first off...i've caught 12" white perch on 6-7" herring... 2nd...at this time of year you need to be fishing the deepest humps and holes. deep as in 60'+ downrods with cut bait or live bait...bigger the better.... we use 2oz sinkers at least... do a carolina rig: egg sinker, bead, swivel, 4"+ leader, goodsize circle hook... at this time of year you'll do best at night or early AM. GO DEEP. also, check your local regs... in SC at this time of year it's 5 fish max, 21" or bigger (you can keep 2 of any size in july and august)..as for cooking striper...the ones around 22" or so make for good eatin... like you said...trim out the red meat for the best flavor. good luck, you fish one of the premier striper impoundment fisheries around.