Viewer Question: “Hey guys how are you doing hope all is well. I was just wondering if there is any special setup for stripper fishing, for the viper spoon….” Cesare

Hello again Cesare. My prior article was giving you tips on catching Stripers. This time, I will answer your question by focusing on Viper Spoon tips for Stripers from shore or while trolling form a boat.

Trolling For Stripers

If you will be trolling, you will need a 3-way swivel set-up. To a 3-way swivel, tie a 3 foot drop line down to a heavy sinker ( 6 oz. or more). Next, tie a 6 foot leader from your 3-way swivel to a snap for your Viper Spoon. Again, bait your Viper Spoon with a whole fillet of mackerel, herring or bunker.

Then tie the line from the rod to the remaining eye of the swivel. For trolling, drop the rig to the bottom and keep the sinker in contact or close to bottom. In this case, try to keep the line of the fishing rod at about a 45 degree angle with bottom. Hold the rod steady or set it in a rod holder.

The 3-way swivel method is one of the most effective & economical ways to troll, if you do not have downriggers or divers. In fact, Thundermist Lure Company will be soon releasing the ultimate 3-way swivel as part of their “perfect Series” of tackle. It’s the first of its kind, and our Thundermist Fishing tips web page will have the details once available, so be sure to stay tuned.

Down Rigging for Stripers

Otherwise, you can simply use a downrigger or some sort of diver (i.e like a jet diver or dipsy diver) and they will get you down close to bottom as well.

Once your line is down there, troll at various speeds & in a slight “S” pattern. The Viper Spoon will be flashing and fluttering away, producing fish enticing action which Stripers simply cannot resist.

Shore Fishing for Stripers

If you’re fishing from shore, you can add a rubber core sinker about a foot away from the Viper Spoon, in order to allow for longer casts. Let the Viper Spoon sink but before hitting bottom you can start to slowly reel-in.

If there is current, make a long cast and rather than reeling-in right away, let the current move the bait around. Lift the rod tip to try and keep the bait off bottom. Reel-in only when you need to. Otherwise keep your bait out there as long as possible. Just remember, the Viper spoon will work great for you, so hang on!

Hope this helps Cesare & thanks again for writing in. Good luck with the Stripers, & let me know how you make out and you can send us a photo if you wish – we will proudly post it in our photo gallery.

Until next time, good fishing!

Claudio

PS: Viper Spoons are available at many select retailers such as Bass Pro Shops. They are also available online at the Thundermist Lure Company Store.