“I get the line and herring well away from the boat and work each area thoroughly and patiently,” he said. “There usually won’t be as much action as with our more traditional fishing pattern. But the odds of hooking a huge fish or two are enhanced using this technique. It’s certainly not a sure-fire setup, but it’s the best way I’ve found to specifically target the really big fish.”

On our trip, there were periods of time where he slowly motored along, looking for the combination of forage and game fish over a good structure. This is time well spent, he said.

“Unless you have the different keys to success found together, odds of getting into red-hot fishing action is somewhat diminished,” he said.

However, when it all comes together, each person in the boat is basically limited to one rod because as fast as he slips a blueback on the hook and it is lowered to the right depth, another fish loads on.

When first setting up, he’ll often put out four and sometimes more rods. But a hard-charging striper or two that becomes hooked seems to turn on the rest of them. Then it’s literally action as fast as you can crank them in.

This spring and summer don’t miss the outstanding fishing going on at Lake Hartwell. If you haven’t enjoyed this type of striper fishing, now’s the time and Lake Hartwell is the place.

Contact Hamilton (Lake Hartwell Striper Guide Service at 864/304-9011) to book a trip anytime of the year.