Lanier is has been a little over full pool and the water temperature is climbing into the upper fifties quickly. The water clarity is all over the place but more on the clear side. As expected the stained areas are a little warmer. . April is a big month on Lanier for striped bass. The stripers will move up both rivers, spawn, and work their way back down to the main lake. Since the stripers will be on the move they will need to eat.
The key pattern has been to fish open water with freelines and boards but as April arrives look for the stripers to move to the banks. Be sure to use your electronics to spot the fish in these areas. On the Humminbird Side Imaging, you can see the fish on each side of the boat. Concerning gear, the best setup is a Shakespeare Striper Rod paired with a Penn Fathom II Linecounter. Spool the Penn Fathom II Linecounter with 15 pound Trilene Big Game line. On the end of the line, you will need a flourocarbon leader. Tie on a Spro Power Swivel and a five foot section of 15 pound Trilene 100% Flourocarbon and a Gamakatsu 1/0 Octopus hook. The fifteen pound leader has been important as we are seeing bigger fish than the last couple years. Pick up a set of Water Bug Planer Boards and some live herring and you are good to go for the day. You will want to pull your baits across the points all up and down the lake.
If you prefer to use artificials, be sure to pick up some Berkley Jerk Shads in white. You will want to throw this on a Penn Battle IV 3000 spooled with 15 pound Berkley Forward Braid with a 10 pound flourocarbon leader on a Fenwick 7 foot medium spinning rod. Pick up a selection of other topwater wake baits like the Berkley Surge Shad and walking baits like the Berkley Cane Walker and you are good to go. One day the Surge Shad will be best and another day the Cane Walker will be best. Mostly, you will be casting to the points. April is a great month for casting here on Lanier. Time to be on the water!
