Striped bass, commonly known as “stripers,” are a popular target for anglers due to their powerful fights and impressive size. Found in both freshwater and saltwater, these fish are known for their voracious appetite and can be caught using a variety of baits. Whether you’re fishing in a river, lake, or coastal waters, selecting the right bait is essential to your success. In this guide, we’ll explore the best bait options for striped bass, taking into account factors like location, season, and striper behavior to help you maximize your chances of landing a trophy fish.
Understanding Striped Bass Behavior
Striped bass are migratory fish, often moving between freshwater and saltwater environments. Their behavior is largely influenced by water temperature, tides, and the availability of food. Stripers are opportunistic feeders, preying on a variety of species including baitfish, crustaceans, and even squid. They are most active during dawn and dusk, but they can be caught throughout the day and night, especially when conditions are favorable.
Top Live Bait Choices for Striped Bass
1. Menhaden (Bunker)
Menhaden, also known as bunker, is one of the most popular and effective live bait for striped bass. These oily fish are a natural food source for stripers and are particularly effective when fished live or cut into chunks. Live menhaden can be hooked through the nose or back and drifted with the current or under a float. When using cut menhaden, simply cast it out and let the scent attract the stripers. Menhaden are especially effective in saltwater and brackish environments where they are commonly found.
2. Eels
Eels are another top choice for striper anglers, particularly in the fall when large striped bass move into coastal waters. Live eels are incredibly effective due to their natural swimming motion, which triggers predatory instincts in striped bass. When fishing with eels, it’s best to hook them through the lower jaw and out through an eye, allowing them to swim naturally. Eels are often fished using a slow trolling method or drift along structure, such as rock piles and ledges where stripers tend to hunt.
3. Shad
Shad, both live and cut, are excellent bait for striped bass, especially in freshwater environments. Live shad can be fished on a hook through the nose or back and allowed to swim freely in the current. In reservoirs and lakes, shad often make up a significant portion of the striped bass diet, making them a reliable bait choice. When using cut shad, larger chunks tend to attract bigger stripers, while smaller pieces can be used to target a wider range of fish sizes.
4. Herring
Herring, similar to shad, is a favored bait for striped bass in both freshwater and saltwater. These baitfish are particularly effective during the spring and early summer when herring runs are happening. During these times, striped bass feed heavily on spawning herring, making them highly responsive to both live and cut herring baits. Hook live herring through the back or nose for the best presentation, or use cut pieces to disperse scent in the water.
Best Artificial Lures for Striped Bass
1. Topwater Plugs
Topwater plugs are an exciting and effective way to catch striped bass, especially during low-light conditions or when stripers are feeding near the surface. These lures mimic injured baitfish, creating a commotion on the water’s surface that triggers aggressive strikes. Popular topwater plugs for striped bass include poppers, spooks, and pencil poppers. When using topwater plugs, a slow, steady retrieve with occasional pauses is often most effective in enticing strikes.
2. Swimbaits
Swimbaits are another versatile option for striped bass, available in both soft plastic and hard-bodied varieties. These lures imitate the natural swimming action of baitfish, making them particularly effective when fished in areas where stripers are actively feeding. Soft plastic swimbaits can be rigged on a jig head or a weighted hook, while hard-bodied swimbaits typically feature a jointed body that enhances their lifelike action. Swimbaits are effective in a range of conditions, from shallow flats to deep channels.
3. Bucktail Jigs
Bucktail jigs are a classic striped bass lure, known for their simplicity and effectiveness. These jigs feature a lead head with a tail made of bucktail hair or synthetic fibers, creating a pulsating action in the water that stripers find irresistible. Bucktail jigs can be fished in a variety of ways, from casting and retrieving to vertical jigging in deeper waters. They are particularly effective when tipped with a soft plastic trailer, such as a curly tail grub or a soft plastic shad.
4. Crankbaits
Crankbaits are another solid choice for striped bass, especially when targeting fish in deeper water. These lures dive to specific depths, making them ideal for reaching stripers that are holding in deeper channels or near submerged structures. Crankbaits come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, with models designed to mimic a range of baitfish species. When selecting a crankbait, consider the water depth and the typical prey of striped bass in your area.
Seasonal Considerations for Striped Bass Bait
Spring
Spring is a prime time for striped bass fishing as these fish move into rivers and estuaries to spawn. During this season, live baits like herring, shad, and menhaden are particularly effective. Stripers are often found in shallower waters, so targeting them with live bait or shallow-running lures can be highly productive.
Summer
In the summer, striped bass often move to deeper, cooler waters to escape the heat. This is when deep-diving crankbaits, heavy jigs, and live eels become the baits of choice. Night fishing can also be very effective during the summer, as stripers tend to feed more actively after dark.
Fall
Fall is another excellent time for striped bass fishing, as these fish feed heavily in preparation for winter. Live eels and bunkers are particularly effective during this season, especially in coastal areas. Stripers can be found near structures, such as rock piles and ledges, making these areas prime spots for fishing.
Winter
Winter striper fishing is often done in deep, slow-moving waters where stripers tend to hold during the colder months. Small jigs, soft plastics, and live bait fished near the bottom are usually the most effective tactics. Patience is key during winter, as striped bass are less active and more selective about their feeding.
Tips for Successful Striped Bass Fishing
- Match the Hatch: Pay attention to the local baitfish and other prey species in the area you’re fishing, and choose your bait accordingly. Striped bass are more likely to strike baits that closely resemble their natural food sources.
- Consider Tides and Currents: Striped bass are heavily influenced by tidal movements, particularly in coastal and estuarine environments. Plan your fishing trips around the changing tides for the best results, as stripers often feed during the incoming and outgoing tides.
- Use Circle Hooks for Live Bait: When fishing with live bait, consider using circle hooks to reduce the chances of gut-hooking fish. Circle hooks are designed to hook fish in the corner of the mouth, making for easier releases and healthier fish populations.
- Vary Your Retrieve: When using artificial lures, experiment with different retrieve speeds and patterns. Sometimes a fast, erratic retrieve will trigger a strike, while other times a slow, steady retrieve is more effective.
Conclusion
Selecting the best bait for striped bass requires a good understanding of these fish’s behavior and feeding patterns. Whether you prefer live bait like menhaden, eels, or shad, or you’re more inclined to use artificial lures like topwater plugs, swimbaits, and jigs, the key is to be adaptable and responsive to the conditions on the water. By considering factors like season, location, and water conditions, you can greatly increase your chances of landing a striped bass, making your fishing trips more successful and enjoyable. Happy fishing!
