First off, it was surprising for me to see a 24" fully filleted Striper. The bones were floating last Fall 2002. Wellerjohn, here is some advise on the losing your set-up thing. Use a round bank sinker for drop-shoting & the most important thing to do is "HOLD UP THE ROD HIGH & REEL IN REAL FAST" when checking your bait or just bringing up your rig. This works most of the time, not always though. For catfish, the better places for me have been in the middle of the rocky channel (near parking lot) during the hot daytime. At night the catfish will be closer to shore. Many places are good for night. Even though I got skunked last time out during the day, I have still done well other days in the past. I only go for cats. I had more success with nightcrawlers dipped in something (Smelly Jelly or Berkley Catfish sauce). I completely thread the worm through a #4 or sometimes a #2 hook. Use 15 lb. test (daytime) & 20 lb. (night). Mackeral at night is good. Works for me. Adjust to your likeing.