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Caught a 12inch Striped Bass in Morristown
Striped Bass Fishing in Lake Pleasant
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Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) are powerful, hard-fighting fish that have become a prized catch in Lake Pleasant near Morristown, AZ. These fish were originally native to Atlantic coastal waters but have been successfully introduced to many freshwater lakes and reservoirs throughout the United States. - Striped bass in Lake Pleasant typically range from 1-10 pounds, though larger specimens are occasionally caught. - They're identifiable by their distinctive horizontal black stripes running along their silver sides. - They prefer to school in deeper, cooler water during summer days but may feed near the surface during mornings and evenings. - These fish are voracious predators, primarily feeding on shad and other baitfish in Lake Pleasant.
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Glenn Diaz in August
Meet your Guide Glenn Diaz
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Summary
Saturday July at Lake Pleasant delivered perfect conditions for our guided fishing trip targeting striped bass. The lake was calm as we set out early with our guide Glenn Diaz, equipped with multiple techniques to find where the fish were holding. We alternated between bait fishing, trolling, and spin casting throughout our 5-hour trip, which kept the action steady and interesting. The highlight was landing a respectable 12-inch striper on light tackle. Lake Pleasant is a premier Arizona fishing destination for striped bass, especially during summer months when the fish are active and the weather is consistently clear. No Limit Fishing provides all the necessary gear, expertise, and local knowledge to put clients on fish, whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing.
Fishing Charter with Glenn Diaz – Rates & Booking
Guide Glenn Diaz of No Limit Fishing on Saturday July offers 5-hour guided fishing trips on Lake Pleasant that are perfect for targeting striped bass and other species. All fishing gear and tackle are provided, along with expert guidance on the best techniques for current conditions. This trip is ideal for both beginners and experienced anglers, with personalized instruction available. Early morning start times are recommended to catch the most active fishing periods, when stripers are more likely to be feeding near the surface.
The 5-Hour Trip package accommodates two or more anglers comfortably, making it perfect for friends and family outings. Safety equipment is provided, and Glenn's years of experience on Lake Pleasant ensures you'll be fishing the most productive spots based on seasonal patterns and current conditions. Book your Lake Pleasant fishing adventure with No Limit Fishing for the best chance at landing quality striped bass during the prime summer season.
Highlights of Lake Pleasant Fishing
Lake Pleasant offers some of the best inland striped bass fishing in Arizona, with consistent action throughout summer months. The reservoir's diverse structure provides excellent habitat for stripers, with deep channels, rocky points, and coves that hold fish at various times of day. The 12-inch striped bass we caught put up an impressive fight on light tackle, demonstrating why these fish are such popular targets for anglers visiting the Morristown area.
During summer months, early morning and evening fishing tends to be most productive, when stripers actively chase bait near the surface. Our guided trip included multiple fishing techniques - from bait fishing with anchovies to casting artificial lures and trolling - giving us the versatility needed to locate and catch fish throughout changing conditions. The clear summer skies and comfortable temperatures make this an excellent time to experience what Lake Pleasant has to offer.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped bass in Lake Pleasant exhibit somewhat different behavior compared to their coastal cousins. These freshwater transplants thrive in the lake's ecosystem, feeding primarily on shad and other baitfish. During summer months, they often school up in deeper water during midday heat but can be found chasing bait near the surface during early morning and evening hours.
The most effective techniques for targeting Lake Pleasant stripers include vertical jigging in deeper water, trolling along points and channel edges, and casting topwater lures during low light conditions. Our trip demonstrated that a versatile approach is key to success, as these fish can change their feeding patterns quickly based on water temperature and baitfish movements. The average size ranges from 2-5 pounds, though trophy fish exceeding 20 pounds are occasionally caught by anglers willing to put in the time and effort.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
When preparing for your Lake Pleasant fishing trip with No Limit Fishing, plan to arrive early - summer trips typically begin around sunrise to take advantage of the morning bite before temperatures rise. Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the season, including sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen). While all fishing gear is provided, you may want to bring a camera to document your catch, water and snacks for the day, and a small cooler if you plan to keep any fish.
The fishing boat is well-equipped for Lake Pleasant conditions, with ample fishing space and shade for hot summer days. Guide Glenn Diaz handles all the technical aspects of the trip, from boat operation to rigging tackle and recommending the most effective presentations based on current conditions. This allows you to focus entirely on the fishing experience and enjoying your time on the water, whether you're a beginner or experienced angler seeking local expertise.
Fishing in Lake Pleasant: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), belonging to the Moronidae family within the order Perciformes, is one of Lake Pleasant's most sought-after gamefish. Characterized by its distinctive horizontal black stripes running along silvery sides, these powerful fighters have adapted well to freshwater environments despite their Atlantic coastal origins. In Morristown's Lake Pleasant during July, striped bass provide exciting opportunities for anglers seeking a challenging catch.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are hard-fighting predatory fish that were introduced to many freshwater impoundments across the United States. These fish are highly regarded among anglers for their aggressive strikes, strong runs, and excellent table fare. Originally anadromous fish that migrated between salt and freshwater, landlocked populations like those in Lake Pleasant have adapted fully to freshwater environments.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
While naturally found along the Atlantic coast from Florida to Canada, Striped Bass have been successfully introduced to many inland waters. In Lake Pleasant near Morristown, they typically inhabit deeper, open water areas but will move into shallower zones to feed, especially during low light conditions. During summer months, they often stratify based on water temperature, seeking cooler depths during midday heat.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass can grow impressively large, with specimens ranging from 20 to 55 inches in length and weights varying from 10 to 81 pounds in optimal conditions. In Lake Pleasant, most caught stripers typically range from 2-10 pounds, though trophy-sized fish exceeding 20 pounds are occasionally landed. The 12-inch specimen caught on our trip represents a younger fish with plenty of growing potential.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
These voracious predators primarily feed on smaller baitfish, with threadfin and gizzard shad making up the bulk of their diet in Lake Pleasant. They're known for their schooling behavior, often herding baitfish to the surface in feeding frenzies called "boils" - a spectacular sight for anglers. Stripers are most active during dawn and dusk, though deep-water feeding continues throughout the day.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
In riverine environments, Striped Bass typically spawn in spring when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. However, Lake Pleasant's striped bass population is primarily sustained through stocking programs as they require flowing water for successful reproduction. During spawning season, they may make upstream movements into tributary arms of the lake in an instinctive but typically unsuccessful attempt to reproduce.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Multiple techniques prove effective for Lake Pleasant stripers. Vertical jigging with spoons or bucktail jigs works well in deeper water, especially when fish are marked on electronics. Live bait fishing using anchovies or shad can be deadly, particularly when suspended under a float. Trolling with deep-diving crankbaits along underwater points and channels produces consistent results. In July around Morristown, early morning topwater fishing can be exceptional as stripers chase shad near the surface before the intense desert heat drives them deeper.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat that's mild in flavor with a slight sweetness. It's versatile for cooking methods including grilling, baking, and frying. Nutritionally, it provides a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Smaller to mid-sized fish (under 10 pounds) generally offer the best eating quality, while larger specimens may have a stronger flavor profile.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass in Lake Pleasant?
A: Live or cut anchovies and shad are top natural baits. For artificial lures, deep-diving crankbaits, jigging spoons, and topwater plugs during low light conditions all produce well depending on the season and conditions.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Morristown?
A: During summer months, focus on main lake points, channel edges, and deeper water adjacent to flats. Early mornings, look for surface activity as stripers chase baitfish. During midday heat, use electronics to locate schools in deeper, cooler water, typically 20-50 feet deep.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass offers excellent eating quality with firm, white meat that's mild and sweet. Fish between 18-28 inches generally provide the best table fare. It can be prepared in numerous ways including grilling, baking, and frying.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Lake Pleasant, early morning and evening hours typically produce the best action, particularly during summer months. Spring and fall can offer all-day action as water temperatures moderate. The summer bite around Morristown is often best before 9 AM and after 5 PM.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I expect to catch in Lake Pleasant?
A: Most Striped Bass caught in Lake Pleasant range from 12-24 inches (1-6 pounds), though fish over 10 pounds are caught regularly by those targeting trophy specimens. The Arizona state record for landlocked striped bass exceeds 29 pounds.
Q: Do I need special tackle for Striped Bass fishing?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting equipment with 12-20 lb test line is ideal for Lake Pleasant stripers. When booking with a guide like No Limit Fishing, all appropriate tackle is provided and matched to current fishing conditions.
