Don't let a a few bad years make you want to give up the sport. The way to catch more stripers is to go out there and fish for them as often as you can. Also, try to learn something new each time you go out, whether its something that works or doesnt work. Nothing can beat expierience and time on the water. Don't get discouraged if you haven't caught a bunch of stripers, everyone has been there at some point. Just keep at it and your time put it will be rewarded. Once you start to catch them, the addiction will begin and the thought of giving up will no longer be in your head.