Question About Stripers And Whites...

[kjackson]

Do the larger whites and stripers hang out below the bait like salmon will? I've found that at times, chinook salmon will let the younger, faster fish tear into the schools of bait while they are well below the action, waiting for the cripples to come to them.

The reason I'm asking is that on my trip to Lake Ontario last week, I did a bit of three-way fishing where the guides would rig Kwikfish and the 3.5 Mag Lip Flatfish to run off three-way swivels that would then be dragging on the bottom. I'm thinking about giving it a shot when I fish later this week. One of the guys said he does the same thing for stripers, and this got me to thinking...I always get in trouble thinking, so I thought I'd ask if this was a waste of time.

For those not familiar with the 3.5 Mag Lip, it is a deep-diving plug from Yakima Bait that will run to 15 feet (or so) on 10 fluorocarbon. It's a smallish lure, and it should work here, not that it has for me yet. It has a wide wobble and will skip a beat to add to its appeal.

Thanks.

[J-Doc]

I don't know the answer for sure but my gut says "yes". My experience also tells me the bigger whites and hybrids hang out with fish their own size. You see consistent catches when they are schooling. They also like to hang out around main lake and secondary points. Once you find them, hang around for a while and eventually the water will boil like phiranna attacking fresh meat!

As for stripers, I think you're right. Bigger hang out like bulls below the smaller ones above. Largemiuth do that I'm told.

[Feathers and Fins]

Yes they do and so do some monster largemouth, seen it on the graph then verified with the camera.

Problem with setting up the double rig is whites will make quick work of the idea I tried it a few times and same results. Now if you can get out of the whites it works great on crappie and walleye. Rig a Rapala SR9 and 5 feet above it tie the three-way off it go 3ft leader and tie on a plastic swim bait either straight hook or 1/4 jig head.

Another option is a version of the Donkey rig with 2 1/4 plastic swim baits tied two feet apart in the same manner its devastating on smallmouth and I cant wait to try it for other species

[kjackson]

The three-way rig I was referring to has a weight on the dropper that pulls the lure down to the bottom... never thought of the other alternative. I have considered running a stinger off a line when using the downrigger. That is simply a short leader on a snap with the lure being something like a spoon or a minnow bait.

Just got word that Strike King is coming out with a line of walleye baits. We'll have to see what those look like and how they perform.

[J-Doc]

Just got word that Strike King is coming out with a line of walleye baits. We'll have to see what those look like and how they perform.

As long as KVD is not endorsing them, they should be more affordable. :-)

I'd like to see a bait that is as effective as the Flicker but for $3 a bait. (Wishfull thinking I know)

[J-Doc]

Don't get me wrong, I like KVD. I just hope it's not over priced due to endorsement by anyone. Yes......I know KVD is a bass angler and not a walleye chaser.

[Feathers and Fins]

KJ, I on occasion I will take a Kokanee clip and put it on my downrigger line 5ft above the weight and other bait.... typically a small 2'' crappie swim bait and up to 3'' works great on crappie.

[YAKFM]

I am sure many are aware, but the Flicker Minnow is coming out this Summer-June or July release, I believe. It will be offered in 12 colors initially and two sizes-the size 7 (2.75 inches) and size 9 (3.5 inches), which can reach trolling depths of 14-17 and 18-23 FOW, respectively. The co-developers, Parsons and Kavejecz, have been using them on the pro tour for over a year now. Reportedly with great success. I found the above information in the following In-Fisherman article from April: http://www.in-fisherman.com/2014/04/18/berkley-flicker-minnow/.

[Ron Burgundy]

yep, can't wait!

[Feathers and Fins]

I am always leery of new baits but "Parsons" has for years been associated with something special in the walleye world and unlike many pro's who just stamp their name on things he doesn't. I have had the pleasure to talk to him a couple times and he just gives me the feeling that in no way would he allow anything he has worked on to be put in the publics hands if it isn't the best of the best. Granted these were at shows but something about him had a trust factor.

The baits release date doesn't bode well for southern walleye anglers but does for the northern boys, so I don't think we will see their true effectiveness until next fall or spring I will be buying #7's for sure but not certain on the #9 I want to see it first and compare its profile to the forage fish size's. The #9 Flicker-shad is a good but limited bait it is most effective when you are around Gizzard shad. Nail if the Minnow is similar to a reef-runner but the characteristics of a Flicker then you better buy them before I find them lol.