Are you looking to up your game in catching striped bass? Choosing the best Striper fishing lures can make all the difference.
Factors such as water conditions, time of day, weather, and season play a crucial role in selecting the best lure for the job.
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Best Striped Bass Fishing Lures
Let’s dive into the top lures for catching striped bass, from versatile bucktails to topwater and subsurface options.
We’ll cover expert recommendations on each type and share pro tips to help you maximize your catch rate and hook that trophy bass!
Let’s dive in and learn the best lures to use in order to reel in those striped bass with consistency!
Key Takeaways:
- Consider water conditions, time of day, weather, and season when choosing a striped bass lure.
- Topwater lures like pencil poppers, walk-the-dog lures, spooks, and chuggers are effective for striped bass .
- Soft plastic swim baits, metal jigs, buck tail jigs, crank baits subsurface and soft plastic lures are great options for striped bass.
What to Consider When Choosing a Striped Bass Lure?
When selecting a lure for striped bass fishing, it is crucial to consider various factors such as water conditions, time of day, and the current season.
The water conditions play a significant role in determining the type of lure that will attract striped bass.
For example, during murky water conditions, lures with bright colors or rattling noises can be more effective in grabbing the fish’s attention.
In clear water, natural-looking lures that mimic the bass’s natural prey are usually more successful in enticing bites.
The time of day also impacts lure selection; early mornings and evenings often call for topwater lures, as well as darker colors whereas midday might require deeper diving lures to reach the bass hiding at lower depths especially in the warmer months.
Water Conditions
Water conditions play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of different lures when targeting striped bass.
For instance, in clear water, using natural-colored lures that mimic the local baitfish can be highly effective as they are more visible to the fish.
On the other hand, in murky or turbid waters, lures with bright colors or those that create more vibration and noise can attract striped bass better due to decreased visibility.
Selecting lures that mimic both the look of the baitfish Striped Bass are feeding on is a good option and if you can find them in both natural colors and versions in bright colors can attract your prey in both murky and clear conditions.
As bass near the fish visibility will improve and if the shape and look are of the prey de-jour then you should keep the fish’s attention.
Now if the lure also internally has sound producing abilities such as those that rattle your chances improve exponentially.
The water temperature also influences lure choice; during warmer months, topwater lures like poppers and spooks are effective, while in colder conditions, slow-sinking lures like jigs or spoons work well.
Time of Day
The time of day can influence the behavior of striped bass and the type of lures that are most effective during different periods.
For morning fishing sessions, when striped bass are typically more active near the surface, topwater lures such as poppers or surface walkers can be highly effective.
As the day progresses into the afternoon, when the bass might move deeper, diving crankbaits or swimbaits that can reach lower depths may yield better results.
In the evening, as striped bass become more aggressive, using glow-in-the-dark lures or baitfish imitations like soft plastic jerkbaits can attract strikes in low light conditions.
Adapting lure selection to match the feeding patterns of striped bass throughout the day increases the chances of a successful fishing outing.
Season
The season plays a crucial role in determining the migration patterns and feeding habits of striped bass, impacting the choice of lures for successful fishing.
During the spring, striped bass tend to move towards shallow waters in search of food and suitable spawning grounds.
Anglers can capitalize on this behavior by using topwater lures or soft plastic swimbaits to mimic the baitfish prevalent during this time.
As summer approaches, these fish move towards cooler, deeper waters to escape the heat. diving crank baits, buck tail jigs and soft plastics attached to buck tails work well to entice strikes in these deeper zones.
In the Fall months the fish are looking to bulk up and engorge themselves to prepare for the migratory patterns.
Long migratory trips South requires them to bulk up for the long trip, and the baitfish also begin the migratory patterns South so they follow the bait fish, feeding along the way.
Using the live bait on the move, is ideal but for lures you must match the hatch / mimicking these bait fish will usually beg your best bet in catching trophy size fish.
Topwater Lures for Striped Bass
Topwater lures are a popular choice for targeting striped bass, offering anglers exciting surface strikes and heart-pounding action.
Among the various topwater lures used in striped bass fishing,
- Pencil poppers mimic injured baitfish struggling on the surface, making them suitable for calm waters.
- On the other hand, walk-the-dog lures create a side-to-side action that triggers aggressive strikes from striped bass in moderately choppy conditions.
- Spooks are long, slender lures with a distinctive walk-the-dog action, ideal for imitating fleeing prey in choppy waters.
- Chuggers feature a cupped face, producing a splashing sound and commotion that can attract fish in rougher conditions.
Pencil Poppers
A classic topwater lure choice for attracting striped bass to the surface is the pencil popper, with their enticing popping action.
These lures, such as the Yo-Zuri 3D Inshore Pencil Popper or the Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper, are designed to mimic wounded baitfish struggling on the water’s surface, which is a prime feeding trigger for hungry striped bass.
Their sleek, elongated shape and weighted rear end allow them to be cast long distances and create a loud popping sound when jerked across the water, grabbing the attention of nearby fish.
To effectively work pencil poppers, anglers should use a rhythmic popping retrieve, alternating between short and long pulls to imitate the movements of injured prey.
This erratic action triggers aggressive strikes from predatory bass, making pencil poppers a go-to choice for anglers targeting striped bass in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Walk-the-Dog Lures
Walk-the-dog lures create a zigzagging action on the water’s surface, mimicking injured baitfish and enticing striped bass to strike.
Watch the Best Walk The Dog Lucky Craft Sammy In Action!
One popular example of walk-the-dog lures is the Guides Secret Poppa Pencil, known for its realistic movement that drives striped bass wild.
When retrieving these lures, it’s essential to use a rhythmic side-to-side motion to achieve the desired action.
By varying the speed and pause between tugs, you can imitate the erratic behavior of injured prey more effectively, increasing your chances of a successful strike.
Another trusted brand offering quality walk-the-dog lures is Heddon’s Zara Spook, which features a unique darting action that can trigger aggressive strikes from hungry striped bass.
Remember to experiment with different colors and sizes to find the optimal match for the prevailing conditions and the bass’s preferences.
With practice and patience, mastering the art of retrieving these lures can lead to thrilling encounters with trophy-sized striped bass.
Spooks
Spooks are long, slender topwater lures that create a side-to-side walking action, ideal for enticing striped bass in calm water conditions.
These lures, such as the popular Bomber Long A, mimic injured baitfish struggling near the surface, driving hungry striped bass into a feeding frenzy.
The erratic action of the spook imitates a wounded prey, triggering aggressive strikes from lurking predators.
When using spooks, anglers should focus on early morning or late evening hours when bass are most active near the surface.
Cast the spook beyond feeding areas, working it back using a twitch-and-pause retrieve to simulate a wounded fish, enticing the bass to strike.
Chuggers
Chuggers feature a concave mouth that creates a splashing and chugging sound when retrieved, making them an excellent choice for drawing aggressive strikes from striped bass.
These lures mimic the sounds of fleeing baitfish, triggering the predatory instincts of striped bass. The rhythmic back-and-forth movement of the chugger imitates wounded prey, luring the bass into striking.
The Musky Mania Saltwater Do chugger is highly effective in choppy waters, thanks to its durable construction and ability to create a commotion on the surface.
To maximize your success with these lures, vary your retrieval speed. Slow retrieves can mimic injured baitfish, while faster ones create more aggressive movements, enticing bass on the hunt.
Experiment with different techniques to see what works best in your fishing spot.
Subsurface Lures for Striped Bass
Subsurface lures offer anglers an effective way to target striped bass below the water’s surface when topwater action is slow or during deeper water fishing.
Soft plastic swimbaits are incredibly versatile, mimicking the movement of baitfish and enticing predatory strikes.
Metal jigs, on the other hand, are ideal for deep-water fishing due to their fast sinking action.
Bucktail jigs are great for casting and jigging, providing a lifelike motion that striped bass find irresistible.
Crankbaits are effective for covering a larger area quickly, making them perfect for locating schools of feeding bass in varying depths.
Soft Plastic Swimbaits
Soft plastic swimbaits are versatile subsurface lures that mimic the profile and movement of baitfish, making them a go-to choice for targeting striped bass in various conditions.
These lures come in a range of sizes and colors, allowing anglers to match the prevalent forage in the area.
A notable advantage of soft plastic swimbaits is their durability, which often outlasts traditional live bait. Popular brands like Lunker City Slug-Go are trusted for their lifelike action and realistic appearance, further enhancing their effectiveness.
When rigging soft plastic swimbaits, anglers can opt for weedless hooks to navigate through vegetation easily.
Proper retrieval techniques include a steady retrieve, pauses, or twitching actions to simulate injured prey, enticing even the most cautious striped bass.
Metal Jigs
Metal jigs are heavy, durable lures that sink quickly and can be jigged vertically or retrieved horizontally to entice striped bass feeding at different depths.
The design of metal jigs allows anglers to effectively target striped bass in various situations. Their versatile nature makes them ideal for imitating injured baitfish, creating enticing movements that trigger aggressive strikes from predatory fish.
Models like the Hopkins, Acme, and Sekora or are popular choices due to their realistic fish-like profiles and sturdy construction.
When jigging with these lures, it is important to vary the speed and rhythm of the retrieve to mimic the erratic movements of natural prey.
Bucktail Jigs
Bucktail jigs feature a natural hair skirt that pulsates in the water, imitating the movement of prey and enticing striped bass to strike.
Models like the Andrus Jetty Caster produce lifelike actions which make bucktail jigs highly effective when targeting striped bass in various conditions.
The Joebaggs Skipper bucktail jig, with its durable construction and detailed design, is a standout choice for anglers looking to entice trophy-sized bass.
When working these subsurface lures, anglers should focus on imparting a realistic darting motion to mimic injured baitfish.
The erratic movements will trigger the predatory instincts of striped bass, often resulting in aggressive strikes.
When fishing for Striped Bass with buck tails NEVER FORGET the Jig Strip trailer placed on the hook of the bucktail this increases your catch rate tremendously, this makes the difference between casting and catching, if you have not tried jig strips this you have to try them.
Crankbaits
To target deeper Striped Bass use a big lipped Crank bait. These diving lures are built with an angled long lip that directs the lure to reach specific depths, making them ideal for targeting striped bass holding at different water levels depths.
In terms of their diving capabilities, crank baits like the Rapala X-Rap are designed to mimic injured baitfish, enticing predatory fish like striped bass to strike.
The lip on these lures determines the depth they can dive to, with some models able to reach depths of over 20 feet.
Anglers can adjust the diving depth by varying the speed of their retrieval; a faster retrieve generally results in a shallower dive, while a slower retrieve allows the crankbait to dive deeper.
Best Striped Bass Lures According to Experts
Experts recommend topwater lures and subsurface lures as the best options for targeting striped bass, offering a diverse range of choices for anglers to explore.
Lucky Craft SW Surf Pointer
Topwater lures are known for creating exciting surface strikes, mimicking the look of struggling prey. The splash and commotion they produce can trigger aggressive feeding responses from striped bass.
On the other hand, subsurface lures like soft plastics or diving plugs work well when bass are holding deeper or in murky waters. Their realistic actions and vibrations appeal to the bass’s predatory instincts.
Anglers are advised to vary their retrieves with topwater lures to find the most effective cadence that attracts strikes.
For subsurface lures, slow and steady retrieves can mimic injured baitfish, enticing cautious bass to strike. Remember, understanding the bass’s behavior and adapting lure presentation accordingly can significantly increase your catch rate.
Topwater Lures
Topwater lures are a favorite among experts for targeting striped bass due to their ability to elicit explosive surface strikes and thrilling fishing experiences.
In terms of top picks for topwater lures for striped bass, the Super Strike Super ‘N’ Fish is often highly recommended by seasoned anglers.
This lure’s realistic action and quality construction make it a go-to choice for many professionals in the field. Along with other Super Strike, models.
The Rapala Skitter Walk and the Heddon Super Spook are also frequently favored for their effectiveness in enticing striped bass to strike on the surface, when worked correctly they can be some of the most productive lures you can have in your arsenal.
One Top Water Standout recommendation among professionals is the Nomad Tackle Design Chug Norris, known for its lifelike action and durability.
These lures are designed to mimic injured baitfish, making them irresistible to striped bass. Anglers appreciate their versatility in various water conditions, from murky to clear.
The Splash and commotion created by these lures conjure up a variety of fish especially aggressive Striped Bass during the Fall Run when Striped Bass engorge themselves for the migration South.
Nomad Tackle Design Chug Norris
Subsurface Lures
Experts also vouch for subsurface lures when targeting striped bass, citing their effectiveness in reaching fish at different depths and enticing strikes.
Rapala Rapala Deep Tail Dancer 11 (Deep Lure)
Another favored brand is Rapala, which offers a range of diving plugs that mimic wounded prey, effectively triggering aggressive strikes.
To maximize success, experts advise using these lures around structures like rock piles or submerged trees where striped bass tend to hide.
Tips for Using Striped Bass Lures
To enhance your success in catching striped bass, consider adjusting your retrieval speed, if you can mimic an injured fish or the quick twitch and pause action can stimulate strikes when the bite is off.
Using the natural colors of the bait will increase your odds of catching, by matching the hatch to mimic local baitfish.
When targeting striped bass, it’s crucial to understand their feeding habits and the environment they inhabit.
Varying your retrieval speed can simulate the erratic movements of injured prey, enticing more strikes. Opt for natural colors like silver, white, or chartreuse to closely resemble the baitfish they feed on.
Pay attention to the local forage available as it can guide your lure selection. Experiment with different lures such as topwater plugs, soft plastics, or swimbaits to find what works best in your fishing spot.
Employing a mix of techniques like twitching, jerking, or steady retrieves can mimic the behavior of distressed baitfish, increasing your chances of hooking a trophy striped bass.
Vary Your Retrieval Speed
Experimenting with different retrieval speeds can trigger more strikes from striped bass, as varying the presentation can mimic the behavior of natural prey.
When targeting striped bass, anglers must understand the critical role that retrieval speeds play in effectively enticing bites.
As these predatory fish are known for their selective feeding habits, adjusting the speed of your retrieve can be the key to success.
Speed variations give you the flexibility to match the movements of the baitfish or prey they are actively hunting, making your lures appear more enticing and realistic. Slowing down the retrieve can be particularly useful in situations where the fish are more lethargic or when mimicking injured or weakened prey.
Conversely, speeding up the retrieve can trigger a reaction strike when the bass are in an aggressive feeding mood, imitating a fleeing baitfish.
Therefore, adapting your retrieval speed based on the fish’s behavior and environmental conditions can significantly increase your chances of a successful fishing trip.
Use Natural Colors
Opting for lures with natural color patterns that resemble local baitfish can increase your chances of attracting and hooking striped bass.
When fishing for striped bass, it’s crucial to mimic the predominant prey species in the area using lures, as this can significantly improve your success rate.
By selecting lure color schemes that match the natural hues of the baitfish found in the waters where striped bass dwell, you are more likely to trigger their predatory instincts.
For example, silver and white lures can be extremely effective as they imitate small shad or herring, which are common prey for striped bass.
Incorporating hints of blue or green in your lures can simulate the shimmering scales of baitfish, making them appear more lifelike and enticing to hungry bass.
Remember, the goal is to present a tempting meal that closely resembles what the bass naturally feed on in their habitat.
Match the Hatch
Matching the hatch involves selecting lures that closely resemble the size, shape, and color of the baitfish species present in the striped bass’s feeding environment.
By understanding the local baitfish behavior, anglers can effectively lure in striped bass by presenting them with familiar prey.
To match the hatch effectively, it’s crucial to pay attention to the water’s clarity, the current conditions, and the time of year to select the most appropriate lures.
Choosing lures that imitate prevalent forage species like menhaden, bunker, or herring can significantly increase your chances of success.
Opt for lures with similar profiles and colors to the local baitfish to trigger feeding responses from the striped bass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best striped bass lure for topwater fishing?
The best topwater lure for striped bass is the Duel Yo-Zuri Surface Cruiser. My go to top water lure is the Lucky Craft Sammy 115 as it is lifelike, both metal and glass beads and comes in various colors.
What are the top recommended striped bass lures?
I recommend the Yo-Zuri Crystal 3D Minnow, Rapala Skitter Pop, and the Cotton Cordell Top Water Pencil Popper as the top lures for striped bass fishing and priced right.
What is the best striped bass lure for beginners?
The Berkley Gulp! Swimming Mullet and Grub as the best lures for beginners targeting striped bass.
What type of lure works best for catching striped bass in the surf?
The Best Lures for the Surf are topwater lures, such as poppers and surface walkers, for catching striped bass in the surf.
What is the most versatile lure for striped bass fishing?
The Heddon Super Spook is considered to be the most versatile lure for striped bass fishing as it can be used in both freshwater and saltwater, and can mimic a variety of baitfish.
Are there any specific colors that work best for striped bass lures?
While there is no definitive answer, many anglers have had success with white, chartreuse, silver and black colored lures for striped bass.
It is always a good idea to have a variety of colors in your tackle box and experiment to see what works best in different conditions day or night.
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