Ready to ditch the live bait and still catch some monster stripers? This private fishing trip is your ticket to mastering the art of artificial lures. Whether you're new to striper fishing or looking to up your game, we've got you covered. Grab your light spinning gear and get ready for a half-day of casting, jigging, and reeling in some serious fun.
Leave the smelly bait bucket behind and join us for a hands-on adventure in striper fishing. We'll spend a solid half-day on the water, focusing on techniques that'll have you fooling fish like a pro. This trip is all about learning the ropes of using swimbaits, jigheads, and soft plastics to entice those hard-fighting stripers. It's perfect for beginners looking to land their first boat-caught striper or experienced anglers wanting to sharpen their artificial lure skills. With a max of four guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one coaching from your guide.
We're all about finesse on this trip. You'll be working with light spinning gear, which is ideal for casting artificial lures and feeling those subtle striper strikes. We'll show you how to rig up swimbaits that wiggle just right, how to work a jighead to mimic baitfish, and the secrets to selecting the perfect soft plastic for the conditions. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques – we'll break it down step-by-step and have you fishing like a local in no time. And for you seasoned anglers, we might just have a few tricks up our sleeve to take your artificial game to the next level.
Fishing with artificials isn't just about chucking and winding. We'll dive into the why and how of lure selection, showing you how to match the hatch and pick the right colors and sizes for different conditions. You'll learn to read the water, spot structure, and understand how stripers relate to it throughout the day. We'll cover everything from slow-rolling swimbaits near the bottom to working topwater lures for those heart-stopping surface strikes. By the end of the trip, you'll have a solid grasp on when to use each technique and how to adapt on the fly.
Striped Bass: These hard-fighting bruisers are the stars of the show. Stripers can grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon in some areas. They're known for their powerful runs and tendency to head for structure when hooked. Spring and fall are often prime times for striper fishing, but with the right techniques, you can target them year-round in many places. What makes stripers so exciting is their versatility – they'll hit topwater lures with explosive strikes, chase down fast-moving swimbaits, or inhale a slowly worked soft plastic near the bottom. Their adaptability means you're always in for a challenge and a potential trophy catch.
Bluefish: While we're primarily after stripers, don't be surprised if we tangle with some toothy bluefish along the way. These aggressive predators are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Blues typically show up in force during the warmer months, often following bait schools. They're not picky eaters and will gladly attack your artificial lures – sometimes with enough force to startle even experienced anglers. Fighting a big bluefish on light tackle is an absolute blast and a great chance to test your drag system. Just watch those teeth when unhooking them!
There's something special about fooling a big striper with an artificial lure. It's a mix of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck that keeps anglers coming back for more. On this trip, you're not just passively waiting for a bite – you're actively working your lures, reading the water, and constantly adapting your approach. It's engaging, challenging, and incredibly rewarding when it all comes together. Plus, with no live bait to mess with, you can focus entirely on perfecting your casting and retrieve techniques. Many of our guests find that once they master these artificial methods, they rarely go back to live bait fishing for stripers.
Whether you're looking to break into the world of striper fishing or want to add some serious artificial lure skills to your arsenal, this trip is your golden ticket. With a private boat, expert guidance, and a focus on proven techniques, you're setting yourself up for success. Remember, we keep the group small with a max of four guests, so you'll get plenty of personalized attention. Don't let another season slip by without upping your striper game – book your spot now and get ready for some rod-bending, drag-screaming action. Trust us, once you start catching stripers on artificials, you'll be hooked for life!
Bluefish are aggressive predators that'll give you an exciting fight. They typically range from 3 to 10 pounds, but can get up to 20. You'll find them in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries during the warmer months, usually arriving here in June and sticking around until October. These fish are known for their feeding frenzies - they'll attack schools of smaller fish with such vigor that the water looks like it's boiling. That aggression makes them a blast to catch. They'll hit just about any lure or bait you throw at them. Bluefish are great eating when prepared right, with a rich, flavorful meat. Try them fresh on the grill. When fishing for blues, use wire leaders - their sharp teeth will slice through regular line. And watch your fingers when unhooking them. Those teeth are no joke! A local trick: if you see birds diving and fish jumping, that's likely a bluefish blitz. Get a lure in there quick for some fast action.
Striped bass, or "stripers," are a prized catch around here. These powerful fish can grow up to 40 pounds, though most are in the 20-30 pound range. You'll find them near structures like reefs, sandbars, and drop-offs, often cruising the shorelines looking for food. Spring and fall are prime seasons as the bass migrate. Anglers love targeting stripers for their strong fights and excellent taste. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they'll give you a good battle on light tackle. Early morning or evening are the best times to cast your line. If you're new to striper fishing, try using swimbaits or soft plastics - no live bait needed. Work your lure slowly near the bottom, mimicking the movement of their favorite prey. And here's a local tip: look for diving birds. That usually means there's a school of bait fish below, with hungry stripers not far behind.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 260