Oconee Striper Bite Is Hot Just Ahead Of Weekend

Oconee: Level: Full at 435. Temp: 52 degrees, which is above the 38- to 46-degree water temperature reported just 10 days ago. Clarity: Stained.

Stripers: Capt. Doug Nelms, with BigFishHeads Guide Service, reports on the afternoon of Feb. 5 that there is a “huge” striper bite right now from Safe Harbor Marina to River Bend.

“Trolling regular Mini Macs (without any extra weight) and even umbrella rigs will bring a lot of fish into your boat,” said Doug. “Over the past week, there have been terrific numbers of fish coming in, and with the full moon coming, it should just keep getting better. With your gas motor, the trolling speed has been from 2.5 to 3 mph. If you find birds, troll right though where they are working.”

Doug says if numbers of fish isn’t your thing, now is a good time to chase a trophy striper,

“There is nothing more exciting than watching a monster slap a live bait out of the water in February and March. Most of the trophy striper fishermen on Oconee are out of bed in the morning, throwing their nets long before most mortal’s alarm clocks go off. Some of the great places to throw your net for big gizzards and threadfins is around the Highway 44 bridge, Sugar Creek bridge and the two bridges in Lick Creek.”

“Most of our trophy fish will come from the south end of the lake as we get closer to March and April, so concentrate your efforts there. You don’t have to hug the barrel line at the dam and fight traffic. In fact what we have found out is the bigger fish are loners and are caught out in the middle of no where!

“The Oconee Derby starts this month on Feb. 22 and will run for six weeks this year. Go to www.oconeederby.com to see all the information about it. If you have never fished The Derby, you don’t know what you’ve been missing. We have a blast and always have a lot of fun doing a lot of good. If you plan on chasing crappie or stripers this spring, the Oconee was made for you, and we would love for you to be a part of it.”