In the 1960s and early 1970s, many states promoted
the
stocking of striped bass in large reservoirs.
The striped bass is well known for
its tremendous tackle busting tail spacking
fighting qualities, and is Americas fastest growing sport fish.
Although striped bass are classified as an anadromous species (live in a salt water environment, but migrate into fresh water to spawn), Striped bass can live in totally fresh water without migrating to oceans or gulfs.
Striped bass grow to gigantic sizes.
The
Arkansas state record is
64 1/2 pounds while the World Record
Striped Bass is 78 pounds.
Striped bass can feed on large gizzard shad, which few other fish utilize efficiently.
Predication or Competition with largemouth bass and crappie, is next to nothing.
South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas, Virginia, Mississippi and Oklahoma and other states have conducted study after study with similar results and concluded that sport fish are not a primary food item of striped bass.
Research does indicates that stripers, particularly those larger than 10 pounds, suffer from thermal stress when forced to live in excessively warm waters, the fish exhibit lethargic behavior, poor feeding habits, weight loss, bacterial and fungal infections, and even death.
Freshwater striped bass were found to be very sensitive to temperature variations within stocked waters and will sacrifice food requirements to remain in areas with cool water.
These cool water areas are usually produced from the waters of flooded springs or are found in cooler layers of water deep within the reservoir.
Striped bass prefer temperatures around 68 degrees.
BEST PLACES TO CATCH STRIPED BASS:
Tailwaters below dams during the spring and fall months.
Upper tributaries of reservoirs in winter and spring months.
Deep water in clear lakes near submerged humps, in timber or islands in summer.
BEST BAITS TO CATCH STRIPERS:
Live gizzard shad approximately 5-14 inches in size.
Large artificial plugs (Redfin or Rapala) at sunrise or sunset.
Slow trolling with large spoon, buck-tail jigs or mirror lures.
Introducing striped bass and
hybrid striped bass into Reservoirs,
have anglers learning new techniques.
The most popular method for catching stripers in reservoirs may be suspending live baitfish such as gizzard shad in an area where fish congregate or are holding.
In tailwaters, anglers can drift-fish live bait or buck-tailed jigs with the current some of the most awesome topwater fishing can occur in these areas.
Another reservoir method is trolling shad over an area of hungry striped bass.
If you prefer artificial baits, a magnum Rapala or Cordell Redfin cast into an area where
Striped Bass are aggressively feeding on the surface will usually reward you with some tackle busting
memories for years to come. Keep a tight grip on your rod.
Whatever method you choose you are in for some spectacular fishing experiences
angling for the Striped Bass.
If you want to speed up your ability and knowledge to catch these line sided
tackle bustin nomads Hire a
Striped Bass Guide .
Arkansas Striped Bass
Striped Bass Articles
and Reports
Striped Bass History
Striped Bass Life Cycle
Striper Facts
Striped Bass References
Striped Bass Stocked in Pacific Ocean
Striped Bass
Spawning
Facts
Striper Boats
Fish Finders
Live Shad
for Stripers
Keeping Live Bait Alive
Striper Reproduction Mounts
Catch and
Release
Can Kill Stripers
Fishing Line
Striper Age
Weight Chart
Bait Tanks
Cast nets
Best Times To
Catch Stripers
Striper Seasons
Search the Outdoors
Fishing-Hunting
Local Fishing "Slang"
Morone saxatilis
Fishing Tackle
Live Wells
for Stripers
Site Map