Finicky Striped Bass | Micro Bait | Surface Erasers

Summary

• 🎣 Early Season Striper Fishing: Captain Mike and Captain Ray Jarvis tackle their first day of striper fishing in Buzzards Bay, focusing on following bait to catch early season bass.
• 🚶 Walking Gun Approach: Instead of running and gunning, they adopt a slower, more controlled approach to avoid spooking the fish and get closer for better shots.
• 🌊 Techniques for Finicky Fish: Using the “surface eraser” lure with a slow, steady retrieve to mimic needlefish, effectively targeting bass that are keyed in on small baits.
• 💨 Adjusting to Conditions: Emphasizing the importance of light tackle, light braid, and light leaders to achieve long-distance casting and successful catches despite windy conditions.
• 🐟 Conservation and Release: Demonstrating proper catch and release techniques, including using single hooks for easy de-hooking and keeping fish in the water for a healthy release.

Introduction

Fishing for finicky striped bass, especially early in the season, can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. In the “2024 Salty Cape TV: Finicky Striped Bass Micro Bait Surface Erasers” video, Captain Mike and Captain Ray Jarvis share their strategies and techniques for successfully targeting these elusive fish in Buzzards Bay. This article outlines their approach, the gear used, and the techniques that can help any angler improve their catch rate.

Early Season Striper Fishing in Buzzards Bay

Buzzards Bay is a prime location for early-season striper fishing due to its warmer water temperatures and abundance of bait. Captain Mike and Captain Ray focus on this area, known for its shallow bays and tributaries that funnel bait into the bay, attracting predatory fish like striped bass.

The Walking Gun Approach

Instead of the traditional run-and-gun method, which can often spook fish, Captain Mike and Captain Ray employ a “walking gun” approach. This method involves slowly drifting past schools of fish, using the wind to control the boat’s movement. By staying broadside to the wind, they achieve a slow drift that allows them to get closer to the fish without disturbing them. This approach is particularly effective for finicky fish that maintain a safe distance from boats.

Using Surface Eraser Lures

One of the key techniques highlighted in the video is the use of surface eraser lures. These lures are designed for long-distance casting, making them ideal for reaching fish that are far from the boat. The surface eraser has a teardrop shape that creates a subtle wobble, mimicking small baitfish on the surface.

Slow Retrieve Technique

Captain Mike emphasizes the importance of a slow, steady retrieve when using surface eraser lures. This method, referred to as the “needle fish retrieve,” involves casting the lure out and retrieving it slowly and steadily, with occasional small pops of the rod tip to add slight variation. This subtle action is effective in enticing bass that are feeding on small, finicky baits.

Adjusting to Conditions

Fishing in windy conditions can be challenging, but the right gear can make a significant difference. Captain Mike and Captain Ray use light tackle setups with light braid and fluorocarbon leaders to maximize casting distance and maintain a delicate presentation.

Gear Selection

• Rod: A 7 ft light tackle inshore rod, such as the Hogy Lures Inshore Series.
• Reel: A 4000 series reel, like the Daiwa Salus.
• Line: 20 lb test braid paired with a 12 lb test fluorocarbon leader.

This setup allows for long, accurate casts and subtle lure presentations, crucial for targeting finicky bass.

Conservation and Release Techniques

Proper catch and release practices are essential for preserving fish populations. Captain Mike demonstrates how to de-hook and release striped bass using single inline hooks on surface eraser lures. This setup ensures easy de-hooking and minimizes harm to the fish. He also emphasizes keeping the fish in the water as much as possible during the release process, ensuring they swim away healthy and strong.

Conclusion

By adopting the techniques and strategies outlined by Captain Mike and Captain Ray, anglers can improve their success rate when targeting finicky striped bass. The walking gun approach, combined with the use of surface eraser lures and light tackle setups, allows for effective fishing even in challenging conditions. Additionally, practicing proper catch and release techniques helps ensure the sustainability of striped bass populations for future generations.

Chapters and Timestamps

1. Introduction to Early Season Striper Fishing (00:00)
   • Captain Mike introduces the first day of striper fishing in Buzzards Bay with Captain Ray Jarvis.
2. Walking Gun Approach (02:00)
   • Explanation of the walking gun method for approaching finicky fish without spooking them.
3. Using Surface Eraser Lures (04:01)
   • Introduction to the surface eraser lure and its effectiveness in mimicking small baitfish.
4. Slow Retrieve Technique (06:10)
   • Demonstration of the needle fish retrieve, a slow and steady technique for finicky bass.
5. Gear Selection and Adjusting to Conditions (08:11)
   • Overview of the light tackle setup, including rod, reel, line, and leader, and its importance in windy conditions.
6. Conservation and Release Techniques (08:11)
   • Proper methods for de-hooking and releasing striped bass to ensure their survival and health.