Where to Catch 100 Stripers a Day! BUT BE CAREFUL!

Striped Bass Fishing during the spawning run can be some of the most incredible fishing you’ve ever seen, but there are some precautions to take. I highly recommend using a barbless hook even when it isn’t required by law. In this video we fish the Roanoke river where a barb less hook is indeed required. You can catch Striped Bass on the entire stretch of river in the spring, but this river can be very dangerous depending on the water levels. I highly recommend going with a guide or someone with local experience for your first trip, and even in those cases TAKE IT SLOW!!
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[@thegravescave4752]

Got a 30 pounder this weekend caught 17 fish one evening pulling boards 4 of them over 20 pounds. Best day I've ever had. All released.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Hell yeah brother!!

[@wolfofrhodeislandx7462]

awsome video.they shut are river herring down too.it used to be a sweet early season big bass fishery here in RI

[@9929kingfish]

Looks like y’all had a blast. Thanks for sharing. Lucky kids. Hopefully they’ll catch the bug and fish forever

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! I often wonder what the waters will look like in 20-30 years. Will they still have boats all over them or will it be barren.

[@basskicking4532]

I enjoyed watching your videos my friend! just getting into striped bass fishing here south in TN River and I learned a ton from you. Keep it up bud! 👊

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👍

[@theluckystrike6371]

Perfect trip out for the kids they’re having a blast.!!!!! 🙂👍🏻👍🏻

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!

[@timconnors3211]

Anothery very enjoyable vid Mike. So much knowledge in Team Old School. Narragansett bay is still 38 degreeas so watching this today while the Bs are on was very satisfying. THANKs

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Awesome!! Thanks brother!!!! Won’t be long now. 👍👍👍👍

[@ceo5779]

Great video as always. Thank you

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Appreciate it brother

[@wrongturn8626]

I'm doing a 3 day drift on my kayak down near Williamston next weekend. This will be my first time going for the spawn run. Would you recommend sticking to the main channel or going down the shallower offshoots? I'm definitely planning to spend some extra time at the mouths, but I'm just wondering if it will be more productive sticking to the main river or the channels when I need to cover distance. Thanks!

[@kenprevatt1267]

Had a great weekend on Gaston caught some really nice stripers .

[@seancurley7954]

Love it! That girl is a beast. You'll ne neating the boys off.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!!

[@jaymurf8585]

Have you ever came out here to patuxent river in maryland? Where the patuxent river meets our cheapeake bay, is GREAT fishing for rockfish..we usually troll with a simple surgical tube and sometimes a skirt at the head end of it

[@garytingler3222]

Great taking the kids. Good for you !!!!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Gary!

[@jaybee006]

Always a pleasure, Mike. Used to love this time of year because it took the crowd off Jordan. Now I may have to go down there and play bumper boats! :) Unfortunately, being essential personnel means no time off.. Great advice on the barbless hooks!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Appreciate that Jim!! It’s not too bad there during the week, you just have to be in the right mind-set. It was my first time back in 12-13 years.

[@jaybee006]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS Been about that long for me too. Maybe next year, good Lord willing, having to deal with this virus this year as part of the job...

[@tarheeloutdoorexcursions5580]

Spring shad and striper fishing on the Roanoke is one of my favorite times of the year

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍👍

[@rogerruff4093]

Great method for the hudson river

[@taylor-eugenesimmons8615]

Wow Great Catch

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks Taylor!

[@seanw2216]

I just message u a few videos back about the river and you said it's been a while sence u been glad you decided to came back this year

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Yeah man! I’m normally up North right now, but with these circumstances I decided to take the kids to the river since I haven’t been there in MANY years. Everyone should go there at least once during the spawn. It’s something to see, especially in late May when you can witness them boiling on top and actually spawning. Even if you just fish from the bank it’s worth it.

[@seanw2216]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS yes sir we been shooting the gap fishing been awesome up river from the landing this year

[@matthewwhite3444]

That looks like an awesome trip. In Maryland, we can't even touch them until May. Even then, not in the spawning grounds. Thankfully, Delaware is right next door and allows catch and release in the spawning grounds. It seems to me that on the Delmarva peninsula, we are experiencing the best spawn I've seen in years. Makes me hopeful for the future.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Things are definitely looking up for the future!!

[@kenni411]

and yet in the Northeast they changed the restrictions on harvesting striped bass as they think they are overfished. now it is a slot size 1 per/person between 28"-35" everything else has to go back in the water................so is there a conspiracy going on or something? We cannot harvest the big gurls this year.....have you see a lot of bass down there ? I have heard New Jersey coast is slaying them this year !

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

You are correct. Last year and this year have been amazing in NJ and NY. The problem is the MAJOR drop off in the Chesapeake bay where 90% of the East Coast’s Striped Bass are born. I know charter guys up in the bay that closed down because of the poor fishing. The numbers there have been dropping consistently for 10 years. All of the big fish that are being caught up North in NJ NY were from spawns years and years ago in the Chesapeake when the fish were NOT in danger. With a huge reduction in spawning fish in the Chesapeake right NOW, we won’t see the drop off in fishing for several years yet. If we turn as many big fish back as possible we hope to get those spawning numbers back up for the future stocks. 👍

[@nathanhollis4184]

To keep herring from double hooking themselves I am using a small piece of medical tubing, putting it on the hook, trimming it to a very small piece, and then supergluing it on the hook. About 3/4 of them stay on in a 6 hour guide trip but I do have to replace a couple through the night. Do you have a better way?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

There are a few ways. These are the best. Use the smallest ones. They are super tough. www.ebay.com/itm/352628063812 Other than those I’ve used small pieces of rubber worm, but believe it or not hooking the Herring in the mouth and out the top with a circle hook nearly eliminates foul hooking altogether.

[@richie2dicks468]

Love the Chanel and info. I live between richmond and Williamsburg, I was curious what area you live in

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother! I’m in NC but I fish from Georgia to Gloucester.

[@davidhottel6009]

hey mike just wondering if you can use a slip boober and weight and set just above the bottom would work also thanks great video

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

David Hottel absolutely, in fact when the river is very low I drift floats. If you want a big girl get the biggest Gizzard Shad you can.

[@barrymidgette732]

You fish it this year? Flows were lower and cleaner water.

[@TsunamiSam]

Nice one

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brah!!!

[@Bodaciousbunny22]

I am going striper fishing Saturday for the first time at SML by mormans marina on the roanoke river. This video helps me but I hope night crawlers work because I don't have any live fish for bait. Never gone fishing for big fish before only little small mouth.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Get some Bass minnows and watch this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZfHgZuPeJubnK8

[@Bodaciousbunny22]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS thank boss

[@jaredbradley4095]

Purple power works awesome to clean with . Use a cheap pump up sprayer spray it on let it sit and wash it off.

[@saelee33]

Wish I can go with you guys. Jon boy got so big now.😂😂😂. Nice catch.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother!! You should see him play Offensive line! 😂. He would pull and level linebackers 2 at a time. -Proud Daddy.

[@saelee33]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS Shit record it next time and upload it so we can see bro.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I have some tapes I’ll dig up, this was when he was 12 playing with 15 year olds (because I coached him and his older brother). kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXOZfZeEpqqDr68. This was actually to win a Conference Championship Game.

[@tarmorplus]

I am on the west coast. Do you have to bend the bars there. We have to bend the the Barb's here for salmon.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Only in certain fisheries, mostly during spawning. Not many though.

[@2olvets443]

I wish they had stairs at the dams so they could get all the way up the Roanoke.

[@Ronald-zi9qz]

In Georgia I'm looking for that spot can you give me area

[@vincentmckinney582]

Which river are you on

[@GaryT69]

Ok mike I think I’m ready to take the plunge on a simrad. Need ur help please

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

You got it. Email me. [e-mail]

[@GaryT69]

Just emailed you

[@HOMETEAM8011]

How do you catch ur lake herring?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

The best way to get a lot in 1-2 throws is setting a light by a bridge and wait for them to swarm below the boat. If you can find a dock light near deep water it will hold herring.

[@whitelightwaterfowl]

Soft scrub has been a great substitute these days for deck cleaning!! Just rinse well or it may leave a white powder when it dries

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Thanks brother

[@dak8840]

@mikesmedley took your advice and stated using my non levelwind reel. Which is a seigler sm on a striper stealth MH Spooled with 30lb line , running into a issue with casting with no weight. Will not cast without a nasty birds nest or no distance. The shad in my area are only about 2-3inches at most. I hate to use weight cause I fish hydroelectric dams and snags are never ending! Give me some expert knowledge brother ???

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Dak 88 When I cast with no weight in I’m using a large hook and large bait which gives me enough weight to cast with no lead needed. It’s gonna tough to cast 2-3inch Shad on a small hook with no weight. Hopefully you can find some larger baits or you will have to add some lead.

[@dak8840]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS looking to buy a accurate, but I want something small that I can palm for bottom fishing and possible cast well if I wanna throw a buck tail. Non levelwind can it be done or is there a reel that it can be done with

[@johncatelli8767]

Live within sight of freedom tower. Fish all the estuaries. Strippers all day. 3in white grub on light tackle just a blast! Move out to the bay or harbor 30+ not a problem on 6in swimbaits or bucktails. Be respectful I remember when there was very few to caught!

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍

[@scottgarrett6339]

Are you using a drift sock or are you anchored?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Drifting free.

[@jonathancuzzola6030]

Would you be willing to share the coordinates of this spot?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Sure, email me, but go at your own risk. [e-mail]

[@pilot27records]

I'm in roper where do you get your bait

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I net it on lake Gaston.

[@kouchang3055]

Nice. Can quality fish be caught there?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Oh yeah! The big females are there too, they come up more and more later in the spawn.

[@migesfishing7736]

What’s the deal with SML... if I can’t fish here in MD maybe I should make the trip down there 🤔. Hey I use those same Eagle claw rods ... love em 😜👍🏼

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

SML is very healthy these days. Bigger fish.

[@fg112364]

use crazy clean, defender has it...

[@joeralston8252]

If releasing fish, I try never not to boat the fish and let him flop on the deck. When the fish is ready, and close, I like to put the rod down, grab the leader, then carefully take hold of the jig head (if applicable), or just above the lure (if tremble hooks), and lip the fish (if bass) with forefinger and thumb of other hand, and then remove hook. This give be full control of the fish and hooks. Fish can stay in the water, or close to it, and the protective slime is never touched by anything at all.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍👍👍

[@toddh6102]

Were you a 1st gen Sea Pro owner. Curious if gen 2 is as sturdy as originals.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Yes sir!! That was a 2004 that I bought new. The new Sea Pros have stepped things WAY UP! If you can believe that. I love the new 248!!

[@pilot27records]

How close are you to the sound Mike

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

This spot is around 70 miles from the sound I believe. I can’t remember exactly. It’s the town of Weldon.

[@pilot27records]

Thanks Mike I'm always on the albemarle if you ever want to go out

[@TheFlyingJerzey]

What state you in?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

NC

[@constitutiongoing]

I use chicken livers and shrimp for big stripers,, works great,,

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

👍👍

[@kenni411]

gps coordinates please?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Shoot me an email [e-mail]

[@warren6172]

Why do stripers boil during spawning season? We get big schools of them that school up and lazily boil on the surface

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Good question. The big Females make their way towards the surface where dozens of males roll around her releasing their milt as she releases her eggs. You often only see the males but their are definitely females under them.

[@jacobshipman1490]

need to come down to packs landing in sc. smoking right now

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Jacob Shipman 👍👍

[@kirkmartin2223]

You might not be able to find bleach but toilet bowl cleaner works better especially the gel kind. If you want liquid bleach just buy "shock-it". You can find it in the pool area at Walmart. Its just granulated chlorine bleach.

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Good ideas. Thanks brother.

[@kirkmartin2223]

@@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS now i will warn you that toilet bowl cleaner will take off any wax that you have on the boat along with scum lines and mildew. "Bar keepers friend" in the gold can works wonders on rust stains as well......but it will take off wax also. Love the videos and if you ever want to fish Texoma let me know

[@blindabinda1234]

I'd have to say John boy had much better rod control 16 years ago. Lol

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

😂😂😂😂

[@travismorrison2567]

Why not lure videos I mean they've used them since the 50s for stripers so plenty old school enough

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

I have quite a few artificial vids up, not much interest in them though.

[@chrispeerman7445]

Why would u wanna bend the barbs down?

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

@@chrispeerman7445 It’s the law here. Because the fish are in the act of spawning and-or recovering from spawning they MIGHT be in a weakened state before they get hooked. A barbless hook does less damage to the fish, and in situations like this where every boat can catch and release over 100 fish you can imagine how much damage is averted.

[@chrispeerman7445]

Thanks for the info didn't know that makes sense

[@straightupnews2965]

621

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

😁

[@bidenhasdementia8657]

Those are not healthy fish. There's been a rapid decline in the Roanoke striper since they started flooding it every spring for big boats.

[@jrevan]

Or just use a jet ok.

[@vincentmckinney582]

Which river are you on

[@MikeSmedleyOLDSCHOOLSTRIPERS]

Roanoke