Let’s discuss the versatility of side liners and the impact they’ve had on striper fishing.

By virtue of their design, side liners provide the striper angler options not available with a rod and reel alone.

They make it possible for the angler to get closer to the fish without spooking them. They also present your

bait in a fashion that appears more natural.

In recent years, there has been more than one trophy striper taken with side liners. I can go one step further and

say that they probably account for the majority of trophy fish annually.

Take for instance the case of Ezell Cox, from East Tennessee. Fishing on Norris lake last winter-he had a

side liner and a slip float out and was hammered simultaneously on both of them. After battling the first fish to

boat side he placed his rod in the rod-holder while leaving the fish in the water. (During the colder months,

stripers don’t become as stressed as they do in the summer.) Ezell was sure the fish would survive in the water

while he fought the second fish.

Once the second fish was at boat side, Ezell inspected the two to see which was the better fish. (Your only able

to keep one striper per day during the winter months on Norris.) As it turned out, they were identical. His

decision was made based on which fish appeared to be in better condition and most likely to survive.

Any striper angler would envy the dilemma Ezell had since the fish he kept pulled the scales down in excess

of 58 pounds.

Now that we understand their effectiveness, let’s look at the some of the ways to use side liners on a lake and a

river.

Still water lakes like Percy Priest, Tims Ford and Norris, provide the opportunity to use live or artificial bait

behind a side liner.

When using live bait, I like to do one of two things. In open, featureless water where a school of fish located,

I’ll pull my bait repeatedly through the fish. I’ll continue to do this until I get a hit, or the fish move on.

Use your electric trolling motor to prevent spooking the fish.

If I’m on a lake similar Tims Ford where the bottom drops off a few feet from the shoreline-I’ll pull the side

liners around major points and channel bends.

Artificial lures can be pulled behind side liners, but use your big motor in moving around.

(This provides the speed you need to make the baits work properly). A light weight Doll Fly

would be an exception to this rule. Jigs, spoons and crank baits in white and chartreuse will all work well.

River run lakes similar to Old Hickory can be fished by concentrating on ambush points. An ambush point will

provide a current break, or shade that allows the striper to hold its’ position without expending a lot of energy.

Side liners can be used from shore in some cases. They work by using the movement of water to propel away

from your position. A shore-angler can sit in one spot while allowing the current to take the side liner away

from the bank.

It’s important to understand current when fishing a river run reservoir. Side liners perform best when there

is none, or little current. When the current becomes swift, boat control will be very difficult with an electric

motor. Quiet, pin-point accuracy is what your looking for.

Live bait is the best choice when fishing a river run reservoir. Artificial lures can be used in some situations, but

for maximum efficiency-live bait will catch more fish.

Side liners also work when your boat is anchored. Use the same tactic as described from shore.

Tips

Speed and the distance behind the side liner can have tremendous importance. A golden rule of thumb is "a slow

winter and a fast summer". Stripers will be less likely to chase a fast moving bait during the colder months. As

the water warms-pick up your pace. The distance behind the side liner you should set your bait has no set rules

to apply. Experiment with this by starting at the same distance every time. Then gradually set them further back,

or move them closer until you find the magic mark.

Side liners are must-have tools when chasing stripers. Who knows, you may find yourself

in the same dilemma Ezell Cox had. That’s one problem I wouldn’t mind having.

Set your hook and hang-on!