The pursuit of striped bass, a formidable game fish, is a captivating endeavor for anglers. One of the most critical aspects of successful striped bass fishing is the selection of bait, as the right lure can entice a bite even from the most elusive fish. While there is no universally perfect bait, certain types have consistently proven effective in capturing these prized specimens.
Among the most popular and versatile baits for striped bass is live bait, such as bunker, anchovies, or menhaden. These lively offerings mimic the natural prey of striped bass, triggering instinctive feeding responses. Live bait can be fished on a variety of rigs, including sabiki rigs, jig heads, or free-lined with a hook and sinker. When using live bait, it is essential to keep the baitfish lively and active to increase its attractiveness to striped bass.
Artificial lures are another effective option for catching striped bass. These lures come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, designed to imitate the appearance and movements of small fish or other aquatic creatures. Some popular artificial lures for striped bass include crankbaits, jigs, and spoons. When selecting an artificial lure, consider the water conditions, the depth at which you are fishing, and the size and species of striped bass you are targeting.
Choosing the Right Bait for Striped Bass
Striped bass are opportunistic feeders that will eat a wide variety of baitfish, crustaceans, and other small creatures. However, certain baits are more effective than others, depending on the time of year, water conditions, and the specific location you’re fishing.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right bait for striped bass:
- **Forage:** Striped bass typically feed on smaller, schooling fish such as anchovies, herring, sardines, and menhaden. When choosing a baitfish, try to match the size and shape of the bait to the size of the striped bass you’re targeting.
- **Water Temperature:** Striped bass are more active during warmer months when the water temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. During these times, they will often feed on surface baits like poppers and stickbaits. In colder months, striped bass will move to deeper water and feed on bottom baits like worms or clams.
- **Current:** Striped bass will often feed in areas with current, where baitfish are swept along. When fishing in a current, use a bait that will drift naturally with the current.
- **Location:** Striped bass can be found in a variety of habitats, including estuaries, bays, rivers, and the open ocean. The type of bait you use will depend on the specific location you’re fishing.
The following table provides a summary of the best baits for striped bass, depending on the time of year, water conditions, and location:
Live Bait: The Natural Choice
Live bait is the go-to choice for striped bass anglers for a reason. It’s the most natural presentation, and it can be deadly effective. There are a variety of live baits that can be used for stripers, but some of the most popular include:
Eels: Eels are a favorite food of striped bass, and they can be used to catch fish of all sizes. Eels can be fished on a variety of rigs, including bottom rigs, trolling rigs, and even fly rigs.
Herring: Herring are another popular bait for striped bass. They are a schooling fish, so they can be found in large numbers. Herring can be fished on a variety of rigs, including sabiki rigs, jigging rigs, and even baitfish imitations.
Pogies: Pogies are a type of menhaden that is found in coastal waters. They are a good choice for bait because they are oily and have a strong scent. Pogies can be fished on a variety of rigs, including bottom rigs, trolling rigs, and even chumming.
Alewives: Alewives are a type of river herring that is found in coastal waters. They are a good choice for bait because they are small and have a silvery appearance. Alewives can be fished on a variety of rigs, including sabiki rigs, jigging rigs, and even baitfish imitations.
Shad: Shad are a type of herring that is found in coastal waters. They are a good choice for bait because they are oily and have a strong scent. Shad can be fished on a variety of rigs, including bottom rigs, trolling rigs, and even chumming.
Bait Best rigs Best season Eels Bottom, trolling, fly Spring Herring Sabiki, jigging, baitfish Summer Pogies Bottom, trolling, chumming Fall Alewives Sabiki, jigging, baitfish Spring Shad Bottom, trolling, chumming Fall Artificial Lures: A Versatile Option
Artificial lures are a popular and versatile choice for striped bass fishing, offering a wide range of options to match different water conditions and fish preferences. They come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and actions, allowing anglers to customize their presentations based on the specific situation.
Top Artificial Lures for Striped Bass
Some of the most effective artificial lures for striped bass include:
- Poppers: These surface lures create a splashing and popping sound that attracts fish from a distance. They are ideal for fishing in shallow, grassy areas or near structure.
- Stickbaits: These long, slender lures mimic the movements of baitfish and can be fished at various depths. They are effective for both casting and trolling.
- Jigs: Jigs are versatile lures that can be used for vertical jigging or casting. They come in various shapes and weights, allowing anglers to target fish at different depths and in different currents.
Jigs for Striped Bass: Types and Techniques
Jigs are a particularly effective choice for striped bass due to their versatility and ability to catch fish in a variety of situations. Here are some common types of jigs used for striped bass:
Type Description Bucktail Jig A classic jig with a lead head and a soft-plastic body tied to a Mustad hook. It creates a pulsating action that attracts fish. butterfly Jig A heavy, often colorful jig with a curved shape that flutters and spins as it falls. It is effective for deep-water fishing and jigging. Stinger Jig A weighted jig with a trailing hook to increase hookups. It is ideal for fishing in areas with heavy structure or when fish are reluctant to strike the main jig. Matching the Bait to the Season
Striped bass are opportunistic feeders, and their diet varies depending on the season and location. By matching your bait to the season, you can increase your chances of catching a trophy fish.
Spring
In the spring, striped bass are typically found in shallow waters, feeding on baitfish such as herring, mackerel, and shad. Artificial lures that imitate these baitfish, such as bucktail jigs, swimbaits, and topwater poppers, can be effective in the spring.
Summer
As the water warms in the summer, striped bass move to deeper waters and start to feed on larger prey, such as squid, crabs, and small fish. Trolling with large lures or live bait can be effective in the summer.
Fall
In the fall, striped bass are preparing for winter and will feed heavily to build up their fat reserves. Chunk baits, such as pieces of cut bunker or mackerel, can be very effective in the fall. Trolling with large lures or live bait can also be productive.
| Season | Effective Baits |
|—|—|
| Spring | Bucktail jigs, swimbaits, topwater poppers |
| Summer | Squid, crabs, small fish |
| Fall | Chunk baits, large lures, live bait |Understanding Striped Bass Feeding Habits
Striped bass are opportunistic feeders that will eat a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and even squid. Their diet varies depending on the season, water temperature, and availability of food. In general, striped bass prefer to eat live bait, but they will also take artificial lures.
Prey Fish
Striped bass primarily feed on fish, including herring, menhaden, shad, and anchovies. They will also eat larger fish, such as bluefish and weakfish.
Crustaceans
Striped bass also eat crustaceans, such as crabs, shrimp, and lobsters. Crabs are a particularly important food source for striped bass during the summer months.
Squid
Striped bass will also eat squid, especially during the fall and winter months. Squid are a good source of protein and fat for striped bass.
Live Bait vs. Artificial Lures
Striped bass prefer to eat live bait, but they will also take artificial lures. Live bait is more effective, especially in clear water. However, artificial lures can be more convenient and less expensive.
Best Live Bait for Striped Bass
Bait Best Time to Use Herring Spring and fall Menhaden Summer and fall Shad Spring and fall Anchovies Summer and fall Crabs Summer Shrimp Spring and fall Lobsters Summer and fall Squid Fall and winter Effective Bait Presentation Techniques
Size and Shape
The size and shape of the bait should mimic the natural prey of striped bass. Smaller baits are typically used for smaller fish, while larger baits are more effective for larger fish. The shape of the bait can also affect its effectiveness, with some shapes being more attractive to striped bass than others.
Color
The color of the bait can also play a role in its effectiveness. Striped bass are generally attracted to bright colors, such as white, yellow, and chartreuse. However, the best color for bait can vary depending on the water conditions and the time of year.
Scent
Striped bass have a keen sense of smell, so using baits that have a strong scent can be effective. Some popular scents include blood, fish oil, and garlic.
Movement
The movement of the bait can also affect its effectiveness. Striped bass are attracted to baits that move, so using baits that swim or dart erratically can be effective.
Depth
The depth at which the bait is presented can also affect its effectiveness. Striped bass feed at different depths depending on the water conditions and the time of year. It is important to experiment with different depths to determine what is most effective.
Time of Day
The time of day can also affect the effectiveness of bait presentation. Striped bass are generally more active during the early morning and evening hours. However, they can also be caught during the day, especially in cloudy or overcast conditions.
Using Scent to Enhance Bait Attractiveness
Adding scents to your baits can significantly enhance their effectiveness in attracting striped bass. Here are a few tips for using scents effectively:
1. Choose the Right Scent
Striped bass are drawn to scents that mimic their natural prey, such as herring, shad, and menhaden. Anise, garlic, and shrimp are also popular scents.
2. Apply Scent Directly
You can apply scent directly to your bait by dipping it into a scented liquid or gel. This will create a strong scent trail that will attract fish.
3. Use Scent Emitters
Scent emitters, such as glow sticks or impregnated beads, can release scents over a period of time. This can be effective for attracting fish from afar.
4. Add Scent to Soft Plastics
Soft plastic baits can be enhanced with scents by soaking them in a scented liquid or using a spray-on scent.
5. Experiment with Combinations
Experiment with different scents to find what works best in your area. You may find that a combination of scents is more effective than using a single scent.
6. Avoid Overpowering Scents
While scents can be effective, it’s important to use them in moderation. Overpowering scents can deter fish.
7. Table of Scent Options
Scent Target Species Herring Striped bass, bluefish, tuna Shad Striped bass, white bass, crappie Menhaden Striped bass, redfish, flounder Anise Striped bass, salmon, trout Garlic Striped bass, catfish, carp Shrimp Striped bass, sea trout, flounder The Importance of Bait Color and Size
Color
The color of your bait can have a significant impact on its success. In general, bright colors are more effective in clear water, while darker colors are more effective in murky water. Some of the most effective bait colors for striped bass include:
- White
- Yellow
- Green
- Pink
- Blue
Size
The size of your bait should also be considered. Striped bass are predatory fish, so they will be more likely to strike a bait that is similar in size to their prey. In general, larger baits are more effective for larger striped bass, while smaller baits are more effective for smaller striped bass.
Additional Factors
In addition to color and size, there are a number of other factors that can affect the effectiveness of your bait, including:
- Shape
- Action
- Scent
- Sound
Shape
The shape of your bait can affect how it moves in the water. Some shapes, such as shad, are more effective at attracting striped bass than others.
Action
The action of your bait refers to how it moves in the water. Some baits, such as jigs, have a very erratic action, while others, such as crankbaits, have a more subtle action. The action of your bait should be matched to the conditions and the type of striped bass you are targeting.
Scent
The scent of your bait can be a powerful attractant for striped bass. Some baits, such as live bait, have a natural scent that is very effective. Other baits, such as artificial baits, can be scented with artificial scents that are designed to attract striped bass.
Sound
The sound of your bait can also be an attractant for striped bass. Some baits, such as rattle traps, make a noise that can attract striped bass from a distance. Other baits, such as soft plastic baits, do not make any noise.
Live Bait
Live bait is the most effective way to catch striped bass. Some of the best live baits include:
- Herring
- Eels
- Menhaden
- Shad
- Squid
When using live bait, it is important to use a hook that is small enough so that the fish can easily swallow it. The hook should also be sharp so that it will set properly in the fish’s mouth.
Artificial Bait
Artificial bait can also be effective for catching striped bass. Some of the most popular artificial baits include:
- Jigs
- Plugs
- Spoons
- Topwater lures
When choosing an artificial bait, it is important to consider the size, shape, and color of the bait. The bait should also be able to withstand the rigors of fishing.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing can be a very rewarding way to catch striped bass. Some of the most popular flies for striped bass include:
- Clousers
- Decievers
- Poppers
- Stripers
When fly fishing for striped bass, it is important to use a fly that is appropriate for the size of the fish. The fly should also be tied on a hook that is small enough so that the fish can easily swallow it.
Tips for Landing Striped Bass
9. Use a net
Using a net is the most effective way to land a striped bass. A good net will be large enough to accommodate the fish and will have a strong mesh that will not tear.
Size Mesh 36″ x 24″ 1″ x 1″ 48″ x 36″ 1.5″ x 1.5″ 60″ x 48″ 2″ x 2″ Unhooking Deeply Ingested Hooks
Striped bass can sometimes ingest hooks deeply, making it difficult to remove them safely without harming the fish. If the hook is in a sensitive area, such as the gills or esophagus, it’s best to cut the line and release the fish. However, if the hook is in the mouth or another less sensitive area, the following steps can be taken:
1. Grasp the leader close to the fish’s mouth and keep the fish’s head pointing upwards to prevent the hook from moving deeper.
2. Use a pair of long-nose pliers to gently grab the hook and push it out of the fish’s mouth.
3. If the hook is barbed, you may need to use a de-barbing tool to remove the barb before releasing the fish.
Releasing Fish with Gut Hooks
If a hook is deeply embedded in a striped bass’s stomach or intestines, it can be very difficult to remove without causing further injury. In these cases, it’s generally best to cut the line and release the fish.
However, there are some cases where it may be possible to remove a gut hook. If the hook is relatively small and the fish is in good condition, the following steps can be taken:
1. Grasp the leader close to the fish’s mouth and keep the fish’s head pointing upwards to prevent the hook from moving deeper.
2. Use a pair of long-nose pliers to gently reach into the fish’s mouth and locate the hook.
3. Once you have located the hook, grasp it with the pliers and carefully pull it out of the fish’s mouth.
4. If the hook is barbed, you may need to use a de-barbing tool to remove the barb before releasing the fish.
Table: Ethical Considerations in Striped Bass Baiting
Consideration Ethical Approach Bait size Use bait that is appropriate for the size of the fish being targeted. Bait freshness Use fresh bait that is free of parasites and disease. Hook size and sharpness Use hooks that are the correct size and sharpness for the bait being used. Hook placement Hook bait in a way that minimizes the risk of deep ingestion. Handling fish Handle fish carefully to avoid injury. Unhooking fish Unhook fish as quickly and safely as possible. Releasing fish Release fish that are not intended to be kept in a timely manner. Best Bait for Striped Bass
When it comes to fishing for striped bass, the type of bait you use can make all the difference. While there are many different baits that can be effective, some of the most popular and productive include live bait, cut bait, and artificial lures.
Live bait is a great option for striped bass fishing because it is very attractive to the fish. Live bait can include anything from small fish to crabs to worms. When using live bait, it is important to keep it fresh and lively. You can do this by keeping it in a bait bucket with fresh water and adding an aerator to keep the water oxygenated.
Cut bait is another effective option for striped bass fishing. Cut bait can be made from any type of fish, but some of the most popular options include bunker, mackerel, and herring. When using cut bait, it is important to cut it into small pieces so that the fish can easily eat it. You can also add scent to your cut bait to make it more attractive to the fish.
Artificial lures are a great option for striped bass fishing because they can be used to imitate a variety of different baitfish. Artificial lures come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can choose one that is specifically designed to target striped bass. When using artificial lures, it is important to retrieve them at a speed that is consistent with the speed of the baitfish that you are trying to imitate.
People Also Ask
What is the best time of day to fish for striped bass?
Striped bass are most active during the early morning and late evening hours. However, they can also be caught during the day, especially if the water is cloudy or if there is a lot of baitfish in the area.
What is the best place to fish for striped bass?
Striped bass can be found in a variety of habitats, including rivers, bays, and oceans. They are often found near structure, such as rocks, pilings, and bridges. Striped bass can also be found in areas with a lot of baitfish.
What is the best way to catch striped bass?
There are a variety of methods that can be used to catch striped bass. Some of the most popular methods include trolling, jigging, and casting. The best method to use will depend on the specific conditions of the water and the type of bait that you are using.
