We had decided to try Crappie fishing first (in 10 degree weather) which proved unproductive, so we started pulling umbrella rigs. When we got the 4th one out I remembered a new bait I had just picked up at a Pedler's Mall. It looks like a Bandit 300 which is what I was trying to find. Recently I found an article which I had cut out back in the summer about a Crappie guide who trolls for Crappie with Bandit 300's, very successfully, however in the summertime. I pulled in one of the Umbrella rigs and put out the small deep diver about 200 yards behind the boat. I had little confidence in catching a Crappie, and no thought of catching a Striper, but sure enough, when Todd was in the back of the boat, the rod went down and he brought in the 20lb. Striper. One of the hooks broke off when he was taking it out of the fish and when he was putting on a new hook he noticed that the split ring was straightened out and barely holding the bait, so upsize the split ring if you use a small bait like this.

Todd had mentioned to me several times in the past that I should always pull a crank bait while pulling Umbrella rigs. It was appropriate that he was the one to catch the fish. I don't learn fast, but I do learn good.