By
Water Temp: 81-85 F 
Fishing? That will be about the same as it has been. Air temperatures have been
in the 100's and catch of stripers is also in triple digits if the holding spot
for the resting school is discovered. Striped bass are holding in deep, cool
water where energy can be conserved while waiting for a feeding opportunity. An
anchovy chum shower wakes the school and draws them off the bottom and toward
the surface as each fish tries to get to the next drifting morsel before his
school mate.
A good fish finder is very helpful in locating these resting schools. Graph the
edge of the main channel or canyon. Start shallow and then look on the drop off
as the boat heads to deep water. Zigzag from shallow to deep water looking for
the distinct school signature signifying many resting fish hovering just off
the bottom. It may take 10-15 minutes to find a likely looking school but time
spent graphing may be rewarded with instant hookups and long lasting fishing
fun.
When the school is detected try anchoring so the boat is right over the school.
The easiest way to do this is to mark the school with a float. Then turn the
boat into the wind, move forward the same distance as bottom depth on the graph
and drop anchor. Make sure the anchor catches on bottom, then drift back
letting out line until the boat is very near the float. It may take 2-3 tries
to get it just right. The good thing about stationary summer striper schools is
lack of movement. They will wait where last seen while the boat gets in
position.
Next chum about 5-6 anchovies cut in quarter inch slices. Broadcast chum pieces
all around the boat. The last action required is to place a one-inch chunk of
bait on a hook or jig head. Toss the bait in the water and get ready for
action. Make sure the first fish or two is played at depth for an extended
period. Try to get the second fish on before the first one is landed. Once the school
is invigorated in this manner they seem to stay in the same spot as long as a
trickle of chum continues to fall. Toss in a few pieces each time the hook is
rebaited for best results. Make sure to catch the first fish that bites.
Missing the first fish or two sometimes allows the school to follow the fleeing
fish and the entire school disappears. If that happens start the search grid
over and repeat the process.
Bass fishing is still steady each morning and evening. Smallmouth
have moved to the ends of quick drops such as reefs and terminal points.
The magic depth is 20 feet. Slick rock basins and steep cliffs hold bass in
these warm water conditions. Free-floating plastic bait on a split shot or
FISHING TIP:
Drop shot rig is featured (left). The weight maintains
bottom contact while the plastic bait suspends (swims) horizontally above the
bottom The bait goes up and down slightly as the rod tip gently moves. Fish
this slowly for bass. Keep line tight enough to feel the bite but not too
tight to restrict bait movement.