| Each Fall Long Island becomes the stage for the migration for premier game fish of the north east – the Striped Bass. Now is the time to get to the shore, try your luck and get into a tussle with a “Striper” I recommend a surf rod in the 9’ to 12’ range. Surf rods have a long handle, or “butt”. This allows leverage when casting. Match the rod with a spinning reel. Fishing lines come in assorted “tests” which relate to the strength of the line. A good line for all around use is 12lb test. The spinning reel fits in the reel seat on the underside of the surf rod, and should be cast and reeled in with the reel slung under the rod. Attach a “leader” to your main line. This is a heavier section of monofilament that protects the lure from being bitten off by a game fish. Your lure of choice is attached to the leader. Speaking of lures, some work great for catching fish, others are better at catching fishermen! Let’s review the basic, tried and true lures; metals, bucktail jigs, poppers, and stickbaits. Each of these styles of lure mimics live bait, which striped bass feed on. Metal lures have the advantage of being heavy, which enables longer casts. This is particularly important in windy conditions. The flash of the metal resembles silvery colored baitfish. Popular brands include Hopkins, Kastmaster, and Ava. Bucktails are classic lures that are both simple in design, and effective. These jigs are usually comprised of a heavy metal “head,” molded to a hook, which is dressed with hair. They owe their effectiveness to the resemblance they have to just about anything a striped bass feeds on. To give this lure a little extra action, add piece of specially prepared pork rind to the hook – available at tackle shops. Poppers and stickbaits are popular lures on the “Striper Coast.” These are usually made from plastic in a variety of colors. They are especially deadly when fish are working feeding close to the surface in an activity known as a “blitz”. Stick baits are Torpedo shaped with a lip on the front that makes them wobble and dive when retrieved. Poppers are cylindrical with a flat, cupped front. Twitch the rod as you retrieve a popper to make it gurgle and pop, like a bait fish in distress. The adrenaline rush when a striper hits a popper on the surface is addictive! A “surf bag” is handy to have for keeping your lures, knife, scissors, hook remover, and flashlight in. What you wear when fishing in the Fall is important. The weather can be cold, and the surf rough. Neoprene chest waders are a good idea. Wear a belt outside of them for safety, as this will keep a wave from filling your waders. If you plan on fishing from a rock jetty, “Korkers” are a must. These are studded footwear that fits over wader boots and allow you to navigate slippery rocks. A water proof top, over fleece and thermal underwear layers will keep you comfortable and focused on your quarry. Now your ready to get in on the exciting Fall striper run! |
Jan Christopher Porinchak is a middle school art teacher, Scientific Illustrator, and Cornell Cooperative Certified Master Naturalist. He holds level 1 archery coaching certification through USA Archery. Contact Jan for archery instruction, illustration work, and for |
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