far away from braided line. It is just too quirky. Sufix makes a great line. For a reel it is impossible to beat a Shakespeare Catera, available at Wal Mart for about $30. Don't get the small one. Pflueger Trion is also very graceful reel to handle, adaptable to all situations, and it stands up to the beating these fish hand out. That's my two bits worth from the heartland.

[PA StriperChaser]

Slowretrieve-

Thank you !! That's exactly the sort of info I was looking for. I didn't find "stump Jumpers" at Cabela's but did at BassPro . I see that these are the horse head looking jigs with a spinner on them - correct? BTW, how do you fish these ? .. A sort of hopping retrieve maybe ?

You mentioned a rod for $49 - Which one were you refering to - I found several near that price, but none exactly that price. How about line capacity on reels ? How much is enough - what is a long run for a hybrid ?

The Shakespeare Catera - spinning reel or baitcaster ?

I've looked at the Trions - which model the low profile or round . Do the round versions cast as well as the low pro's ?

What do you think of the Abu Garcia baitcasters ? Any particular model .

I grew up casting a Shimano Bantam 100 (wood handles - probably a collectors item now) , but that's about as advanced a baitcaster as I ever used.

Thanks again. I appreciate your patience with all the questions . Previously, when I was really into fishing, there weren't so many choices or things to know.