If the gulls are winging their way down to the surface and dimpling the water, they may well be feeding on shad that have met a bad end -- perhaps even from stripers. Casting hard-plastic jerkbaits into the commotion can result in some scintillating surface action.

As adept as Keith is with all these techniques, perhaps his most effective way to catch stripers is with planer boards. He is very precise concerning the baitfish needed for this tactic.

"I rely on 6- to 10-inch gizzard shad and 4- to 5-inch alewives," he explained. "Both are hardier than threadfin, which don't live as long on a hook or in a bait tank."

Before each outing, the Moneta guide will use a throw net to corral dozens of baitfish. He is so enthusiastic about this method of gathering bait that he has devoted a section of his Web site on how to properly do so.

Keith believes planer boards are effective for several reasons. They take the baitfish away from the boat and even though he often has three rigs on each side of his craft, fouling is uncommon. On my trip, even though three of us were fishing, I don't recall any crossed lines.

Rounding out the tackle for planer boards, Keith recommends 20-pound-test for the main line with a 3-foot fluorocarbon leader and a 3/0 Eagle Claw hook. Interestingly, I expected Keith to use a medium-heavy or heavy rod for this type of fishing, but such was not the case.

"I prefer a medium-light baitcaster," he told me. "The stiffer the rod, the fewer the hookups a fishermen will get. A lighter action rod will let itself 'load up' and the result is more hooked fish."

Smith Mountain and the fish that made it famous are not quite ready to return to the glory days of the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. However, positive trends are taking place, and the VDGIF has initiated some sound regulations. The next few years should prove very interesting as the fishery with any luck continues to rebound.

IF YOU GO
For guided trips with Todd Keith, contact him at www.theshadtaxi.com or (540) 797-2528, e-mail: todd@theshadtaxi.com. To contact the Virginia Outdoorsman in Moneta, call (540) 721-4867. The establishment is also a good place to learn about current fishing information and lake conditions and stock up on bait and tackle. For information on planning a trip, contact the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.visitroanokeva.com, (540) 342-6025 or (800) 635-5535.

Find more about Virginia fishing and hunting at: VirginiaGameandFish.com