Fishing Tips: How To Catch Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Large, up to 60 lbs.

Medium to heavy rods, lures and baits.

Moderate.

Moderate to high, coastal & estuarine fishing.

Coastal areas and some large rivers.

Rare

More photos of Striped Bass.

Striped Bass, often referred to as “Stripers,” are highly prized by anglers for their size, strength, and the challenge they present. These fish are adaptable and can thrive in both saltwater and freshwater environments, often found in coastal waters, bays, and rivers. Effective techniques for catching Striped Bass include trolling, surfcasting, and live-lining with baitfish, as well as using artificial lures such as swimbaits, jigs, and topwater plugs.

Baits For Catching Striped Bass:

Eels

Live eels are a popular bait particularly in saltwater environments. Their wriggling movement and ...

Live eels are a popular bait particularly in saltwater environments. Their wriggling movement and natural scent make them highly attractive to predatory fish. Eels can be hooked through the lips or behind the head, allowing them to swim naturally and entice strikes.
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Menhaden (Bunker)

These baitfish are common in coastal waters and provide a natural food source for bass. Hooking th...

These baitfish are common in coastal waters and provide a natural food source for bass. Hooking them through the back or lips allows them to swim freely, attracting predatory fish. Their oily nature releases a strong scent trail, making them irresistible to fish.
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Mepps Aglia

Inline spinners are compact lures with a spinning blade attached directly to the lure's body....

Inline spinners are compact lures with a spinning blade attached directly to the lure's body. The Mepps Aglia is renowned for its consistent flash and vibration, attracting fish from a distance. Inline spinners are particularly effective in streams and rivers but can also be used in lakes and ponds. Their simplicity and effectiveness make them a staple in many tackle boxes.
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Rapala X-Rap

The Rapala X-Rap is a versatile crankbait that mimics the movement of small baitfish. It can be fi...

The Rapala X-Rap is a versatile crankbait that mimics the movement of small baitfish. It can be fished at various depths, making it ideal for targeting Striped Bass in different water conditions. Its aggressive action and realistic appearance trigger predatory strikes, making it a favorite among anglers. The X-Rap can be used for both casting and trolling, providing flexibility in fishing techniques.
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Zoom Super Fluke

The Zoom Super Fluke is a versatile soft plastic bait that mimics the movement of a baitfish. It c...

The Zoom Super Fluke is a versatile soft plastic bait that mimics the movement of a baitfish. It can be rigged weedless or on a jighead and is effective in both freshwater and saltwater environments. The lifelike action and realistic appearance of the Super Fluke make it a go-to choice for many anglers.
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More Thoughts on Baits and Lures: The choice of bait or lure depends largely on the conditions and the feeding habits of Striped Bass in the area. In areas where baitfish are abundant, live bait and swimbaits can be particularly effective. In surf or turbulent water, heavier lures like spoons and jigs that can maintain contact with the bottom are advantageous.

Gear To Use For Catching Striped Bass:

Gear Type	Specifications	Purpose
Rod/Reel	Medium to heavy action rod with a robust spinning or baitcasting reel.	Suitable for handling the large size and power of Striped Bass.
Line	15-30 lb test braided or monofilament line.	Provides strength and durability against strong fish and abrasive environments.
Hook	Size 2/0-8/0, depending on bait size.	Ensures secure hooking and holding of large Striped Bass.
Leader	Heavy monofilament or fluorocarbon leader.	Protects line from sharp gill plates and teeth.

More Thoughts on Gear:

Due to the potential size and strength of Striped Bass, robust gear is essential. A good drag system on the reel and a strong, sensitive rod can help manage these powerful fish, especially during long runs or when fishing in strong currents.

Best Time Of Year To Catch / Weather Conditions:

The best time to catch Striped Bass varies by location, but generally, spring and fall are the peak seasons as they migrate along the coast. During these migrations, Stripers are more active and feed aggressively.

Most Active Feeding Times: Striped Bass are most active during low light conditions, such as early morning or late evening. They are also known to feed heavily during tide changes because of the movement of water and baitfish.

How To Identify If You Caught Striped Bass: Striped Bass are easily recognizable by the dark horizontal stripes across their silvery body, which run from behind the gills to the base of the tail. They have a robust body with a large head and sharp, pointed fins. For more detailed identification or to confirm your catch, you might consult local fishing guides or use resources like the Catchpedia Fish Identifier.