Help me with general striper info

[bottleofdog]

I live in SE Pennsylvania and would like to get started in Striper fishing. I have already inquired at fly shops about tackle, gear etc. and did some fishing this past summer up on Cape Cod. I am looking to get information on places I can go within 2.5 hours from where I am. I know a little bit about the Jersey shore, and a little about the Delaware river but not a whole lot. I am also very interested in the Chesapeake Bay and maybe even more so in its tributaries. (Lower Susquehanna and others). I need a starting point though.

I don’t have a boat…everything will be done wading. And the fact that they migrate and the tides etc etc make things even more difficult. I understand that. I am just looking for some information on a couple of spots, and times of year where I can go and start “experimenting”. I really enjoy that aspect of it. I imagine it will take years before I feel like I even can see the tip of the ice burg…but could someone give me a starting point and any hints on what steps should be followed from there. I am sure someone will recommend a guide..which I am sure I will do at some point.

Thanks for any info.

[BillMichelinie]

Hey bottleofdog,
I'm still learning but here are some suggestions:
1. Join the Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware. They are very willing to share their knowledge and it will help you get over the learning curve. Check out the website at http://leedesigngroup.com/sfaod/
2. check out the message boards on www.tidalfish.com especially the chesapeake bay and the fly fishing boards for local info. Most of the folks posting there are Chesapeake fishermen.
3. Read some books like Joe Bruce's Fly Fishing for Striped Bass, Keith Walter's Chesapeake Stripers, Lou Tabory's Stripers on the Fly, and Kenny Abrams Striper Moon. There is a ton of books written about striper fishing but these are some of my favorites.
4. wade fishing on the Chesapeake is somewhat limited due to access (mostly private shorelines). I'm told that some of the best wade striper fishing close to you is the Susquehanna River below the Conawingo dam. I've heard it is wadeable at times but pay attention to the opening schedule.

Good luck. Hope this helps.

[bottleofdog]

Thanks! That was an extremely helpful response. I usually dont get replies like that.

[nhursh]

also try Ray Bonderow's book on stripers. Everyone I have given the book to raves about "thats all I needed..."

Good luck, you will enjoy the experience.

[bfb58]

Been fishing the Cape for about 12 years now and I can give you lots of info for over there. New to NJ fishing but was at Sandy hook about 3 weeks ago on a Sunday--1st time. Lots of action but a billion boats and as soon as the fish pop'ed up the boats were on them. Saw a few blitz's on the beach but it was a zoo. I have a boat and wished I was on the shore that day.

I would suggest (limited experience down there but fish are
creatures of habit) heading down to the shore near baregat bay. One of my fishin buds, who used to live NYC, knows the area and barnegat can be hot. Check the reports (not fresh here) and call some local fly shops. Stop in, buy a few flies and ask questions. Their business depends on you, the purchaser, and they should be more than helpful.

After my initial exp. down their, I would recommend weekdays. Tight lines and if you need any info on the Cape let me know! Brian--bbower@surferz.net

[oldman]

bottleofdog

the susky is one of the only palces you will beable to wade fish. parking sinse 9/11 can only be done in susquehanna state park. a good place to start is were the deer creek enters the river. there is a bridge that cross deer creek and you can get to the river from there walk up river about a mile and you will be in water that is wadable. it is best done from june on. there will be shad in the river soon and they can also be cought on flies. stripers are there now but you would need a boat to get to them. the river is low right now but I wouldn't try to wade it yet. there is a guy who lives in your area name of bill shata. he is knowlegeable about the bay and has a boat. bill is on tidalfish.com listed as wild bill. get his email from there and write him. I'm sure he would help you.