The stripers head to the upper rivers in the late winter to find food and to get ready for the spawning run. When these fish move into these rivers, they are easier to find simply because they have limited waters to move about. The bank fisherman has a real advantage over boaters because they can fish the same area constantly. The stripers get accustomed to the food being offered and will return on a regular basis looking for food.

The waters are usually warmer in the rivers off the main current. The bait fish will move into these warmer areas and that's the place to find feeding stripers. Remember the rule, find the food and that is where the fish will be.

Tackle for bank fishing is not limited to bait casting reels. Many anglers use large capacity spinning reels and super long rods to 8 feet. Heavy line is a bonus. Bank fishing is where most anglers learned to fish. Use some type of rod holders that can be stuck in the banks. When bank fishing keep tackle simple. Hooks, sinkers and some bait and you are ready to feed the fish. Baits for stripers off the bank can be anything from hot dogs to live bream and shiners under a float. Stripers are meat eaters so try almost anything. If you take some fried chicken for yourself, try the same chicken on a striper. Usually some weight on a Carolina style rig or simply a treble hook on heavy line will sink to the bottom so the fish can find it.

Tactics are simple and the points close to the river or creek currents are prime locations. These fish as they grow can smell extremely well. The fish follow the scent of cut bait and will find these baits all day and even at night. It is not uncommon to see anglers on the banks and around ramps and parks at all hours of the day and night. Stripers can and will feed at any time if they can find the food.

Use some type of cut bait close to current to draw the fish to the baits. Use a stocking with some cut bait, add a rock and throw the scent bag out upstream from your fishing location. Live bait under a float can also work for stripers.

Think of salt water fishing in the surf, gear up and head to the lake for the salt water transplant. Copyright 2002, Southern Fishing Schools Inc. Ken Sturdivant is on the Professional Fishing Staff at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.