How we catch summer striper in deep water

Summer on Lake Hartwell means long days, warm water and plenty of boats — and it also means some of the most dependable striper fishing of the year, as long as you are willing to go where the fish are. Once the surface temperature climbs, the striper leave the shallows and stack up in deep, cool, oxygen-rich water.

Follow the bait, find the fish

Everything starts with blueback herring. The striper never stray far from their food, so we spend time watching the Garmin units for bait schools hanging over deep timber, humps and river channels. Find a wad of bait in 40 to 80 feet of water with arcs under it, and you have found the fish.

Live bait does the heavy lifting

In summer, down-lined live herring fished right at the depth the fish are holding is the most reliable way to put fish in the boat. That is why the boat runs two live wells — we keep plenty of lively bait aboard so every rod is fishing a frisky herring where the striper can see it. When a school decides to eat, it can be every rod doubled over at once.

Beating the heat

• We leave early — first light is the best bite and the coolest part of the day
• The canopy top gives everyone shade between spots
• Bring water, sunscreen and light clothing; the fish provide the excitement
• Kids do great in summer because the action is steady and the fish pull hard

If someone tells you the striper fishing slows down in summer, they just have not been down where the fish live. Give us a call or text at 864-417-7163 and come see for yourself.