Yes that is true. You have to wear the correct gear. I was out last Sunday morning single digits. I did invest in a heater buddy from tractor supply this year makes a difference too.


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The biggest issue for me in the really cold weather is line freezing and ice filling my guides and reel. Anyone have any tips on dealing with this? Im pretty sure the ice in my guides is the reason I broke off on a big striper yesterday right after catching the one in the picture on my original post

Don't use braid in very cold weather and dip your rod in the warm water often.
And take me bass fishing with you sometime!

I don't want to fish with someone who is dipping his rod in my coffee.

Lol!!!!!

TR, I tried this a few years ago and worked for me, before you get your line wet, spray any kind /brand of cooking oil on your guides, there used to be a spam with garlic it worked good, you will have to reapply so take the can with you, hope this helps

This is interesting. Im gonna give it a try. The rod in the water works but you have to do it every other cast or so. Gotta be a better way. This just may be it.

We will Merv. I'm ready for the Chic! Also I'm ready for JPP this spring. I don't fish there as much as I should, but the last 2 springs we have killed it there. Catching lots of 3-6 lb largemouth

Went back this morning and had another decent morning. Did hookup with one good striper. It straightened out my hook on a crankbait. Really disappointed with the kvd triple grip hooks. Just changed out the stock hooks on that crankbait before I went this morning. Changed them out just for that reason. I would have thought my 12lb line would have broke before that hook straightened out. Drag was set nice and light to. All was not lost. Still caught quite a few bass. With a couple nice ones to boot

You went back this morning? And my phone didn't ring? WTF!

Merv I took a good buddy of mine that's recently caught the fishing bug. I just want so badly for him to hookup with one of those big stripers. Or at least for him to catch a nice bass. We've been going a lot lately and it won't be long before he does. He thinks it's luck that I catch most of the fish and the bigger ones. When really its just casting accuracy and taking advantage of the right situations. Yesterday was an example. I hooked up with that striper because it was chasing shad right beside the boat. His reaction is to look and point out the obvious. My reaction is to get a bait in there immediately. Unfortunately my hook took a crap on me

Those big stripers will definitely show you where the weak spots are in your fishing gear!
I've had line snap (from reel drag not set right), hooks straightened, line cut from a bad eye insert, rods snap from being cheaply made.
If there's a flaw in your setup, 30 lb striper will expose it.

When it comes to stripers and hybrids and using a lure, redfin, jumpin minnow, rat-l-trap, etc. these are the best hooks I have found.

http://www.barlowstackle.com/Gamakat...ooks-P497.aspx