The Best Lures for Striped Bass Fishing: A Comprehensive Guide for Casting, Trolling, and Jigging
Striped bass, or “stripers,” are one of the most popular and highly prized species for anglers along the East Coast of the United States, as well as in other parts of North America. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, knowing what lures to use for striped bass fishing can greatly improve your chances of a successful catch. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best striped bass lures for casting, trolling, and jigging, including essential tools such as bucktails, umbrella rigs, metal casting spoons, topwater poppers, and plastic swimbaits.
By targeting key fishing techniques with the right lures, you’ll increase your chances of reeling in a trophy-sized striped bass. Let’s dive in and explore the best options for your next striper fishing trip.
Why Choosing the Right Lure Matters for Striped Bass
Striped bass are opportunistic feeders that can be found in both fresh and saltwater environments, often near the shore, where they prey on a variety of baitfish. To be successful in catching striped bass, you need to match your lure to their feeding behavior, the time of year, and the fishing method you’re using.
- Casting: Great for when stripers are near the surface or close to the shoreline.
- Trolling: Ideal for when you’re targeting stripers at deeper depths or covering a larger area.
- Jigging: Perfect for enticing stripers that are feeding on the bottom or mid-water columns.
Let’s take a closer look at the best striped bass lures for casting, trolling, and jigging, highlighting the features of each lure type and when to use them. To learn more about the best lures for striped bass and how to catch striper from shore check out our video!
1. Best Striped Bass Lures for Casting: Metal Casting Spoons
Casting for striped bass is one of the most effective techniques when stripers are feeding on baitfish near the surface or along the shorelines. One of the most popular lures for this method is the metal casting spoon. These lures are effective for mimicking the movement of baitfish and are versatile enough for various water conditions.
Key Features of Metal Casting Spoons:
- Durability: Metal spoons are made of high-quality materials like brass or stainless steel, making them long-lasting and resistant to corrosion.
- Flash and Vibration: Metal spoons are designed to emit flash and vibration as they move through the water, mimicking a distressed baitfish. The shiny appearance and irregular movement draw the attention of predatory fish like striped bass.
- Weight and Range: The heavier design of casting spoons allows you to cast long distances, making them ideal for covering a large area, especially in deep water or when stripers are feeding on large baitfish schools.
Top Metal Casting Spoon Lures for Striped Bass:
- Hopkins Shorty Spoon: Known for its excellent action, the Hopkins Shorty Spoon is a go-to for anglers looking to target stripers. Its compact design makes it a favorite for casting into deep and shallow waters alike.
- Acme Kastmaster Spoon: This spoon is a classic choice for striped bass, known for its long-distance casting and versatility. It features a sleek design that works well in both calm and choppy water.
Why Choose Metal Casting Spoons? Metal casting spoons are ideal for anglers looking to cover vast areas while mimicking the look and movement of injured baitfish. The best striped bass lures for casting need to be able to travel long distances, and spoons excel at this. With the right technique, casting spoons can be deadly when striped bass are feeding on baitfish near the surface. Be sure to pair a casting spoon with the best spinning striped bass rod and reel combo!
2. Best Striped Bass Lures for Trolling: Umbrella Rigs
Trolling for striped bass is an excellent way to target fish that are located in deeper water or spread across a wide area. The umbrella rig is one of the most effective lures for trolling. This multi-hook rig can simulate a school of baitfish, which is irresistible to stripers.
Key Features of Umbrella Rigs:
- Multiple Lures in One: Umbrella rigs typically feature several hooks or spinners, each rigged with soft plastics or other small lures. This creates a “baitball” effect that mimics a group of baitfish.
- Versatility: These rigs can be customized with different lures based on the size of the baitfish stripers are targeting. You can change the rig’s configuration to suit various conditions and water depths.
- Ideal for Deeper Waters: Umbrella rigs are designed to reach depths where stripers may be holding, especially during the warmer months when they move deeper into the water column.
Top Umbrella Rigs for Striped Bass Trolling:
- Apex Umbrella Rig: This popular rig features multiple hooks and a robust design, making it a favorite for trolling along the coastline. It’s particularly effective for larger schools of baitfish.
- Stretch 25+ Umbrella Rig: The Stretch 25+ rig is known for its excellent action and ability to mimic multiple small baitfish at once. It’s perfect for trolling in deeper waters where striped bass often lurk.
Why Choose Umbrella Rigs? Umbrella rigs are the best striped bass lures for trolling because they simulate a larger school of baitfish, which attracts striped bass from a considerable distance. Their versatility makes them adaptable to various conditions, and they’re especially effective in deep water or when fish are scattered across a large area.
3. Best Striped Bass Lures for Jigging: Bucktails
When it comes to jigging for striped bass, bucktails are one of the top choices among anglers. Bucktail jigs are effective because they mimic the movement of injured or distressed baitfish. The jigging action entices stripers to strike, especially in deeper waters.
Key Features of Bucktails:
- Natural Appearance: Bucktail jigs use natural materials like deer hair to imitate the look of small baitfish or crabs, making them highly attractive to striped bass.
- Versatility: Bucktails can be rigged with soft plastics, trailers, or tipped with bait, allowing for customization depending on the situation.
- Effective in Various Depths: Bucktails are ideal for jigging in deeper waters or near the bottom, making them perfect for targeting striped bass in areas where fish are feeding on bottom-dwelling prey.
Top Bucktail Jigs for Striped Bass:
- SPRO Bucktail Jig: This highly effective bucktail jig is designed for various fishing techniques, including jigging. It offers excellent durability and features a sharp hook for solid hook sets.
- Hogy Bucktail Jig: Known for its excellent craftsmanship and effectiveness in deep water, the Hogy Bucktail Jig is often a go-to choice for anglers targeting striped bass with jigging techniques.
Why Choose Bucktails for Jigging? Bucktails are a go-to when it comes to best striped bass lures for jigging because of their natural look and ability to mimic the movement of injured baitfish. Whether you’re targeting stripers on the bottom or mid-water, bucktails are perfect for eliciting strikes from predatory fish.
4. Best Striped Bass Lures for Surface Action: Topwater Poppers
Topwater poppers are excellent for targeting striped bass when they’re feeding near the surface. These lures create a distinctive popping sound and splash that mimics the sounds of baitfish struggling on the surface. When stripers are actively feeding near the surface, poppers can be a game-changer.
Key Features of Topwater Poppers:
- Surface Action: Poppers create a rhythmic “pop” sound and surface disturbance that simulates the sounds of distressed baitfish.
- Visibility: These lures are easy to see, which is beneficial when you’re trying to entice surface-feeding stripers.
- Exciting Strike Action: Watching a striped bass explode on a topwater lure is one of the most exciting experiences in fishing, and poppers provide plenty of opportunities for thrilling action.
Top Topwater Poppers for Striped Bass:
- Rapala Skitter Pop: This topwater popper is known for its loud, attention-grabbing pop and excellent casting distance. Its durable construction ensures it lasts through many exciting surface strikes.
- Storm Chug Bug: The Chug Bug is another favorite, featuring a loud pop and a versatile design. It works well when stripers are aggressively feeding on the surface, especially in the early morning or late evening hours.
Why Choose Topwater Poppers? Topwater poppers are the best striper fishing lures for surface action because they create noise and disturbance that attracts stripers to strike. If you’re fishing during the active feeding times when stripers are close to the surface, these lures provide exhilarating action and increase your chances of landing a big fish.
5. Best Striped Bass Lures for All Conditions: Plastic Swimbaits
Plastic swimbaits are among the most versatile lures for striped bass, and they can be used for casting, trolling, and even jigging. These lures are designed to mimic the smooth swimming motion of baitfish, making them ideal for stripers that are feeding on smaller fish.
Key Features of Plastic Swimbaits:
- Realistic Swimming Action: The natural swimming action of plastic swimbaits is one of the primary reasons they’re so effective for striped bass fishing. When retrieved properly, these lures mimic the natural motion of baitfish.
- Variety of Sizes and Colors: Plastic swimbaits come in various sizes and colors, allowing anglers to match the size and color of the baitfish stripers are targeting at any given time.
- Flexibility in Technique: These lures can be used for both trolling and casting, and they perform well in a variety of water conditions, from clear to murky water.
Top Plastic Swimbaits for Striped Bass:
- Storm WildEye Swim Shad: This popular swimbait features a realistic design with an excellent swimming action, making it perfect for targeting stripers that are feeding on baitfish.
- Berkley PowerBait Hollow Belly Swimbait: Known for its lifelike appearance and smooth swimming action, the Berkley PowerBait Hollow Belly Swimbait is a great choice for both casting and trolling.
Why Choose Plastic Swimbaits? Plastic swimbaits are the best striped bass lures for versatility, as they work in nearly every situation and can be used for various fishing techniques. Whether you’re trolling for deep-water stripers or casting along the shore, plastic swimbaits offer an effective, realistic option for attracting fish. Check out our video where we catch striper using soft plastics and we detail how to catch striped bass (striper) from shore!
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer casting, trolling, or jigging, selecting the right lures is crucial for a successful striped bass fishing trip. The best striper fishing lures include a variety of options such as metal casting spoons, umbrella rigs, bucktail jigs, topwater poppers, and plastic swimbaits. Each of these lures excels in different fishing techniques and conditions, making them essential tools for anglers targeting striped bass.
By understanding the different types of lures and when to use them, you can improve your chances of landing a monster striper. Always remember to match your lure to the conditions and the feeding behavior of the fish for optimal results. Happy fishing!