The Summer heat has arrived on Lanier and the stripers have moved south on the lake. The water temperature is in the mid eighties and the water is clear. The topwater bite with Berkley Magic Swimmers and walking baits like the Berkley Jaywalker is slowing down but definitely still keep the rods ready to cast. The best fishing has already moved to the south end of the lake due to deeper colder water which means higher oxygen levels for the stripers. The size of the schools has been behind schedule so far this Summer. With most of the schools being smaller than normal, it has been harder to catch big numbers of fish in one area. More traveling around looking for the fish on electronics has been necessary. Look in the creek channels near patches of timber. The primary pattern is the downline. The primary setup for the downline is a Shakespeare Striper Rod paired with a Penn Fathom II 15 Linecounter reel spooled with 15 pound Trilene Big Game line, the Captain Mack 2 oz swivel sinker, a 6 foot section of Trilene 100 percent Flourocarbon and a 1/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hook. Add a live herring to the hook and you are good to go. Take plenty of herring as they will not live long on the hook. Great electronics like the Humminbird Solix are the keys for success right now. Once you spot a few on the fish finder, drop your baits rapidly. The trolling bite is also picking up. Talk to your local tackle store like Hammonds or Oakwood Bait and Tackle for the specific rod and reel needed. Look for a Penn Fathom reel paired with a Shakespeare Tiger rod. Once you are setup, tie up one rod with a Ben Parker spoon and one with a 1 to 2 ounce white Berkley Fusion buck tail and troll at 2.8 mph to 3 mph. Tip the Berkley Fusion bucktail with a 6 inch Capt. Mack chartreuse or white trailer. Let the first couple bites tell you which one is hot. It can vary from day to day. Also be sure to pay attention to the size of the bucktail that is getting the bites. A small difference in weight can make a big difference in success. Be sure to release the fish fast as possible. Every second out of the water in the hot Summer months increases mortality. If you are taking pictures, have everything ready for a quick release. See you on the water,
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