Cland striper report

Fished today, up the creek my old depth finder thing reported 49 on the top. I would usually report which creek I was in but there were several low horsepower boats up there so i would doubt that I would have their permission to do so,did not ask.Up to the head in the 25 foot depth level there was a ton of small bait on the surface to about 20 feet with actual big stripers chasing them to the top. They actually came up next to the boat and I could see them, 20 plus fish.And they were intent to eat and chase little shad on the surface for about 30yards before they would go down. They did that all day but would not hit a jig or little mac. The big fish just would not eat a lure. I did have 2 pull downs with shiners (big ones) down from the boat at 20 feet but obviously they were fed. I will say that is the most really big fish that i have seen for several years and from what I saw we were all skunked. i did catch 3 little ones on the jig away from where the big ones were sited. I did catch a 30 pound plus drum on a jig on 10 pound test. I do not know why, but my last 3 trips to cland I have caught monster drum,I must smell bad or something, I will mount the next one I catch that i can stick both fists down its mouth. Happy New year to ya.

Thanks for the report.

Did you try any small live bait? I would have probably had to jump on top of one.

I remember being on a guide trip with Fred McClintock and throwing big redfins. I was looking at the cliffs above the river and then looked down at my lure. There were about three 35lb+ fish right behind it just following it very slowly.

I hate when they get on that small bait like that. Some of my surf fishing friends swear by throwing large plugs when they are on the small stuff. Theory is if you try and match the hatch its your lure versus 100,000 baits that all look the same. A large plug stands out. Often they've seen pods of small bait part when the plug comes through, further making the plug stand out. Seems to work for them. I've tried that at Cumberland from time to time and not had much luck. On the Ohio I'll actually use a 1-2 oz slab spoon and place a small deceaver streamer 18-24 inches above the spoon when they are chasing small baits. Have caught a bunch of Hybrids and a few Stripers that way.

Andrew

Ok guys I have the answer to this problem as I have seen it many times on C-land. Last year I tried the Gizz 4 from smack tackle. You can't turn the reel handle more than 3 times when the fish are up like that without getting bit, especially during this time of year when they are chasing small bait. We have actually caught and released as many as 13 in afternoon. I also caught a 7+ smallie that was mixed in with the stripers. This bait has never let me down whenever the fish are up. Disclaimer: I do work for smack tackle, I just love their crankbaits.