Striper fishing has become one of the most sought-after fish for anglers. Anglers catch many bass that are sometimes as large as 30, 40 or even 50 pounds, providing some of the most exciting fishing that you can find.
Those with their own boats can get in on this fast action, but those without boats must rely on the kindness of others or pay for a charter or head boat. Of the two, a head boat is less expensive. While a charter boat is less crowded, there is no reason why a head boat trip cannot be equally enjoyable.
Have Fun With Strangers on a Party Boat
Fishing on a head boat does require interaction with strangers. Following some basic rules will ensure that you fully enjoy your party boat experience.
The first stranger you will meet is the mate. He will greet you at the dock, help with your equipment and get you situated at a place along the rail. The mate will be your primary contact with the crew because the captain will be in the wheelhouse for most of the trip. The mate should also treat you well because he works for tips. He also knows more about head boat fishing than you do, and the prudent angler will heed his advice.
Head boats attract a cross-section of society. I have fished alongside doctors, lawyers and people who had no discernable source of income. There will be English teachers, or folks who do not speak any English. Experience will also vary, with there being salty regulars and newcomers.
If you work together with your temporary family of strangers, you will not only improve your chances of being successful. You will also enjoy the trip more. I have fished on party boat trips where I had made many friends and continued to fish with those people after the trip was over.
Party Boat Tackle
Most party boats will supply tackle to those that need it. The boat will supply tackle for the day, either free or for a small fee. Because their tackle sees some pretty severe use, it could be worn and a bit heavy for your taste.
On the other hand, light tackle has no place on a head boat. Do not take anything on board that cannot control the fish you are trying to catch. If you try to fish with light tackle and hook a striper, when the fish runs, it will tangle all other lines near you.
Your new temporarily family of strangers will not be happy with you.
If the boat is drifting live eels in deep water, a Penn 320GTI, spooled with 30-pound test, is as light as you want to go. If you are casting bucktails or jigging metal lures, an Ambassaduer BG7000HS is a good choice.
When matching the reel to the rod, be sure the rod has plenty of backbone in case you have to lift a striper over the rail. I use braided line on both of my outfits. Be aware that in a head boat situation, it is sometimes necessary to cut the line when tangles are severe.
Terminal tackle should mimic the type used on the boat. When drifting eels, most head boats will use some type of circle hook rig. I prefer to tie the leader directly to a 3-way swivel, but others still use a fish-finder rig. I find the circle hook works best. By tying the hook to the swivel and placing the rod in a holder, the striper will hook himself when the line comes tight; no setting the hook is required.
Size Matters
When tying on a lure or sinker, make sure everyone around you is using the same weight. It is critical that every rig hit bottom together and is carried by the current at the same rate. Different weights will drift at different depths and will tangle with those running below or above. Once again, this results in unpleasant encounters with strangers.
Drifting Eels
Many head boats drift eels for fall stripers. This is a pretty easy method where the eel is hooked through the mouth with a circle hook and dropped to the bottom. When a striper picks up the bait and brings the line tight, he hooks himself.
Some boats will use a fish-finder rig live eels. This requires a bit more interaction by the angler. The striper is allowed to run with the eel for a few seconds, then the angler engages the reel (if using a conventional reel), lets the line come tight and sets the hook.
If the angler is using a spinning reel, they must pay attention to the reel and be ready to open the bail if a fish takes the bait. After letting the fish run and inhale the bait, they then close the bail and bring the line tight. Remember not to set the hook when using circle hooks, as you will lose the fish.
Once the fish is in sight, do not tighten the drag. Bring the fish to the surface but do not lift him out of the water. Back away from the rail, and give the mate plenty of room to net your fish. Most head boats have a high rail and it is not easy to net a fish from this perch. Trust the mate to do the job without directions from you. Do however, follow the instructions of the mate, or your prize may be lost.
Casting and Jigging
Some boats will target striped bass with casting lures, including metals and bucktails. A white bucktail with a white plastic tail is the standard bait, but a Storm or soft shad body has become very popular. The idea is to use a lure that will cast well and sink quickly. I choose a Stingsilver or other metal lure, especially on windy days.
Get Down!
When stripers are on the surface, there are often larger fish under them. Try to get your lure on the bottom and work it slowly to imitate a crippled baitfish. In this case, a bucktail with a Mr. Wiffle is the ideal bait. It only takes a slight resistance to get the tail moving in an enticing manner.
Most folks will cast to breaking fish. However, there are times when a cast is not necessary. If all around me are sending lures to the horizon, I will drop mine straight to the bottom. Sometimes this works, and sometimes not, but at least I don’t get tangled with the mob.
Fishing for stripers on a head boat is not only fun, it is inexpensive. I have seen entire families out for a fun trip and go home with a limit of stripers. Go grab a few fishing buddies or take along the family for a good and productive striper trip on a head boat. Have fun!
