How to catch Stripers when they just WON’T EAT! Understanding Striped Bass Behavior.

[@billreddochoutdoors5968]

👍 awesome video! I’ve never seen anyone share so much information to help others up their game except when I watch other old school videos! A lot of us appreciate your efforts!!! Thanks Mike!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Bill!! I appreciate your continued support my brother!! 😁🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@pauloster2871]

The narrative and how you explain how to fish for them and the fishcology is awesome!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I really appreciate that brother!! Thanks!

[@boatlover8856]

Nice video! Lil fella reeled that big in!! Nice

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!

[@sassafrasadventures1508]

You have the best Striper videos I’ve seen. I just started fishing for Striper and hybrid. If it wasn’t for your help I would be screwed. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I really appreciate that!! I’m glad they helped you!! 👍👍😁😁

[@ThongSayavong-ns6yd]

I will be a newbie and planning on a spring trip to California next year and enjoy this video. Please send trick and tips much appreciated 👍🏽👍🏽 tight line!!!

[@glennwhite5187]

so true on fish curiosity,net pole handle thumping on bottom of boat floor gets em going sometimes

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Yes sir!!!👍👍

[@richardbarnett7058]

I fish for striper on lake texoma on the Texas Oklahoma border and all the guides have splashers made with trolling motor

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Yes sir!!!

[@KarimElayoubyFishing]

Mike you're the absolute man! I was "chumming" with sound last night on the pier. Splashing my jig back and forth on the surface of the water just below me. I cast her out, let it swim through the space I was splashing in and I get hit by a keeper striper in mid December in NYC. Same thing happened after noise chumming and doing snap jigging just below my feet. Great tips and excellent quality info! Thank you again Mike for uploading and sharing your wisdom.

[@KarimElayoubyFishing]

Also, that bit about stripers following or looking at other stripers getting hooked up is definitely a strong fact. You can get something like 2-3 more stripers after catching the first from the same spot.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Awesome brother!! Love it!!

[@KCsniper79]

This channel always gets a like from me, I wish everyone would watch. Fish are always released properly, an the info we get it’s jus not somethin you get from any other channel, Team Old School is where it’s at 👍🏼 ✌🏼

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! I really do try to lead by example. It seems releases are getting better and better everywhere I look. I love it. 👍👍👍👍

[@brianromeyk7396]

Mike keep one little piece of bunker chunk on the cutting board even if it’s dried out rub the spoon on it works every time

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Great advise! Thanks brother!

[@charlieboutin3341]

Your videos are so informative. Appreciate it very much! Really love the action and narration. 👍👍 You said when one eats they all eat or might miss out..I come from a big family and that’s pretty much how it was..eat when dinner’s served, or you’ll be making a peanut butter & jelly sandwich! 😂. Have a great Labor Day and a blessed week!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! I’m the oldest of 5 and it was the same for me. 😁

[@joegrande4848]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS or if we didn't eat what was there you go hungry or that's what you'd get stuck eating for breakfast

[@240LTS]

... Excellent info! Thanks. I also agree, DO NOT move a fish forward and backwards. For other anglers: If you are anchored, either TM on #AnchorLock or and actual anchor and there is current from tidal flow or tributary, hold the fish by the lower jaw, facing the current and let them rest there for a while. DON'T be in a hurry. They will tell you when they are ready to go. Just because an exhausted fish may swim out of your sight doesn't mean it is going to survive. . Jeff .

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Perfect Jeff!! Thanks! 👍

[@Kubraga]

I love watching you guys fishing..good job

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother 😁👍

[@crisborromeo6389]

Great video. I agree 100% .. Not very many will agree. It's even true for Sturgeon when bait fishing, especially shallow water..

[@michaelzimmerman7646]

Man !that was some great information! I am not sure how long you've been doing these videos,but they're priceless!! You've answered so many questions I have had , I can't thank you enough! You definitely have a gift!! Thanks brother and God bless you for selflessly sharing your knowledge!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I appreciate that Michael, thanks brother!! 👍👍👍😁😁.

[@michaelpatrickomara]

Great job guys

[@glennwhite5187]

you are so right about one is hooked it can turn like gang busters,haven't had much luck with big motor noise, but net splashing,I like to dump a net full of scales into the water,kill a few bait fish and throw them in to get that first one hooked!!!good video!!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! Scales is a good trick!

[@ritchkeener6942]

Thanks for the video Mike. I used to fish with a guide on Lake Hartwell in Georgia. When he would locate a school of striped bass that were not actively feeding, he would tap the bottom half of a pool cue stick on the deck of the boat and the fish would go into feeding mode more times than not.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Awesome Ritch!!

[@Francia_Fishing]

What a great video! Super informative, organized, and helpful!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thank you! I really appreciate that! 👍🙏

[@catdogky]

Goodness!! More great information from the Striper King himself!! Keep it coming Mike!! Do you think blasting Van Halen Eruption on deck will get those inactive fish in a feeding frenzy! Lol

[@marshallritter2161]

Good advice. Thx. Mike...

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!

[@markmonfoletto4540]

Hey mike , Txs for sharing your knowledge

[@philliphaney3323]

Thanks for all the helpful information.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Glad it was helpful!👍👍

[@miguelmendez8514]

Love your videos very educational good job brother.

[@richserna4786]

great tips!! thanks

[@glennwhite5187]

same situation,i threw some chunks of shad and scales in and caught 14 fish over next 45 minutes!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍👍

[@2olvets443]

Mike this was Great information my friend!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! I appreciate it. 👍👍

[@anthonyharris1910]

Love your videos. Keep it up!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Anthony!!!!

[@highperformancebassboats]

Good Job Cowboy Mike! You Rock! Thanx for sharing, I learn something every time I watch your vids. I live in the desert of western Texas 500 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. It is refreshing to watch what you guys do, Thank you again for sharing.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! I really appreciate that. Are there any lakes near you with Stripers?

[@420visions]

Great stuff.

[@atama17]

You ever throw live bunker by hand to start a Frenzy?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Oh yeah.

[@perrypotter1640]

thx Mike!! the info is great!!

[@okitailsnscales1707]

I was thinking maybe it works for crappie as well it may take awhile to catch one but then they start biting very information videos! Thanks I learned that there not scared of boats as well

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!

[@matthewwhite3444]

I was wondering if my boat motor was scaring fish. Thanks for putting my mind at ease. If your big motor isn't scaring them, my little 8 hp probably won't either.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

To be honest it took me YEARS to be fully on board with it, but I AM!

[@thenotsojollyrancher-akate9516]

Excellent!

[@parasleonidas2833]

Another great vid with the family on a sporting day out. God bless all.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Paras!!!😊😊

[@gregyazel170]

Thanks Mika!!! Confirms what I have thought for a long time!!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Awesome!!

[@ascott1688]

Thank you Mike for these videos. I always suspected that there is a certain level of competition between the stripers, as you said even when they aren't hungry

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

You’re very welcome brother! I’m glad you like them! Thanks!!

[@eddieescobar9058]

I must fish with you guys once I recover from surgery woo-hoo! I Can't wait

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Shoot me an email [e-mail]

[@Tony-ge2hj]

do you keep your motor running when fishing like this? awesome videos!!!!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I do both. I experiment throughout the day. I leave it on more than off though.

[@NFiltr8Red]

When fish don’t bite, I use a high low system where you have a grub floating up above the the spoon or jig. Works every time. But 90% of the time the take the grub.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

That’s an awesome technique! I don’t do it enough, but I need to. 👍👍. Great one.

[@NFiltr8Red]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS , it works wonders with Rock fish on the west coast.

[@shawnmoorshead9135]

Love your videos. And always learning something from you. Keep up the great content. Fish on.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!!👍😁

[@totalnoobfishing1753]

As a Long Island NY surf fisherman, we primarily target these fish during the migration and I'm wondering if the advice in the video applies at all times ( spawn... migration ... etc. )

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

These will work all year in fresh and salt. However when water temps reach high 70’s the migrating fish will move on leaving the smaller resident fish only. Chunking is particularly effective when large masses of fish are moving in and even out. Edit: sorry, I thought this was a different video. I jig spoons all year in freshwater and in spring and fall in salt. I don’t Target smaller residents although you can still have great fishing in numbers even if they are small. It’s definitely primarily spring and fall when fish are moving in salt.

[@totalnoobfishing1753]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERSThanks so much for the insightful reply and the awesome informative video. Tight lines.

[@jarrid89]

Hey really appreciate the videos you put out! Have you ever fished up around cape cod around the canal and buzzards bay?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother! I have fished on both sides of the canal, but never in it. Some epic fishing there though.

[@stevenstevens3968]

Mike, I've been chasing largemouth for nearly 40 years and want to try my luck at striper fishing. What do you suggest I do on the Roanoke river near Jamesville, nc & the chowan river in the month of November. Keep the videos rolling as you provide excellent information. Also do you guide by any chance.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

You should start seeing Stripers there around December/January. Casting on points and bridge pilings and jigging over schools near the River channels will be good. Casting eels to the bridges on the sounds is great too. 👍👍👍

[@stevenstevens3968]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS thanks for the tips. Keep up with the videos. I'm learning a lot from your sonar videos.

[@davidhottel6009]

hey mike I got a striper soup style bait tank I use in lakes ,I'm just wondering if I can put menhaden in it when I go to the bay and keep them alive ? thanks david

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Definitely. Just keep the pump running wide open. Don’t add anything. No salt no ice. Change out the water every few hours if it’s a hot day.

[@davidhottel6009]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS thanks mike

[@stebarr70]

Good stuff brother, as always!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thank you my brother.

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

I think one person from PETA watched this video since it got a thumbs down. Thanks for sharing once more.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Ha!! Thanks brother! It’s anyone’s guess!!😛😛

[@danredding9299]

So Mike I always see you release your fish. I get that, but I have a questions. Are the striper where you are fishing, ok to eat? Or are they contaminated with something ( like mercury) .

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

They are fine to eat. We used to keep a few, but stopped altogether keeping them when the stock assessment’s dropped around 12 years ago.

[@danjaquez1379]

10:18 Holy sheep s**t Batman, that's a nice fish@😂😂😂😂

[@alhere6335]

Hi Mike, I was wondering what knots you use to tie on a leader whether it be mono or flouro to braid. I have lost several expensive lures due to the leader just flying right off. I spoke to my local tackle shop about it as I bought a new rod and reel. He didn't know why I was having this issue. He tied a reverse albright which he uses all the time for his own gear. Went out that day and I cast an 80g lure. I had 20lb braid and thick mono, not sure but maybe 20-30 lb. By the second cast...gone, lost another lure. Almost threw my rod and reel in. What does a pro like yourself do for knots and how do you dress it?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I use palomar and trilene knots on Fluor and braid. I use double uni and FG knots for connecting leader to main line. You will never have one slip again with these. 👍👍. If you question your knots try tying them the night before. Even a poorly tied simple fishermen’s knot will hold Fluor if it’s sits overnight. The pressure squeezes ridges in the line that the knot bites into. 👍👍.

[@newera3757]

I experienced same problem. I was marking hundreds of stripers but no bite. Live Eels and bunker didn't worked.

[@nicolaskvasnovsky]

Thank you, love this information it really helps solidify thoughts and patterns I see thru my experiences fishing as well now I am wondering if I need to bait my crab pots underneath my dock like I had past seasons with perch. We have less of them this year in my area of the Chesapeake bay so I have been baiting my pots with old razor clams(2 years old) still producing crabs underneath the dock in a dirty pot. I fish pretty much every morning and have noticed this pattern as well just obviously not to the same extent. I am going to test it out a couple times when my extended family comes by to dock fish during the fall. I would mess around with some of this stuff a little last season. Who the hell has chum bag off of a creek dock…. Only issue I have had is we have some otters that will cruise thru in the middle of a bite and it will shut off completely. This happened 3-4 times last year school could have left too but all the life around the dock shut off/left. Like you said I see they come cruise thru every morning and there are some mornings I get hookups consistently and see them follow my lure when they won’t commit and that’s just with what I can see without glasses or a sonar off of a dock :)

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

That’s awesome that you get be right there on the water to see things like that up close. My Grandfather had a place on the water when I was a kid and turtles would eat my chum bag over night. I had to make one out of wire fencing. Then they would snip the rope so I used a bike chain 😁.

[@michaelherring6403]

Do these same tactics work on fresh water like Kerr lake. And are those spoons you use in the video to big for Kerr lake stripers.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Same. They work great on Kerr. They are designed originally for large mouth bass. 👍👍👍amzn.to/32x6lZk

[@michaelherring6403]

Do you use a snap swivel to attach the spoon or tie the line directly to the spoon.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

@@michaelherring6403 The spoons come with a swivel on them. I use a speed snap to attach to the swivel so I can change baits fast.

[@TalentedPeople408]

What do you think about using the spot lock on the trolling motor? Is it better to drift or use spot lock to jig for stripers? I tried using spot locking over a bunch of stripers but it seems like they did not want to bite. What makes it worse is that the fish would splash right next to my boat.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I use it less and less. I have more success drifting over schools. As long as there is a spoon down, the school will follow.

[@blainehunter7315]

Where can I get an old school sticker for my skiff

[@garycotz563]

Freekin electronics are WILD!

[@Yut00bisSUS]

Stripers are like women. They want to bite when other fish are biting. Awesome info from in field guys, that was a sick scanner.

[@hookedup9424]

I lost a the biggest stripper I had ever hooked today. It was amazingly fun and heart breaking. Long story short it ran my line completely out and after 15 minutes it unhooked itself. I could not real it in . Would not budge. I needed a stripper stealth rod today for sure.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Dang brother. Those are always heartbreaking but they keep you coming back.

[@glennwhite5187]

big ones are so good at that,put a 35 lb fish in the boat just this saturday,cranked the trolling motor up and th hd chase was on,got her after 20 minutes,Wooooo!!!

[@hookedup9424]

@@glennwhite5187 you know what happened bro . We were done fishing for the day we were walking on a bridge over the Delta mendota I saw a boil I threw my lure with no expectations and boom I felt the hit I really did it a couple times and I thought it was just a bite and then I started to reel it in to lift it out of the water and it just ran I was in the middle of the bridge facing north he ran South in between two pillars and I couldn't get to the edge of the canal I was stuck on the bridge.

[@herbertbisbey215]

I know you want to get the fish back in the water quickly. But can you weigh one occasionally and tell us what they weigh. Otherwise I love the show 👍

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Sure. I can do that. We used to weigh them quite regularly until I got very good at estimating, but whenever I would estimate people would say I was wrong so I stopped saying weights 😂😂.

[@theluckystrike6371]

🙂 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

😊👍👍

[@Uwusenpaiii]

Rookies here…. I would’ve caught Atleast 30 stripers in that 30minutes with all those fishes there.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

@@Uwusenpaiii fish

[@cbastian3215]

Algorithm 👍

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Appreciate it brother!! Thanks!🙏🙏

[@vdub7090]

So to make a fish bite a fish has to bite.. nice stripers though

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Exactly. To catch one you have to catch one so you can catch one.

[@Rico11b]

"How to catch Stripers when they just WON’T EAT!" Duh, with dynamite of course. Works every time. :)

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I’ve considered it on some days!! 😛😛😛.

[@davidsalgado6865]

Good video, thanks for making it

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

🙏🙏🙏👍

[@26steiger]

Awsome Mike!, Great educational video as always. Be safe. Thank you

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Andy! I appreciate that brother!