Successful Striper Search

Met up with Carl (shifty1) and Dave (badog) for a day of searching for stripers on the Delta.  It was a beautiful day, but the fish were not around as we trolled the banks and tulle edges (pic 1).  We came across an area that had some activity from the fish and birds chasing bait, but couldn't get any hook-ups.  Carl decided to hang around that spot and try his luck for a hungry fish; Dave and I continued north to search for linesiders.  I finally got a fish, but it was the wrong species, a dinky LMB (pic 2).  As I took the pic, I noticed my net floating away.  Thankfully Dave was there to lend a helping hand (pic 3).

Later, Dave scored his first striper on the troll.  This nice 22 inch fatty gave him a nice surprise (pic 1).

I found a school of hungry stripers and got four of them on topwater.  The biggest was 18 inches, pic 2.  I missed several blowups (or did they miss me).  I also got an average LMB on the spook.

Dave couldn't get any stripers to hit his rattletrap, but this porky LMB liked it well enough.  The fish weighed in at 2.7 pounds, pic 3.

On the way home, both Dave and I scored a striper.  Mine was 22 inches and gave my new Okuma rod a good workout (pic 1).  Dave's fish came moments later and was the biggest of the day.  He did a great job playing and landing the fish, which measured out at 23 to 24 inches, pic 2 and 3.

All-in-all it was a great day on the water, beautiful fall weather, and a successful day of fishing. 

The company was great as well: Dave and Carl, it was nice to have you along for the trip today.  I hope we can do it again soon.

Have a great week.

Bryan

Bryan,
   Nice report and nice fish!  Where did you guys end up fishing?

Martin

Wish I could of finished the marathon troll but a little to far for me. I don't know how Hobie Blue does it but he can always find fish. Needless to stay I've got skunk all over me for Delta striper's. I think I'll take a hiatus from the Delta and hit Del Valle for my stripes fix and its closer.

Nice hard work Bryan,Dave,and Carl. Thanks for an awesome report and pictures
Bryan. Congrats on a nice fat striper Dave.   Hey Carl, you'll get him next
time.

Jedmo

Good looking fish. Thanks for the report.

Al

I had a great time! Bryan and Carl are great guys, and a lot of fun to fish with. After trout fishing for the last 20 years, I have been bit by the striper bug. My first time in the Delta was an amazing experience. I couldnt believe the power and fun these fish provide. Bryan helped me land my first fish, and  my second fish I landed  my self. It was an amazing experience, and i am ready to do it again. I am thinking of upgrading my seat, after 7 hrs on the water my butt was killing me, also I think a fish detector would be a huge help.
All in all this was an amazing day for my first striper trip!!!!!

Badog

Great report of another quality hookup.  Kinda looked weird to see you with a striper though, Bryan - we're used to seeing you with huge LMB.   

Kinda looked weird to see you with a striper though, Bryan - we're used to seeing you with huge LMB.  

Yeah!...you seem to find the fish or the fish seem to find you?..either way you guys did a good job!!  Hunting fish on/in the delta is a tough hunt.

way to make it look fun&EASY!

WTG guys on finding the stripers!! I tried trolling around Brown's Island in Pittsburg this Sunday and was not so fortunate.

Badog - I can totally appreciate your new found interest in striper fishing. I myself have mainly fished for trout in the past and got the striper bug just recently. What a great fighting fish from a kayak using a lure. Great job!!