chazzbo77 Posted April 23, 2014 Report Share Posted April 23, 2014 Hi all, After a very long hiatus I went fishing with a buddy in the back in SJ and wound up catching four shorts right around midday. We were at a very well known spot that probably would not even be a spot burn if I said where it was. Anyway, I have been reading more and more about back bay stripers and it has gotten me excited. I've only fished out front or on boats before, so I was unaware that the back could hold this many fish. I plan on starting to fish sod banks at night now. I have read that an outgoing tide is better and whatnot, but there is so much more to it than that. Mainly, my question is, what should I be looking for as far as structure back there? What makes a spot desirable? Also, when we went, the bugs were not bad, but I hear they get pretty nasty. Nasty enough to ruin a good fishing day? And is it true that the fish can be in there through the summer and into the fall? Basically, what, to you, makes a good sod bank spot and why? Thanks! Chazz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strike master Posted April 23, 2014 Report Share Posted April 23, 2014 I prefer look for deep water right at the shoreline, like the spot I fish is 5 ft deep at the shoreline, these deep drop offs hold a lot of grass shrimp which attract stripers. Also the spot your talking about is great at night or when it's about to get dark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Great Egg Posted April 23, 2014 Report Share Posted April 23, 2014 Fishing the bay areas during the summer often requires protection. Plan to wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants, hat, cover feet and ankles and heavily apply aerosol insect repellent (containing DEET) all over. Bring the aerosol with you for re-application / missed spots. Gnats, green head flies and black flies can make unprotected fishing intolerable. From the beach, beware the land breeze, ie., soft wind from the west! Surprisingly, mosquitoes have been the least problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chazzbo77 Posted April 24, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2014 Thank you for the info, both of you! The bugs definitely do make me a little leery of fishing back there in the summer, but hopefully I can keep them back pretty good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gatr522 Posted April 24, 2014 Report Share Posted April 24, 2014 Sods can be great fishing. Saved many nights when out front wasn't working. Good for many species of fish. Scout at low tide to find good structure. Spring & Fall can produce day or night (blues & flounder spring thru fall feed in the light) but grey light and dark will produce better stripers & weaks. (specs & tog also) It's best to see the sods in daylight. They can be hazardous. Very slippery when wet with a drop off. Baby steps at night near the edge-consider a staff, always wear a belt with waders and I'll suggest a PFD. Insects- part of it- prepare....I'll add to the other suggestions-take garlic soft tabs (daily) and carry a small bottle of listerine. It works for a short time with the gnats when first applied/re-applied. After releasing a fish I put some on my hands & take a swig. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NIGHT STRIKES Posted April 24, 2014 Report Share Posted April 24, 2014 Mainly, my question is, what should I be looking for as far as structure back there? What makes a spot desirable? Also, when we went, the bugs were not bad, but I hear they get pretty nasty. Nasty enough to ruin a good fishing day? And is it true that the fish can be in there through the summer and into the fall? Basically, what, to you, makes a good sod bank spot and why? Thanks! Chazz Chazz, what you want to look for ( structure) are points and deep water dropoffs along the sods, also any tidal creeks that say flow into the main body of water you are working.,. Its all about baitfish,shellfish in these area's and juvenile gamefish that attracts the predators almost year long to feed. Summer can be very frustrating with a number of different challenges but the Spring and Fall are Prime Time... Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chazzbo77 Posted April 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2014 Thank you all for the tips... I'm really excited to get back out there and try some bucktailing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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