Smith Mountain Lake Striper Slot Limit

Smith Mountain Lake is Virginia's most visited - and second largest - lake. This FAQ answers frequently asked questions. Q: Is it safe to swim in Smith Mountain Lake? A: SML is safe to swim in, except near geese, ducks, water fowl, and farm animals - and sometimes following heavy rainfalls that create runoff from farm land or disturb sediment on the lake bottom. The Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Tournament hosted at Gills Creek Marina. PRIZES 1st Category – LARGEMOUTH BASS (Must weigh 3.50 pounds or over). STRIPERS Out the Slot Limit (Slot Between 30” – 40”) Heaviest Weight – Minimum 24” length 1st Prize – $800.00 Cash 2nd Prize – $600.00 Cash.

1. Located in Moneta along the North Shore of the lake, Captain Bert’s Fishing Charters specializes in striped bass, popular for their immense size and abundance in Smith Mountain Lake. Rates for these Smith Mountain Lake fishing charters range from $325.00 – $425.00 for up to 6 people for a half day to $500.00 – $600.00 for up to 6 people.
2. Unfortunately, there is a slot limit of the size Striper that are ale to be kept from Oct 1st thru May 31st. The slot limit requires that Striper between 26 to 36 inches are to be released during the months mentioned. You are definitely still able to enjoy the thrill of catching and releasing fish of that size.

November 7

2019/2020 Striper Mafia Tournament Series on Smith Mountain Lake, VA
The Striper Mafia is hosting our fifth season of a “CPR” (Catch-Photo-Release) tournament series on Smith Mountain Lake, VA. Events will be held in November, December, March & April during which the “slot” is in place to protect our larger fish, and be conducted in a “Catch-Photo-Release” style. The format will feature a Captain’s meeting on the evening before at a location to be defined to review the rules and hand out approved measuring devices & photo token cards and “lines in water” will follow at safe-light as designated for each tournament, with the “check-in” at a time to be determined later that day. Tournament fees are to be paid at the Captain’s Meeting (in cash). Pre-registration is encouraged due to the limited number of slots, but we ask that you have full intention of fishing the event before registering.

Smith Mountain Lake offers 20,600 acres of breathtaking beauty, and some of the very best striped bass fishing in the country. I would invite you and your family to visit Smith Mountain’s beauty and sample some of the most exciting fishing to be found.

Stripers can be caught year round even in the winter months. Smith Mountain Lake stripers will average 6-12 pounds, but 15 plus pound fish are not uncommon and 20 plus pounders turn up each year. So, whether you’re an expert or a novice, let us guide you to some of the most heart pounding fishing in Virginia. Have kids? Bring them along. The striper is a great fish to introduce youngsters to the excitement of fishing.

Most of my charters originate from Halesford bridge area, conveniently located in Bedford County. Although depending on the feeding location of striper and their seasonal patterns other arrangements can be made. The area also offers water skiing, house boating, and sight seeing. There is a full service state park on Smith Mountain, and five golf courses in the area that promise a paradise for golfers from novice to expert. See you on the water.

My charters start at first light and last at least 4-5 hrs. (half day) or 8-9 hrs. (full day) trips. Anglers may legally keep two stripers each, Fish caught June 1 – October 31 have no length limits. Fish caught November 1 – May 31 have a protective slot limit 30 inch – 40 inch must be released. We also encourage our clients to catch, photograph and release our stripers to help protect this wonderful fishery that we all have to enjoy. Pictures will be taken of your trophy but quickly so that it can be released unharmed.

Pricing is as follows:

A deposit is required for all trips. 4 Hour Trip Deposits ($100) and 8 Hour Trip Deposits ($200) Payments can be made via all major credit cards. Checks or money orders need to be made out and sent to:

Smith Mountain Lake Striper Club

Tommy Thompson
472 Butch Fork Road
Pecks Mill, WV 25547
Cell # 304-928-7653

TO SCHEDULE A TRIP:
First: Email or call me to discuss the desired fishing date.

Cancellation policy: I understand that do to certain circumstances clients may need to reschedule, that’s no problem at all. Please call me as soon as you think you need to reschedule so that I can book another party for that date.

No-Show policy: If my party does not show up, then I will charge their credit card for the full balance.

We provide all fishing equipment including the live bait we use, We also take action photos to email customers. We catch and release or put on ice all fish harvested. Customers need to bring a Virginia fishing license (kids UNDER age 16 do not need a license), rain gear, camera, sun glasses, whatever you wish to eat and drink, and a cooler for fish. Remember to dress for the weather. Although afternoon temperatures may be warm, the morning run to the chosen fishing area can be quite cool. Always bring more clothes than you think you’ll need.

Smith Mountain Lake Striper Forum

Thanks for visiting us here at Rock Creek Striper Guide Service.
We will strive to make your fishing experience the best possible.
Please have a look at photos from our recent trips!