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Written by Bill Nolan
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WEST WALL TACTICS!
With spring finally sprung, I thought I would give a refresher course in the nuances of Rhode Islands spring hotspot!
The west wall in Matunuck has been the traditional first place to "break the ice" as long as I can remember. The wall, stretching out a mile to the south out into the sea, is a natural gathering spot for new striper arrivals. The water is relatively shallow and warms up faster than most spots. The wall also is a great hiding spot for all types of baitfish and microscopic goodies that the "bright" fish of spring so love.
First off, if you decide to head to the wall, make sure you have a wind which is out of a south-west direction, south, west or even west northwest. Any other wind and you will be only having casting practice. Also sunny days are important early in the year. This helps to warm the water and get those bass out of a sluggish state. The ideal combo for success is a southwest wind combined with a warm sunny day. Time of day is also very important. You should give the sun plenty of time to do its work. Getting down there much before five in the evening is usually unproductive. Once early may rolls around however, this changes and fish can be caught from morning till night.
Lures, This one is simple! 1/.2 ounce or lighter white upperman jigs tipped with a 4 or 6-inch white curl tail grub will do the trick. No need to worry about technique either! Simply cast it out and slowly retrieve the jig back! That's it! A teaser can also help at times.
Dress warm! The wall gets mighty cold in the late afternoon. In the city it may be 70 degrees, but down at the wall it will be 50! With a stiff wind the cold cuts right through you!! The west wall is also a great spot to introduce youngsters to striper fishing.
Good luck, and see you there!
Bill Nolan 
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