11-13-2007, 08:20 PM
Also, don't underestimate the power of a topwater plug, or a plastic swimbait this time of year. You can scout alot of water with a topwater plug, especially between 4:30 and 6:30pm. That dusk time is perfect for trying to locate scattered fish with a noisy surface retrieve. A Heddon Zara Spook, or Cordell Pencil Popper makes enough commotion to bring in big, aggressive stripers from a distance, and theres nothing as exciting as watching a big striper explode on a surface plug. Plastic swimbaits that resemble shad and rainbow trout can be productive when there is still some light out. switch to darker colors at low light periods. The moon will be getting pretty bright about the time you are out, and a swimbait that is about 6 inches long in all black will still be visible at night. Cast out the swimbait on a leadhead jig, and let it sink to the bottom. Start working it back in with a fairly quick retrieve, keeping it a few feet off the bottom. Sometimes lures will out-fish frozen bait ten-to-one. Give it a try. Just remember to scale up your tackle. Medium to medium heavy rod and reel spooled with 12 to 17lb test line is necessary to throw the big topwater plugs. You could pull up a 15lb'er on your next cast.
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