Hey there, fellow angler! Ready to hit the water for some serious striped bass action? We've got just the trip for you on beautiful Cherokee Lake. This 6-hour charter is perfect for both newbies and seasoned pros looking to tangle with some hard-fighting fish. Our experienced guides know all the honey holes where the stripers and hybrids like to hang out. We'll get you set up with quality gear, show you the ropes if you need it, and make sure you have a blast out on the lake. It's a laid-back day of fishing, but don't be fooled – when those stripers start hitting, it's non-stop excitement!
Once we push off from the dock, we'll cruise to some prime fishing spots that have been producing well lately. Cherokee Lake is known for its healthy population of striped bass and hybrid striped bass, so we've got a good shot at hooking into some real bruisers. We'll likely use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what the fish are biting that day. Don't worry if you're new to this type of fishing – our guides are patient teachers and will walk you through everything from casting to fighting fish. And if you're an old pro? Well, get ready to swap some fishing stories and maybe learn a new trick or two. The boat's comfortable, with plenty of room for two anglers to fish without getting in each other's way. Remember to bring some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up – when the bite is on, you won't want to take a break!
On Cherokee Lake, we primarily use two main techniques for targeting striped bass: trolling and live bait fishing. When we're trolling, we'll be pulling lures or live bait behind the boat, covering water to find actively feeding fish. This is a great way to locate schools of stripers. Once we find them, we might switch to live bait fishing, which involves using larger baitfish like shad or alewives. We'll often fish these baits under planer boards or free-lined behind the boat. The gear we use is top-notch – sturdy rods paired with quality reels spooled with heavy line to handle those big, powerful stripers. Don't sweat it if you're not familiar with the gear or techniques. Our guides will give you a quick rundown and have you fishing like a pro in no time. And hey, if you've got your own favorite rod you want to bring along, that's cool too – just give us a heads up before the trip.
"Had a great time on the the lake. Ryan found us a sweet spot and we started hooking fish left and right!" - John
Striped Bass: These are the main attraction on Cherokee Lake, and for good reason. Stripers, as we call 'em, are like underwater freight trains. When they hit your bait, hold on tight! These fish can grow huge in Cherokee Lake, with some topping 20 pounds or more. They're most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring, but we can catch them year-round with the right tactics. Stripers often school up, so when we find them, the action can be fast and furious. They're also great eating if you want to take a few home for dinner.
Hybrid Striped Bass: Also known as "wipers," these fish are a cross between striped bass and white bass. They may not get quite as big as pure stripers, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. Pound for pound, hybrids might be the hardest fighting fish in the lake. They tend to hang out in similar areas as stripers, so we often catch them while targeting their larger cousins. Hybrids are most active in the warmer months, making them a great target during summer when the big stripers head to deeper, cooler water.
While we're primarily after stripers and hybrids, don't be surprised if we hook into some other species. Cherokee Lake also has a good population of largemouth bass, spotted bass, and crappie. It's not uncommon to have a mixed bag by the end of the day, which just adds to the fun and variety of the trip.
Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on Cherokee Lake and tangle with some hard-fighting stripers, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our 6-hour charters are perfect for a half-day of serious fishing action. Remember, we've only got room for two anglers per trip, so don't wait too long to book or you might miss out. Whether you're looking to learn the ropes of striper fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to hit some of Cherokee's best spots, we've got you covered. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a camera to document your catches). We'll take care of the rest. Oh, and don't forget – the balance is due in cash on the day of the trip. So what do you say? Ready to make some fishing memories on Cherokee Lake? Give us a call or book online, and we'll see you on the water!
September 12, 2024
Striped bass are a favorite target here on Cherokee Lake. These powerful fish typically run 10-20 pounds but can get much bigger. You'll find them hanging around underwater structures and drop-offs, often in cooler, deeper water during summer days. They move up shallower to feed in the mornings and evenings. Spring and fall are prime seasons as the stripers get more active. Anglers love targeting them for their strong fights - when a big one hits, hold on tight! They're also excellent eating fish with firm, white meat. To improve your chances, try drifting live shad or casting big topwater lures early in the day. A local trick is to look for diving birds - that often means stripers are pushing bait to the surface. When you see that action, get ready for some fast-paced fishing as the stripers go on a feeding frenzy.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Honda
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
Had a great time on the the lake. Ryan found us a sweet spot and we started hooking fish left and right!