Newbie Needs Help with Stripers/Hybrids Around North Charlotte

[Yakkin]

This winter my primary goal is to catch my first hybrid/striper from either the bank or my kayak it’s a fish I tried for several times last year and got skunked each trip.

Other than some internet research I am totally clueless on how to catch stripers in our area and would be willing to make a bit of a drive if it improved my chances.

Any information would help, techniques, what to look for, anything.

Right now I’m fishing without a fish finder but I should have one rigged up shortly.

Thanks so much

[Fishscalz]

Where do you plan to fish for the Striped ones?
Norman, Catawba River, or elsewhere?
Also, bait or lures?

[Yakkin]

Where do you plan to fish for the Striped ones?
Norman, Catawba River, or elsewhere?
Also, bait or lures?

Preferably Norman, since It’s the closest to me but am willing to make a drive if the fishing is worth it.

I live on the Southside of Norman near the Mguire hot hole so I am within a short driving distance of Mt. Island and Norman, I’ve heard Mt Island doesn’t have a decent population of hybrids and stripers.

On the issue of bait, I’m not sure like I said I’m going into this without much knowledge and am not sure what the better choice would be.

[Fishscalz]

Fishing chicken liver or fresh shad cutbait at the hot hole once the water temp gets in the 60's in the main lake is a good high percentage technique.

A light surf rod and reel with 20 pound braid, and a slip sinker rig with a 3/0-6/0 circle hook will get you in the game from the bank, although you will likely lose some rigs. Just like fishing for catfish in any tailrace, the longer surf rod helps minimize and get loose from hangs. Early and late in the day are prime times.

Trolling crank baits or swim baits in predominately white or chartreuse from you kayak around lake points will also yield results. Fishing these near the bottom in 8-18 feet of water, will get a bit of everything.

Trolling a tandem rig with different colors (mostly white crank bait, and mostly chartreuse 1/4 oz. jig head with swimbait or curlytail plastic), or switch colors will give you a good shot at getting a hybrid around creek channels and humps). Again, near the bottom will get better results.

Troll a bit faster than you would for most fish, 3-4 miles an hour, and up, until the water gets in the 50's.

[Yakkin]

Fishing chicken liver or fresh shad cutbait at the hot hole once the water temp gets in the 60's in the main lake is a good high percentage technique.

A light surf rod and reel with 20 pound braid, and a slip sinker rig with a 3/0-6/0 circle hook will get you in the game from the bank, although you will likely lose some rigs. Just like fishing for catfish in any tailrace, the longer surf rod helps minimize and get loose from hangs. Early and late in the day are prime times.

Trolling crank baits or swim baits in predominately white or chartreuse from you kayak around lake points will also yield results. Fishing these near the bottom in 8-18 feet of water, will get a bit of everything.

Trolling a tandem rig with different colors (mostly white crank bait, and mostly chartreuse 1/4 oz. jig head with swimbait or curlytail plastic), or switch colors will give you a good shot at getting a hybrid around creek channels and humps). Again, near the bottom will get better results.

Troll a bit faster than you would for most fish, 3-4 miles an hour, and up, until the water gets in the 50's.

Is the Marshall Hot Hole better thane the McGuire one? I tried fishing Mcguire several times last year with no results except one spot.

[Fishscalz]

In general, more current is better. Marshall generally seems to have more current more often. The water color is usually better there as well, being closer to the headwaters. Just a bit of stain makes it easier to get bit with heavier line.

It takes some getting used to, and a fine touch, but fishing the current breaks in heavier current is more consistent than flat water for myself.

[gambusia]

Fish the hot holes and look for shad

[Yakkin]

Went to the McGuire hot hole today, I started out fishing with one rod on the bottom and with a bobber. Both had on crappie minnows. I had no luck what so ever.

The quest continues.

I've sincerely appreciated the tips so far and would love to hear even more, thank you guys.

[Yakkin]

Has anyone tried either Mountain, Stumpy or Hicks creek on Lake Norman? Is there a launch close enough for a kayak to paddle to

[gambusia]

I would try some larger size minnows if you can get some.

[Yakkin]

The struggle continues, attempt number three of the year was a trip to the Marshall steam plant using small sunfish suspended as bait. Currently sitting with one sunfish alive left, will post a more detailed fishing report later

[anchorandglobe]

I used to do well using shad, goldfish or trout for bait all over LKN. That was when I boat fished. Now, I'm a die-hard yak fisher and am looking to get back into chasing the striped ones again. I intend to slow troll some umbrella rigs. I know a few spots that usually produce throughout the coldest months...as long as I can stand to kayak, at least. Shoot me a PM and maybe we can arrange something.

[Yakkin]

My kayak has a hole in it so I decided to try another round at the Steam Station. Last time I was down there the beach was packed but this time there was only two other fishermen. I found an open spot next to the barrier and casted around with one rod while I had another rod hooked up with large live minnows. Caught two 2-3lb spots off the minnows but nothing else over the four hours I was there.

Currently sitting at 5 attempts Zero Stripers...

[stripes]

Youtube is your friend. There are plenty of vid out there for pretty much any species that you can think of and there is no shortage of GoPro vids for Lake Norman and other NC lakes. Some are kayak specific vids. Although most dont give particular locations you can get a good idea of what generic areas guys are fishing what time of year. Pay attention to when the vid was created so you can at least come close to knowing what time of year they were fishing. If you pay really close attention you can even sometimes pinpoint specific areas by landmarks - power lines in the background, bridges, etc. This time of year I target them from a yak way back in the creeks early and then follow them deeper as the morning progresses as a starter. If you are hoofing it Latta Plantion on Mt. Island also has access to some good shore bound areas via good trails but as somebody mentioned it aint what it used to be. Hot holes can be frustrating since good spots get occupied quick when the fishing is good been there done that, bought a yak.

[Yakkin]

Youtube is your friend. There are plenty of vid out there for pretty much any species that you can think of and there is no shortage of GoPro vids for Lake Norman and other NC lakes. Some are kayak specific vids. Although most dont give particular locations you can get a good idea of what generic areas guys are fishing what time of year. Pay attention to when the vid was created so you can at least come close to knowing what time of year they were fishing. If you pay really close attention you can even sometimes pinpoint specific areas by landmarks - power lines in the background, bridges, etc. This time of year I target them from a yak way back in the creeks early and then follow them deeper as the morning progresses as a starter. If you are hoofing it Latta Plantion on Mt. Island also has access to some good shore bound areas via good trails but as somebody mentioned it aint what it used to be. Hot holes can be frustrating since good spots get occupied quick when the fishing is good been there done that, bought a yak.

Thanks for the tips, been shorebound much of the winter due to the fact that I my kayak has had a hole in it. Have tried patching it up a twice but it shook loose. I’ve only been taking it out on short trips in shallow water lately till I find a permanent fix. I have a sit inside so I don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the lake with a yak full of water in the winter temps