Portsmouth, NH

["Lou"]

My Uncle just bought a boat and has it up in the river in Portsmouth, NH and asked me to help him with some outfits for it. I wasn't too sure how people went after Stripers up there, so I figured I'd ask and see what people had to say. He's planning on fishing in and around the area, his new boat is a 28 Albin, so he's not limited to staying in the river.

In RI I'm usually trolling wire or drifting eels, but im not sure what's productive up there, and consequently, what kind of gear he needs.

He is looking for 3 outfits, I was thinking, 1 Penn jigmaster? the non-levelwind, non-senator one's, on a 20-40 lb rod for jigging, and 2 Senator 112/113's for trolling on either 20-40lb rods or 30-50, possibly for diving plugs or leadcore. Does that sound correct? He wanted to stay away from wireline trolling, if he could.

Any idea's or advice?? Thanks

"Lou"

[Ron in Maine]

I have fished the river with my boat for a few years. Wire trolling works okay, as does drifting and throwing storm shads. To really make it work, he should have a bait well and go jig up some mackeral then run up river and put those things to good use. Right now, if he hit the river at first light, he could use about anything. Last three mornings bass have been busting up in front of the navy yard for hours. I only tell you where because my boat is up for sale due to moving west. Mack's are running all over the river, so a sabiki rig should do the trick for the bait, then either chunk or live line them. I would get a bait runner outfit, comes in handy. For other spots, you can pm me if you want. If you want a boat, pm me too. Best of luck and tight lines

[seabass]

I would recomend the same,Sabaki set ups and Penn Slamers on medium action rods, treble hooks, and a bag of balloons, hang on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!( trolling tube and worm on leadcore is another, less adrenaline pumping alternative

["Lou"]

Thanks guys, I'll be sure to pass the information along I know he'll appreciate it. Any particular models you like for that, especially as to size, action, and reel capacity?

Thanks again

"Lou"

[outfished]

My Brother works at the Badger's Island Marina on the Piscataqua River and he's taken me fishing on the river a few times. Baitrunners as well as at least a medium rod is in order. The currents on the river run fairly strong and when you hook onto something big you'll need lots of muscle to haul it in. Nice place to fish, especially this time of the season!