How to catch stripers on the Trent and Neuse Rivers in February

Expert guide shares his tips

If you’re itching to scratch your fishing bug, you’ll find what you’re looking for on the Neuse and Trent Rivers, where stripers are currently keeping anglers busy.

Capt. Gary Dubiel, of Spec Fever Guide Service is finding stripers in deep water after cold fronts, and said that fishing on hard break edges in 15- to 20-foot depths is a good bet. He said anglers can dramatically increase their chances of hooking up if they pay close attention to what size jighead they are using. This simple detail is often overlooked by anglers, and can mean the difference in having a banner day and not getting a bite.

“It depends on the current and wind, but you want to use as light a jighead as possible. 1/8- to 1/4-ounce is about as big as you want to go this time of year,” said Dubiel.

A 3- or 4-inch D.O.A. Shad Tail jerkbait is Dubiel’s favorite lure to thread onto his jighead. He likes them in brighter colors like white, pearl, and chartreuse.

The bites can be subtle in this cold weather, so Dubiel suggests anglers do all they can to help themselves feel every bite. One way of doing this is for anglers to opt for medium-light rods.

Knowing the terrain of the bottom of these rivers will also help anglers anticipate where their next bite will come from.

“Pay real close attention to the shallower side of the river. This is where the more flat edge is. Let the lure fall, and fish it tight to the bottom. This time of year, you want to jig it back with very little rod action,” said Dubiel (252-249-1520)

Anglers shouldn’t worry too much about getting on these rivers at first light right now. Dubiel said you can do yourself a favor and wait until the sun is up a little bit, because the fish like that just as much as we do.

“The fish are a little happier in the sunshine, and they will bite better when the sun is shining, especially in the afternoon,” he said.

Dubiel also holds seminars to help anglers become better at catching a variety of fish species. His upcoming seminar schedule is as follows:

The Fly Fishing Show, Lancaster, PA March 5 and 6

Fisherman’s Post Fishing School, Greenville, NC March 12

“Get Hooked” at NC Aquarium Pine Knoll Shores, March 19

Neuse River Bait and Tackle, Grantsboro, NC March 19

Virginia Fly Fishing Festival, Richmond, VA April 9 and 10, 2016

Click here to book your trip with Capt. Dubiel, or sign up for one of his seminars.