do you try and tie the swimbait like a crappie jig so that it hangs more horizontal. I have managed four hybrids by deadsticking but they "caught" themselves on rods in rod holders

Yes. They sometimes feel like a crappie bite.

Yes, try to get that bait where it will sit horizontal.
When the rods in the holders are catching fish but you are not, usually means:

A - The rod in the holder is set at the depth the fish are at and the rod in your hand is not.

Or

B - You're moving your bait to much. Hold it still like the rod in the holder.

thanks- makes sense
going to try and more of that this winter

Would somebody post a picture of a dead sticking rig?

KP, dont go all in thinking deadsticking is the only way. Right now the surface temps are at 51, but twenty feet down I read almost 65 degrees the other day. Without typing a 3 page long response.......you will just have to try different things with the fish right now. The main thing is finding them on the graph. Even when you have birds all around there may or may not be fish. Make sure they are on the graph! Then try dropping baits and slow cranking first. No bites......try a slow drift......no bites - stop the boat still and dead stick. There is no set rules with these fish. Tomorrow they might want it burned off the bottom.

As far as deadsticking goes, just make sure you have a hook with a 90 degree bend. That will keep the bait horizontal in the water. This week I have used many different size, weight, and colors of jig heads. They have all worked with no definite favoritism when there are fish under the boat.

The main thing to remember this time of year is to slow down and watch the graph. Dont worry what the other boats around you are doing and keep your eyes peeled on the graph. When the fish are directly below you they will bite. Just keep experimenting.

A lot of us use one of these that has been dipped in a Chartreuse dye, we put it on a 1 ounce jig head, any color will do. Windier conditions might call for a heavier jig head.

http://www.moestackleshop.com/estore/details/4033

You could do a search on this forum, Moe took the time to post some videos of rigging suggestions.

Do you ware Crocs in the winter time?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwYl79Q0XPk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZzY8MisdzQ

The above could help, or not???

thanks guys, I appreciate the tips
and thanks for the video links duck

Yes, but seldom outside.

What an awesome Forum/Thread. I just went from knowing nothing about striper fishing, to knowing enough to probably be able to catch one.( not that its that easy....)