Trolling for Stripers in Cape May (GOOD/BAD)

[Mission is Fishin]

People have been trolling for Srtiper since the 70's and before in New Jersey. I remember as a kid fishing with my uncle for Stripers things were alot different, big tackle, heavy line and big rods. The one thing that I love about fishing now is lite tackle!!! When stripers started making a come back my first big striper was 32lbs. on a 2 oz. bucktail with 12lb. test line. (My uncle would never beleive it) It seems with the new laws from NMFS as a charter captain it is become harder and harder to produce a quality catch for our charters. In the last few years trolling as produced very well in Cape May. My question is as a charter would you rather catch striper on lite tackle for the fight or troll for the final catch.:huh:

[mjbites]

For me Capt. trollin is a last resort.Much rather catch em on jigs and lite tackle than trolling.Although weve done it it a few times in recent years with good results.Never understood while people would troll when you could catch with a jig.I guess for a charter capt though sometimes it would be an easier way of puttin meat in the box if you have inexperienced group.

[Mission is Fishin]

I agree, to me it's all about the fishing. I love the chance to catch a quality Striper on light tackle with the rod in my hands and setting the hook on the fish of a life time!! But not everyone is like us, What would make the everyday charter happy? That's my question,

[Mullica Bob]

For me Capt. trollin is a last resort.Much rather catch em on jigs and lite tackle than trolling.Although weve done it it a few times in recent years with good results.Never understood while people would troll when you could catch with a jig.I guess for a charter capt though sometimes it would be an easier way of puttin meat in the box if you have inexperienced group.

That's funny cause I always said "why would anyone jerk that rod off all day just to pull up those rats"?

Most of the people who jig get into that "we caught over a hundred fish" thing when they may have had a handful of keepers.

Jigging has it's time, but not every time!

[Fishin Dave]

That's funny cause I always said "why would anyone jerk that rod off all day just to pull up those rats"?

Most of the people who jig get into that "we caught over a hundred fish" thing when they may have had a handful of keepers.

Jigging has it's time, but not every time!
Depends on the person jigging, some catch bigger fish then the trollers;)

[Mullica Bob]

Depends on the person jigging, some catch bigger fish then the trollers;)

I feel bad for those guy's.

[BONAC H]

I would rather watch paint dry on a wall than trolling on a charter. That being said, I don't mind trolling for awhile when I'm running my boat. Last year we had some pretty good sucess trolling stretches. When we hooked up we would throw a bucktail and catch some nice bass on bucktails. This could be done on a charter, but it would depend on the crew of guys you had aboard. I would always ask the guys before you head out. Last year I did two day trip to Virginia. Day one we had a nice trip light tackle with smaller fish. Days 2 we went for the gold on bigger fish. We put maybe 70+ miles on the boat and barely wet a line. That was ok but a long tough day. My point is In NJ we have a great number a options on any given day. I would always try to get a feel for what the guys on the charter would rather do if you don't mind fishing different ways. Give me a one ounce bucktail in the rips late Nov early Dec. and I'm happier than a pig in sh!t. Ray I know you will put meat in the boat one way or another.:thumbsup:

[Mission is Fishin]

Thanks for the input guys, our trips are all about you. Just trying to get a feel for what type of charter people may be looking for. Hey Mike, December beach front bird plays, bucktails and jigs, can't wait BRING IT ON!!!!

[OffTheHook]

Capt Ray with all of the recent articles on striper trolling, I've been getting lots of questions about techniques, equipment, etc. It seems like interest is growing in our area. It might be a good idea to offer some trips teaching the ins and outs of striper trolling.

[TheAdamBomb]

Jigging, bucktailing, and live baiting are our preferred ways of fishing. I see hundreds of guys on my boat each striper season, and trolling is a last resort if conditions require it. Most people would rather hold a rod, hook, and land a fish than watch a rod bend in a rod holder and then go reel it in. If you're a meat fishermen and not in it for sport, trolling might be your thing. If you're in it for the thrill of the catch, jigging/live bait/bucktails get the nod!

[DEEP POCKETS]

Nothing like catching stripers on light tackle IMO:thumbsup:

[Mission is Fishin]

Hey Chuck,
That's is why I posted the question. last season we spent a few trips trolling when quality Stripers were not being caught. We did very well on these trips but I love the hands on experience. Some charters could careless about catching a 100 bass if they are all 18 to 26 inches. I fish almost everyday and love the action but the person who only gets one trip a year may feel different about their charter.

[Fishin Dave]

If you have room you could keep LT and trolling sticks on the boat, then give the customers the chioce, If jigging seems slow you could ask if they want to troll a little or keep jigging, I was on a charter when the captain even threw out an eel while we were jigging

[DaisyMaySportfishing]

If you have room you could keep LT and trolling sticks on the boat, then give the customers the chioce, If jigging seems slow you could ask if they want to troll a little or keep jigging, I was on a charter when the captain even threw out an eel while we were jigging

BINGO!!! We are usually ready for any methods that we need to use!!

[SICcaster]

So in Cape May it seems Stretch 25s are the favorite over umbrellas?

[aimless]

I hate trolling but if I have to it will be Stretch's over dragging that mass of metal and worms or shad around .:eek: