Anglers will have different opinions on the best lures to use for catching these fish. However, we have compiled a list of 10 best baits for freshwater striped bass.
Whether you’re using artificial lures, we are confident that you will find something on this list that will help you catch more bass!
Contents
What Is A Striped Bass?
The striped bass (Morone saxatilis), also called rock or rockfish, is an anadromous perciform fish of the family Moronidae found primarily along the Atlantic coast of North America.
The species has also been widely introduced into inland recreational fisheries across the United States. Striped bass are typical members of the Moronidae family in shape, having a streamlined body with a long, narrow central dark stripe running lengthwise along each side.
As their name implies, striped bass are easily distinguished by the presence of dark horizontal stripes running along their sides.
These stripes are most prominent during spawning season when they become very dark and pronounced. Adult striped bass can reach lengths of over four feet and weights exceeding 50 pounds!
The Best Time To Catch Striped Bass?
The best time of year to do surf fishing for striped bass depends on where you are striper fishing.
In general, the best time to fish for striped bass is in the spring and fall when the water temperatures are cooler. However, striped bass can be caught all year round if you know where to find them and what bait to use.
Many anglers swear by early morning or late evening as the best time to catch striped bass. The cooler temperatures and calm waters make it easier to get a bite, and white bass tend to be more active during these times of day.
However, there are also plenty of success stories of anglers who have caught stripers in the middle of the day. The key is to find a spot where the white bass are likely to be biting and to use the best fishing lures for striped bass.
Live fishing lures, such as herring or eels, are often considered the most effective, but artificial lures can also be successful. Striper fishing is a popular pastime in many coastal communities, and with a little patience and skill, anyone can enjoy success.
Spring
During this month, Stripers hang out off open beaches and near reeps and tidal streams that flow into bays or open water. In New Jersey, young males and males who are not very big leave their wintering spots and go to open water.
In late spring, some really big Bass show up here. April is also a busy month in the Chesapeake Bay because this is when the spring Striper run takes place. Now is also a good time to fish for bass in Lake Texoma.
Summer
In June, bigger Striped Bass leave the waters of New Jersey and head north towards New York, so go to Long Island and Montauk to find them. During the summer, Striped Bass move north from San Francisco Bay to Point Reyes and Monterey Bay.
This is the best time to catch Striper from the shore. Due to the number of Striped Bass, June and July are usually the busiest months on Lake Texoma.
Fall
For the best Striper fishing in the fall, go to the Savannah River’s chain of lakes on the border between South Carolina and Georgia. Richard B. Russell Lake is in the perfect spot here, and it is one of the best places to catch Stripers in the fall.
In late fall, large Striped Bass show up in the Chesapeake Bay.
Winter
Winter is often the least-anticipated month for anglers because of the colder weather and the fact that many fish move to deeper or warmer water during this time. Not when Striped Bass are involved!
Most of these fish go south for the winter and gather at the mouths of rivers and bays. They live in Chesapeake Bay, the Carolinas, and some parts of Cape Cod Bay. But don’t completely forget about the Northeast.
Even in the winter, the Hudson River in New York is a popular place.
Where To Find Striped Bass?
The East Coast
The East Coast is the best place to find striped bass. These fish are commonly found in the Chesapeake Bay and along the Atlantic Coast from Maine to Florida. Striped bass can also be found in inland lakes and rivers, such as the Great Lakes and Hudson River.
Long Island, New York:
This is a great place to surf fish and catch Stripers because it is right in the middle of where they migrate every year. You can find them all over the island and in the Long Island Sound, but the best fishing is near Montauk.
Cape Cod, MA:
Is a great place to catch Stripers because you can get to the Cape Cod Canal and Bay, Nantucket Bay, and Martha’s Vineyard, which is the best place to catch bass.
Overfishing has been a problem in the past, so fishermen now use the catch-and-release method. This means that this Striper fishery is back to its best.
Chesapeake Bay:
In this area, Striped Bass is called Rockfish, but anglers think of it more as a precious gem. Near the bridge tunnel, it’s common to catch fish that weigh around 40 pounds. This fish lives here all year, but you can’t catch it from January to February.
Southern States
Southern states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and Mississippi also have good populations of striped bass.
Lake Texoma is a great place for Striped Bass to live because it has both freshwater and saltwater from the nearby Red River.
In fact, these bass like it here so much that they have started to have babies on their own. From either Texas or Oklahoma, you can catch striper in Lake Texoma.
Savannah River Chain:
The lakes Thurmond, Hartwell, Richard B. Russell, and others are all part of this chain, which runs along the border between Georgia and South Carolina. Even better, there are lots of Striper there.
Lake Lanier, Georgia:
Bass fishing is pretty much synonymous with this man-made lake. It has more than 600 miles of shoreline and a large number of Stripers, especially in February and March. There are a lot of species that weigh around 30 pounds.
The West Coast
The best time to catch striped bass on the West Coast is from March to May. During this time, the water temperatures are cooler and bass are closer to shore. The best place to fish for striped bass on the West Coast is in San Francisco Bay.
The San Francisco Bay
The only place in California that can compare to the East Coast. Leave San Francisco and pay attention to the area around Alcatraz, Treasure, and Raccoon Straits.
Also good places to catch Stripers are the Sacramento River south of Butte City, Lake Havasu, and the canals of the California Aqueduct.
Coos Bay, Oregon, From California
This is where bass first moved from California. It’s still going strong here and all along the Coos River System. Also, there are lots of Stripers in the Umpqua, Coquille, and Smith Rivers, especially in the fall.
The Best Fishing Lures For Striper Fishing?
There are a variety of different baits that can be used to catch big stripers. Some experienced anglers prefer live fishing lures such as eels, herring, or blue shad while others prefer artificial lures such as plugs, spoons, or jigs.
Live baitfish
Live baitfish is always a good choice for hungry stripers. Minnows are the best type of bait fish to use for striped bass, because they are small and easily caught.
In addition, minnows are relatively inexpensive, so you can afford to catch a lot of them. When using live bait fish for striped bass lures, it is important to keep them alive and healthy.
The best way to do this is to use a live well or aerated bucket. This will ensure that your bait fish stay alive and active, which will make them more attractive to freshwater stripers.
No matter what type of live baitfish you use, it is sure to help you catch striped bass.
Bunker fish, Or Menhaden,
Bunker striper lures are often touted as the best fishing lures for striper fishing. But why is this? Bunker is a type of oily fish that is high in protein and fat. This makes it very attractive to striped bass, which are predators that feed on other fish.
In addition, bunkers are relatively easy to catch, which makes them a convenient bait for fishermen. Bunkers are also a good size for striped bass, which can range from 20 to 50 pounds.
Finally, bunkers stay alive for a long time out of water, making them ideal for live striper fishing. All of these factors combine to make the bunker the best fishing lures for freshwater striper bass.
Sand Eels
Sand eel green are one of the best fishing lures for striped bass. They’re long, slimy, and they wiggle in a way that bass just can’t resist. Plus, they’re a pain in the neck to catch, so you know the bass are really going to go for it when they see one.
Eels are also a good bait because they stay alive for a long time out of water. This means you can use them for multiple fishing trips without having to worry about them going bad. So if you’re looking for the topwater lures for big stripers, eels are the way to go.
Worms
Worms have been used as bait for centuries, and for good reason. Not only are they easy to find and keep alive, but they are also highly effective at targeting stripers.
In terms of striped bass, worms are one of the baits that stripers love eating, therefore highly effective for luring big stripers.
The slender, wriggling bodies of worms mimic the movements of small worms, which striped bass are known to prey on. In addition, the scent of worms is irresistible to many fish, making them more likely to strike at the bait.
Whether you use live or dead worms, they are sure to bring in a bounty of striped bass. So the next time you’re heading out for a day of fishing, be sure to bring along some worms.
Worms are a problem because, well, they’re so good at what they do. They will be wanted by every underwater animal in the food chain. Also, remember that blood and sandworms don’t come cheap! They work well, but if you don’t dig them up yourself, you should be ready to pay for them.
Clams
They work best in places where there is a lot of current and hard structure, because clams get caught in the current and get hit by rocks.
Also, they are easy to find and catch, and they stay on the hook well. Striped bass are also attracted to the smell of clams, making them more likely to bite.
In addition, clams are a good source of protein and other nutrients that striped bass need, so they provide a good meal for the bass.
When fishing for striped bass with clams, it is best to use live or fresh-caught clams. This will make them more effective for striper fishing and increase your chances of catching a striper.
Mackerel
Mackerels are best fishing lures because of their high oil content. The oil in mackerel helps to keep the bait on the hook and makes it more attractive in striper fishing.
Mackerel is also a good choice of bait because it is readily available and relatively inexpensive. In addition, mackerel is a relatively tough bait, so it can withstand the rigors of being pulled through the water by a hooked blue shad.
Finally, mackerel is a high-quality bait that is likely to produce results for anglers who use it. For all these reasons, mackerel is the best bait for striped bass.
Artificial Baits
They are a good option for anglers who want to avoid using live fishes when doing striper fishing. Artificial baits come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, so there is sure to be one that mimics fishing lures that striped bass like to eat.
In addition, artificial baits can be used over and over again, so you don’t have to worry about them going bad. And since they are not alive, you don’t have to worry about them being eaten by other fish before you get a chance to use them.
So if you’re looking for an alternative to live fishing lures, artificial baits are the way to go. Just be sure to choose one that is the right size and color for striper fishing.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits are artificial lures that are designed to mimic the appearance and movement of small fish. They are a popular choice among bass fishermen because they are highly effective at striper fishing.
In addition, crankbaits come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, so you can find one that best suits your fishing needs. When choosing a crankbait for striper fishing, it is important to choose one that is the right size and has the right action.
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Smaller crankbaits are best for catching smaller striped bass, while larger crankbaits are better for bigger fish. As far as action goes, faster-moving baits are more likely to attract attention, but slow sinking lure are more likely to result in a strike.
No matter what type of crankbait you choose, whether a topwater bait, a soft plastic lure or a surface lure it is sure to help you catch freshwater striper.
Spoons
Spoons are another type of artificial lure that is designed to mimic the appearance and movement of small fish. They are similar to crankbaits, but they are usually smaller and have a different shape.
Spoons are best for fishing in areas with a lot of current, because the spoon’s action helps you in striper fishing. In addition, spoons come in a variety of colors, so you can find one that best suits your needs.
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When choosing a spoon for striper fishing, it is important to choose one that is the right size and has the right action as most fish. Smaller spoons are best for catching smaller striped bass, while larger spoons are better to catch striped bass.
As far as action goes, faster-moving baits are best striper lures as it is more likely to attract attention. However, slower-moving baits are more likely to result in a strike. No matter what type of spoon you choose, it is sure to help you in striper fishing.
Jigs
Jigs are best for fishing in areas with a lot of vegetation, because the weedless design helps them avoid getting snagged. In addition, jigs come in a variety of colors, so you can find one that best suits your needs.
When choosing a jig for striper fishing, it is important to choose one that is the right size and has the right action.
Spinnebaits
When fishing for any kind of black bass, most anglers used spinnerbaits. Because of their wire frame, they do well in weeds and other plants. Spinnerbaits are easy to use to catch bass right out of the box because they have a lot of action built in.
Spinnerbaits are great for exploring new water because they are easy to pick up and use. Even if you are trying to catch bass, these baits will bring in a wide variety of freshwater gamefish.
The type of rod tip to use will depend on how big and heavy the spinnerbait is. If you want to catch smaller bass, you should use smaller spinnerbaits, so spinning gear will work. A bait caster will work better with heavier spinnerbaits.
Throw the spinnerbait right into the cover that you want to catch fish in. If you can, try to bounce it off a branch or rock. When the bait hits the water, bass that are hungry will jump on it.
You want the bass to strike quickly and with a lot of force. With a moderately fast retrieve, it will stay under the water, but the bass won’t be able to get a good look at it.
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Striped Bass Fishing Lures
If you’re looking for fishing lure to catch freshwater striped bass, look no further than striper lures. Here’s why: Striped bass are attracted to shiny objects, and Lure’s unique glittering finish is sure to catch their eye.
The bass won’t be able to resist taking a closer look, and that’s when they’ll be hooked! But it’s not just the shiny finish that makes the best fishing lures for striped bass – it’s also the fact that it stays on the hook longer than other baits.
That means you’ll have more time to reel in your prize catch! So if you’re serious about landing a big one, make sure you’ve got striper lures freshwater in your tackle box.
Other Striped Bass Rigs You Might See
Fish-finder Rig.
This rig is popular on the beaches of New Jersey because it is great for surf fishing. It is made up of a leader with a hook, a barrel swivel tied to the main line behind a fish-finder weight slide, and another leader with another hook.
The fish-finder rig works best with big pieces of bait that are about 2 to 4 inches long. You can use your usual Striper fishing gear, and you should use a circle hook with a size between 1/0 and 5/0.
Mojo Rig.
Mojos are a type of lure that are very heavy. They are also called “parachute rigs.” They can weigh up to or even more than 2 pounds. They are perfect fishing lures for anglers who want large fish in deep water without adding extra weights to their lines.
This makes them very good for catching Striper when you are trolling. Some fishermen like to use two mojo lures together to add more weight.
Some fishermen like to use both a mojo lure and a lighter parachute lure. This means that in deep water, they can use lures of different colors and sizes.
Umbrella Rig.
During the summer, Stripers look for schools of fishing lures to eat. This is the best time to use an umbrella rig as a striper bait. Umbrella rigs are made of metal crossbars that are usually heavier in the middle.
Each arm ends in a loop where you can attach a swivel with clips on both ends. They are made to look like a school of fishing lures. Casting and retrieving them is the best way to use them, especially from the shore or a pier.
How To Lure Striped Bass?
There are different ways to catch big fish, or big strippers and largemouth bass, but some of the most popular methods include trolling, live striper fishing, and jigging.
Method of Fishing
Trolling
is a great way to cover a lot of water and find active freshwater striper. When trolling for stripers, it is important to use lures that mimic their natural prey items such as herring, eels, or bunkerfish.
You can cover large areas of water until you hit the jackpot – a large number of big fish! This technique is common on large lakes and open waters, especially when the fish are further offshore.
If you’re going to be trolling, try implementing either an umbrella or mojo rig. These rigs help to create the illusion of a school of bait fish, which attracts Striped Bass.
Drift Fishing
This works especially well for times when Stripers are hiding near the bottom in cooler water. Drift fishing works well because your bait will stay in the “strike zone” while you look for a school of fish.
Fresh fish strips or chunks, especially menhaden and squid, that have been cut up work well as bait. Jigs and heavy vertical jigging spoons should be used by anglers who want to drift with artificial lures.
Chumming
With this method, you can anchor in one place, usually over an underwater structure where Bass like to hang out. Once you’re in place, you can chum with menhaden oil or something similar from your boat using chunks of fresh bait on several rods.
Live Bait Fishing
is another great way to target striped bass. Some of the best live baits include bunker, herring, eels, and menhaden.
Jigging
bucktail jig is a great way to target stripers that are holding tight to the bottom. Some of the best jigs for striped bass fishing include bucktail jigs, swimbaits, and soft plastic jerkbaits.
No matter what method you choose, make sure to use heavy tackle when targeting these hard-fighting fish. Striped bass are notorious for their powerful runs and head shakes which can easily break lighter tackle.
How To Go Topwater Fishing For Striper Bass
Topwater fishing is one of the most exciting ways to catch striper bass. The thrill of seeing a fish break the surface and strike your lure is unrivaled. However, topwater fishing also requires split-second timing and a bit of luck.
In order to be successful, you need to understand the topography of the water and know where the fish are likely to be hiding. You also need to have a good understanding of topwater lure and how it works.
Finally, you need to be prepared to set the hook quickly when a fish strikes. With a little practice, topwater fishing can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Any good fisherman knows that the key to a successful catch is using the right bait. And when it comes to striped bass fishing, there are a few baits that stand out above the rest. Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, these top 10 baits are sure to help you reel in a big one.
Conclusion:
- Surface Minnows are a top choice for striped bass, especially when fished on a top water lure.
- Another great option is live eels, which can be used either as bait or lures.
- squid is another top choice, as they are a favorite food of striped bass.
- weighted jigs are also effective, and can be used with a variety of different baits.
- Another top water option is top water plugs, which imitate wounded fish and are irresistible to predators like striped bass.
- Bucktail jigs are also effective, and can be tipped with a variety of different baits including minnows, squid, or live eels.
- Soft plastics are another versatile option, and can be rigged in a number of ways to attract striped bass.
- Swimbaits are yet another top choice, and can be effective in both fresh and saltwater.
- Spoons are a versatile lure that can be used in a variety of different ways, and are especially effective when trolled through schools of baitfish.
- And finally, live bait is always a good option, as striped bass are attracted to a variety of different live baits including bunker, herring, and menhaden.
No matter what method you choose, make sure to use heavy tackle when targeting these hard-fighting fish. Striped bass are notorious for their powerful runs and head shakes which can easily break lighter tackle.
So be prepared with the right gear, and you’re sure to have a successful day out on the water.