When the fish are more active throughout the CT River, I like to throw large houdini shad in pearl white or bubblegum.  This technique not only crushes the active schoolies, it also gives you a good shot at hooking a trophy pike when fishing in the coves. There is nothing more exciting than seeing a giant pike destroy a houdini shad!

ct river fishing in the coves for schoolie stripers

So now that you know what I like to fish for and how I like to fish the CT River in the spring, it is your turn to tell me how you fish the river, and what you like to fish for. Leave us a comment below with your favorites, maybe we will get inspired to try something new in the upcoming months.

I have also been asked many times what kind of rod do I usually pair up with the sahara reels, and my response is always a bass pro shops xps medium-heavy 7 foot rod which works great for fresh and saltwater applications. The xps rods are again a good mix of quality and affordability, which is important in tough economic times. They have the feel of an expensive rod without the outrageous price tag.

Bass pro shops also feels an xps rod and a shimano sahara reel are a match made in fishing heaven, so they offer it as a combo as well. If you want more information on my favorite rod and reel combination for CT fishing success, you can click on either of the pictures below.