A change in terminal tackle and approach for Kiptopeke Cows 2015

Bill Fowler, my fishing buddy and Dewayne Lamb (owner of Captain's Quarters, Smith Mountain Lake) both recommended smaller hooks and lighter leader.  I reasoned that the gill plates cut fish off frequently and decided to use lighter fluorocarbon leader, but add some protection to the knot.  At least until the line gets passed the striper gill plates.

I added a sort piece of small diameter eel tubing to cover the eye of the hook and protect the snell.  Notice also the short piece of eel tube between the ball bearing swivel and the plastic bead.  Both the bead and the eel tube are intended to protect the knot from being damaged by abrasion damage from my eel tubes.  I had some lines part at the swivel due to abrasion this year.  Maybe lost one fish do to this problem.  Mono and fluoro seem to be more forgiving than braid.  The sinker, when used will be between 1/2 and 3/4 ounce.  Most useful to help the eel stay at the target depth when pulling at 2+ mph.

While I snell a hook the old fashioned "my way", the shown tool is supposed to make it easy.  I find it just as difficult as "my way".  However, the tool allows joining of two lines (always difficult for me as related to braid/mono), trailing hooks and nail knots.

Haven't given up on my Hi-Viz mono and braid.  Braid is much smaller diameter and produces less drag to allow the eel to get down to the target depth.  Whereas, the mono with varued camo might not frighten the fish?

The day spent on the water with Dewayne Lamb was very informative in what he revealed and what he didn't.  For example, I noticed while at the motel, that Dewayne and crew were busy placing a \
holographic strip to the planers.  The near identical reflective strip is on my Buggz lake planers.  Hmmm, might result in Dewayne's successes (boated 19 over the period my boat landed 1) have more to do with the planer flash to attract the stripers to see the eel than finesse the terminal gear?  So, I also pulled my long stowed and salt seasoned Outcast planers and will update these with halographic tape.  Already replaced the tail swivels.

Dewayne wanted a yellow or lighter colored eel.  He tried to dye an eel, but it washed off as soon as it hit the water.  Several years ago, Bill Fowler and I planned to jig at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel 4th island and the pilings.  Only happened once, but we still have many BKD (Bass Kandy Delights).  As shown, this one is yellow and near 10 inches.  The green/red jig head is powder coated and the huge eyes might make it life like to a striper when towed at trolling speed.

Got all the reels washed by mother nature as it rained steadily before I left Kiptopeke and for the entire trip home.  Also, stayed in the rain over night before I could get the gear off the boat.  Sprayed the reels with Real Magic to prepare them for the long summer nights sleep.

Keep thinking that there must be a launch closer to 40A as it's 17 miles up the bay from Kiptopeke launch.  Cape Charles is closer if I choose to cross the 1 foot sand bar and go north out of the harbor area. Otherwise, it's down the bay out of the harbor channel to a place where it might be safe to cross over the shoal.  Looked at Cherry Stone launch, but it also requires crossing a shoal with 1 foot depth. Look for the Miss Jenifer Charter moored next to the ramp.   Think the launch is associated with the Cherry Stone Camp Ground and an oyster company/hatchery at the location.

Then, there's Morley's Wharf   launch West of Exmore.  About 30 miles up the peninsula from Kiptopeke and only a 5 mile run out into the bay.

But, the day we looked, the tide was HIGH and the parking lot lines were a foot under water.  Not sure about the channel to the bay.  This facility is on the South side of Occohannock Creek.  Take route 183 West from US 13 at Exmore and turn right on Morley's Wharf Road.

Also, I would be concerned about security at this launch site.

Much of my fishing activity is near or above the 641 - US 13 intersection that runs to Cape Charles.  Alcohol free fuel is at a Shell station a few miles North of this intersection.  Select the mid grade as it's alcohol free.  Much less expensive than alcohol free sold at the Cape Charles Marina and much less of a hassle.

                                        Tight Lines,   Joy T Brew