How do you choose and fish a glide bait for stripers?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Fishing for stripers with a **glide bait** is an exciting venture that can yield some impressive catches. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who's just dipping their toes into striper fishing, choosing the right glide bait and understanding how to work it is crucial. Here's a comprehensive guide to get you started.

### Choosing the Right Glide Bait

1. **Size Matters**: Stripers are known for their voracious appetite, and their penchant for larger prey means they often go for bigger baits. A glide bait in the range of 6 to 10 inches is ideal for targeting these fish. For example, the [7" RF Glider Glide Bait](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X9MNX9G?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) is a solid choice. 🎣

2. **Color and Pattern**: Stripers are visual hunters, so selecting a bait that mimics the local forage fish is key. Colors like white, silver, and shad patterns work wonders. If you're fishing in clear water, subtle natural hues can be effective, while in murkier conditions, brighter colors might attract more attention.

3. **Sink Rate**: The sink rate of your glide bait is crucial. A slow-sinking bait can be worked more thoroughly through different water columns. Check out the [PBFish Glide Bait](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXMKHH52?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) for a slow-sinking option.

### Fishing Techniques

1. **The Retrieve**: The secret sauce to fishing glide baits effectively is in the retrieve. A slow, steady retrieve with occasional twitches will mimic a wounded baitfish, making it irresistible to stripers. For an in-depth look, watch this [YouTube video on glide bait retrieves](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UODM84bgbug).

2. **Pause and Go**: Stripers can be shy and might follow your bait without striking. Incorporate a "pause and go" technique, where you stop reeling for a moment to let the bait drift or sink slightly. This often triggers a reaction strike from curious fish.

3. **Vary Your Speed**: Sometimes, changing the retrieve speed can make a big difference. If you notice follows but no strikes, try speeding up or slowing down your retrieve to see what the fish prefer.

### Weather Considerations

- **Mid-Summer Tips**: During the hot summer months, stripers often move to deeper waters during the day to escape the heat. Focus your efforts during the early morning or late evening when they come closer to the surface to feed.

- **Weather-Specific Tip**: A windy day can stir up the water, making it harder for stripers to see in clear conditions, which might drive them to feed more aggressively. Use this to your advantage by fishing windward points or areas with good water flow.

### Encouragement

Getting the hang of fishing glide baits for stripers can take a bit of practice, but don't let that deter you! With each cast and retrieve, you're honing your skills and increasing your chances of landing that trophy fish. So grab your gear, hit the water, and let those glide baits work their magic! 🐟✨

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