This month we pose some questions about catching Chesapeake Bay winter striped bass to Captain Steve Griffin, of Griffin’s Guide Service.
Q: Are you getting excited about those big winter stripers? We are too—tell us about the gear you use for them.
A: I can’t wait for the big migratory stripers to show up! It’s one of my favorite times to fish on the Chesapeake and anticipation of the migration gets me excited every year. We use two different setups throughout the winter and we choose them specifically for these non-negotiable reasons: SENSITIVITY to feel subtle bites, POWER to land big fish quickly, SMOOTH DRAG to allow smaller diameter lines (for increased sensitivity), and DURABILITY to withstand the day-to-day abuse of catching heavy fish on light tackle. Remember, just because its light doesn’t mean it’s not powerful.
Number One: This is our heavier combo that we use to make long casts and fish heavy topwaters, jerkbaits, and paddletails. These are the same combos we use for bull reds. The length, powerful backbone, and fast action allow us to cast a mile and work lures with precision.
- Rod - G Loomis IMX Pro Blue 843F (7’ Medium Fast)
- Reel - Shimano Twin Power XD 5000
- Line - 30-pound Power Pro SSV2 braid
- Leader - 40-pound Seaguar Gold Fluorocarbon leader
Number Two: This is our light (but very mighty) jigging combo that we use to vertically jig soft plastics with heads up to 1.5 ounces, and for metal jigs. The Hi Power X technology in these rods makes them very strong for their weight. It also reduces rod twist under heavy loads, which means less failure.
- Rod - Shimano Expride EXS68MB (6’8” Medium Extra Fast)
- Reel - Shimano Vanford 3000
- Line - 15-pound Power Pro SSV2 braid
- Leader - 25-pound Seaguar Gold Label Fluorocarbon
Everyone should note that you can pick up these combos pre-rigged at Anglers in Annapolis, MD—just ask for the “Griffin’s Guide Service Combos.”
Q: What are your favorite lure(s) for winter stripers?
A: My go-to and all-time favorite lure for winter stripers is the six-inch Z-Man Diezel Minnow (color depends on conditions). It is my Swiss Army Knife because it’s the perfect size and profile, and I can catch big stripers with it in one foot of water down to 100 feet by adjusting the weight of my G-Eye Jig head.
My “Skunk Buster” is the Shimano Current Sniper jig, 60 or 80 grams, in Candy Iwashi. These jigs will catch fish when nothing else will, but don’t forget to change out the treble hook for a single.
My “fun bait” is the Shimano Current Sniper Splash Walk topwater lure. There is nothing like an exhilarating day of watching big stripers blowing up topwater lures, and I caught my personal best striper (52”) on this one.
Q: What tools in your arsenal are most important for finding the fish at this time of year?
A: Quality electronics—they have changed the game. We use Humminbird Mega Side Imaging to search for schools of fish, bait, and any other clues. The ability to see incredible detail in shallow water while also being able to read up to 400’ on each side of the boat in deep water is a huge advantage. The last few years we have also been utilizing the Humminbird Mega Live 2 live imaging sonar. This helps us identify fish in front of the boat before we run them over and spook them. It also helps us identify exactly where the active fish are in the water column.
Q: Most educated anglers will know that release mortality is extremely low at this time of year, but still, we all want to do everything we can to ensure that released fish swim away unharmed. What specific practices do you consider most important to keep release mortality as low as possible?
A: Man, this is so important and there is so much we can do to limit our impact, so I’m going to list a few.
- Handle these fish with care!
- Use quality tackle. I truly believe using sensitive gear and proper technique almost eliminates deep hooks.
- Use adequately sized tackle to limit fight times.
- Be prepared, and have help, net, pliers, de-hookers, camera, etc. ready.
- NO TREBLE HOOKS! We use only large single hooks.
- Limit the fish’s time out of water, if any.
- Use a rubber “release” net.
- If you pick a fish up, hold it horizontally supporting the lower jaw and belly with both hands (no Boga Grips).
- Do not touch the eyes or gills.
- Give the fish time to revive. You will know when they’re ready to swim off.
Q: Open Mic - Tell us what we need to know about the winter rockfish fishery that we haven't covered yet.
A: Our winter striped bass fishery on the Chesapeake truly is world class, we have clients coming from all over the country to experience it. It really is hard to beat the rod-snatching thump of the aggressive eats and the iconic head shakes of an XL striper, and there’s no better way to experience it than with light tackle and artificial lures. Catch and release mortality is at an all-time low in the winter which makes it a great time to extend the season—get out there, catch some big fish, and make some memories!
You can contact Captain Steve via his website or at (443) 624-0088.