We spent some time talking with Paul White, Striper fishing enthusiast (addict) and owner of Geechee Outdoors Inc. in Brooklet. Paul took to the sport several years ago and fell in love with it immediately. He told us “Just one time and I was hooked forever”. Listening to him talk about it, it’s easy to understand why. They’re large fish that put up a good, strong fight, and patience and skill are required to catch them. It’s everything a sportsman loves.

Paul fishes for Stripers year round. They’re easiest to get to around spring when the water temperatures reach about 60 degrees. Since Stripers are in the fresh water to spawn, they are drawn to the cool, running water their eggs need to hatch. Running water keeps the eggs moving which is essential for successful spawning. In fact, most eggs will travel at least 50 miles with the water currents before hatching.

When the weather gets warmer, Stripers begin heading to natural springs and deeper water in search of cooler temperatures. Dammed spillovers make great locations for hot weather fishing since the water is typically deep enough to stay cool in spite of high outside temperatures. Stripers have the size to show well on depth finders, but finding them and reaching them are two different things. A standard rig isn’t going to get to the depth needed to attract the fish. The use of a downrigger can fix that.

If you’re not familiar, a downrigger is a device that will add needed weight to your rig in order to reach depths that would be difficult to reach otherwise. An easy release clip attaches the downriggers weight to your rig, and then easily lets go once the pull of a fish gets on the line. Afterward you just pull in the weight. You want to set up your outrigger to stay far enough away from the bait as not to alarm the Striper.

Getting stripers to take the hook is best done with small Shad and Mullet. Paul prefers Shad because they’re a sturdier fish and will remain active on the hook longer. “The more natural the bait looks the better your chance of getting the Stripers attention”. Mullet tend to die quicker and become less desirable. Both Shad and Mullet can be caught by net in water inlets, and since they are a natural food source for stripers, where you find them is a pretty good gauge for where to find the Stripers assuming water conditions allow.

If you’re used to fishing primarily for smaller fish, you will need to make a decision when planning your Striper fishing trip. Either decide to upgrade your fishing equipment or to buy a new rod when you get home. Stripers can be extremely aggressive when hooked and that sometimes results in broken equipment. They are so determined that they have been known to die from the fight. Paul recommends a 30lb monofilament and a tough outfit from the rod down. Sportsmen such as himself who also deal in equipment can work with you to make sure you’ve got the right stuff for the job.

Stripers are naturally sustained in several Georgia rivers including the Savannah, Ogeechee, and others. For waters that don’t sustain them naturally the Department of Natural Resources has an ongoing project of artificially spawning a Hybrid Striper that is released in ponds and other waters that don’t possess the requirements for natural spawning. The Hybrid can be physically distinguished from the natural Striper by the stripes. The Hybrid has broken stripes in contrast with the solid stripes of the natural Striper. The natural Striper also grows substantially larger than the Hybrid. Also, the Hybrid lacks the ability to reproduce.

The Hybrid program is used throughout the state not only for avid anglers, but also as an exciting form of fishing to introduce young people to the sport. Statistics show that a large percentage of Georgia’s anglers are teenage or younger.

Several locations in Georgia offer Striper tournaments and love of the sport continues to grow. Be on the lookout for upcoming competitions and more in future issues of Southland.