In the Beginning...

[chris]

So after a short time doing some web work for SWE I just can't take it anymore. I can't keep hearing about everyone else having all the fun. So late this last friday I ask for some help. Earl get's my reel & leaders set and IronMike picks out a sort of "starter" kit. The kit includes the following:



-White Bucktail w/ 5" Kalin Grub

-Wild Eye 6" Bunker Color Storm swim Shad

-Cotton Cordell Bone Colored Swimmer

-Pt. Jude Butterfish

-Pt. Jude Sea Scallop

-Little Neck Popper (Yellow over White)

-Super "N" Black Needle Fish

-Hook Hone

-Wire Leaders

- (This one I chose) Real Eel & a Pt. Jude Wobble Head



Now I'm understandably excited. I make plans w/ a friend to go out that night even though I know we won't be hitting it at the ideal tide. I tell myself I just want to get a feel for working some of these lures anyway...

So I'm out there and begin to realize I don't have a clue what I'm doing but am having a great time doing it . This is so different than flyfishing freshwater streams. So here's where I'll ask for a little help. You've seen what I have to work w/ can anybody give me some tips/hints on how to fish any of the above? Any other general information that could serve a beginner well would also be appreciated. See something I don't have in the box that should be there? Please let me know. Thanks too all experienced anglers who toss this beginner a bone... or even better a tip on how to fish a bone-colored cotton cordell

[Tony G]

Take ur time go slow.If u notice they gave u lures to work all parts of the water colum.Now develope a game plan.Like probing the bottom the top then the middle.Fan cast to cover area well.Work the Edges thats where they prey.Go slow with the redfin when u think ur going slow ur still going way to fast.Try a 8 count per revolution of the handle.Pay attention on the water often times Something will be revealed that will add to ur success.U r lucky the guy's in the shop are some of the best out there.Don't be afraid,Ask lots of dopey questions(I'm sure they will appreciate this) ur learning curve will be greatly shortened. Look at Rob.What is he 20/21? Thats amazing.I wish I new what he did when I was 21.

[SageBoy]

I would add some Sluggo's to your list. They can be fished many different ways and come in enough sizes and colors to match the conditions.

A 9" black Sluggo fished at night can be as deadly as the real thing and is easier to handle.

[chris]

Hey,

Just wanted to thank you guys, finally caught a fish the other night. Just a schoolie but it was a great feeling. Tony, two of your tips really proved useful:

1) Working the Redfin SLLLOOOOOWW did the trick
2) Keeping an eye on the water. I noticed a rock off the point I was fishing that the waves kept breaking over. The cast by that rock was the one that did it!

It's actually kind of funny, I was fishing for awhile before I got the hit. My confidence was pretty low since I'm not sure what I'm doing out there. I brought my Digital Camera w/ me to take a few pictures of the spot I was fishing so that I could post them here and get some tips as to where to focus my casts. Well as soon as I take the pictures I get the hit! ... Do these fish like having they're picture taken or something?

SageBoy, I'll be picking up some sluggos ASAP...

Thanks for your tips guys, please keep them coming as they'll be sure to get put to good use.

[basswipe]

Redfin's are great plugs.Reeling them in at a dead slow pace on the surface has
produced many good outings for me.

You should also invest in some Bombers and Mambo/Stillwater Beach Runners.Similar to the Redfin but with slightly differant action/swim depths and they're in that same price range as the Redfin.

http://www.saltwateredge.com/CTGY/BOM
http://www.saltwateredge.com/CTGY/STL

Btw Surfhogs are excellent with the Pt.Jude Wobblehead!
http://www.saltwateredge.com/CTGY/SHL

[Vogt]

I strongly agree with basswipe. Bombers and mombows area must. Get yourself two Bomber A-Salts, one in yellow and one in black/purple. They slay bass. Work them nice and slow with an occasional twich. Also get a 2ounce Gibbs pencil popper. I like all white or yellow. to fish these , shake or twitch the tip of your rod while maintaining a slow/steady reeling speed. And remember, Striper fishing has a whole lot to do with putting in your time and learing. Pick two or three spots and learn them well. Go everyday or as often as possible, and you will be rewarded. Good Luck!