I had a chance to exchange some e mails with Scott Bridgess recently, and here is an excerpt from those exchanges. Needless to say, judging by the image above, Scott DOES KNOW what he is talking about when it comes to Texoma’s famous Stripers. He seems to know something about Carp as well!

It’s interesting the different patterns people are using and catching with in the river. I think the Stripers in the river feed on a more diverse diet than in the lake. I’m not happy about the condition of the of the 16 to 22 inch fish in the river. They were much fatter and healthier a few months ago. I have not said much because everyone is having so much fun. I think one reason they are biting so well is they are hungry. Most of the fish in the lake are healthier now. They fight better. Still a few skinny fish in the lake but most have recovered from the flood conditions. The flood dumped a lot of Stripers into the river. I think they are using up their food supply. The lake has a huge population of Stripers. Not to worry because the shad population is even bigger. My concern is larger fish in the lake. I’m not seeing the 28 to 34 in fish I saw before the flood. Time will tell. Sometimes the big fish tend to disappear for awhile. I hope thats true. It they survived they should show up in the next few months. I can only hope. Last winter I caught quite a few fish ranging from 24 to 34 inches. I think we are at least one month behind normal patterns. Gotta run. Nice fishing with you. – Scott Bridgess