tips for lake mendocino

Lookingfor helpful tips.Like places to launch.? lures to use. And best places to catch stripers.

What works for me:

Use a light set-up - light /med action rod - 4 to 6# mono, small super sharp hook (match the hook size to the minnow) and pin it on the bottom lip (or through the nose) of a live minnow (I use owner cutting edge hooks). Use a split shot or 1/4 oz bullet sinker to keep the live minnow just off the bottom (with about a 3 foot leader between the hook and the sinker with 6# mono). Leave about 100 yards of line behind you as you sloooow troll on clear water conditions. You can cut the distance in half when the water conditions are murky. Vary your troll speed every now and then to trigger a bite.

NOTE: when you get a hit while trolling - do not stop paddling - remember that you have a lot of line behind you so you need to paddle a few more strokes to help set the hook. Stripers have tough mouths IMO, SHARP hooks are key.

You can use the same set up with the help of a fish finder - simply send the live minnow down to where you are marking the fish. Slowly jig up and down or simply slow paddle around the area - again, keep the bait moving to trigger a bite.

It's also good to have another rod rigged with a small spoon in case you come across a boil.

I'm sure others will chime in with what works for them.

Good Luck!!!!

There use to be an article about striper fishing in Lake Mendocino on the main page but unfortunately it was deleted (don't know why)