Fishing for striped bass can be an exhilarating experience when equipped with the right lures. In this article, we will explore the most effective lures for 2024 that have been tested and recommended by experts in the field. Each lure is chosen for its performance across different conditions, ensuring that anglers can effectively pursue striped bass whether fishing in fresh or saltwater.
What are the most effective lures for beginners targeting striped bass
For beginners targeting striped bass, here are some of the most effective lures to start with:
Soft Plastic Lures
Swim Shads
Swim shads are versatile soft plastic lures that work well in both deep and shallow water. They have a paddle tail that creates lifelike movement as you retrieve them. Beginners can easily fish these by using a steady retrieve or hopping them along the bottom.
Soft Jerkbaits
Soft jerkbaits like the Bass Pro Shops Stick-O worm or Lunker City’s Fin-S Fish are excellent choices, especially in clear, shallow water. They realistically mimic baitfish and can be effective throughout the day.
Hard Baits
Topwater Poppers
Topwater poppers are exciting lures for striped bass fishing. They create commotion on the water’s surface, attracting aggressive strikes. These are particularly effective during low-light conditions or when fish are actively feeding near the surface.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits are effective in spring and fall when stripers are in shallower water but not surfacing. Medium-diving crankbaits like the Bomber Long A can reach depths of up to 15 feet, making them ideal for probing points, humps, and standing timber.
Jigs
Bucktail Jigs
Bucktail jigs are versatile lures that can imitate various prey items depending on their color and how they’re fished. They’re effective in different water depths and conditions, making them a great all-around choice for beginners.
Metal Lures
Kastmasters or Diamond Jigs
Metal lures like Kastmasters or diamond jigs are excellent for beginners because they cast far and can be fished in various ways. They work well for covering water quickly and can be effective when stripers are feeding on smaller baitfish.
Tips for Beginners
- Start Simple: Begin with a few proven lures rather than overwhelming yourself with too many options.
- Match the Conditions: Choose lures appropriate for the water depth and conditions you’re fishing in.
- Imitate Local Forage: Try to match your lures to the local baitfish or prey that striped bass are feeding on in your area.
- Consider Color: Natural colors and white are often good choices for striped bass lures.
- Seek Local Advice: Visit a local tackle shop for specific recommendations tailored to your fishing area.
- Practice Retrieves: Experiment with different retrieval speeds and techniques to find what works best in your situation.
Remember, the key to success is not just having the right lures, but also learning how to use them effectively. As you gain experience, you’ll develop confidence in certain lures and techniques that work well in your local waters. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but starting with these proven lures will give you a solid foundation for catching striped bass.
Best Overall/Personal Favorite: S&S John Skinner Striped Bass Fixed Hook Bucktail
Key Features
- Weight: ½ to 2 ounces
- Versatile for various fishing conditions
- Effective in both calm and rough waters
The S&S John Skinner Striped Bass Fixed Hook Bucktail stands out as a top choice for many anglers. Its versatility and effectiveness in different water conditions make it a reliable option. Whether you’re surfcasting or fishing from a boat, this lure’s performance is consistently impressive.
Best Daytime Surfcasting Lure: Savage Gear Panic Pencil Popper
Key Features
- Weight: 2 ounces
- Designed for long casting
- Mimics distressed baitfish
The Savage Gear Panic Pencil Popper is perfect for daytime surfcasting. Its design allows for long casts, making it ideal for reaching distant schools of striped bass. The lure’s action mimics distressed baitfish, which is highly attractive to predatory fish like stripers.
Best Striped Bass Bait for Night Fishing in Calm Water: Daiwa Floating Salt Pro Minnow Plug
Key Features
- Length: 6 inches
- Floating design
- Realistic scale finish
For night fishing in calm waters, the Daiwa Floating Salt Pro Minnow Plug is a top pick. Its floating design and realistic appearance make it irresistible to striped bass. The lure’s subtle action is perfect for calm conditions, where a more natural presentation is often required.
Best Striped Bass Bait for Night Fishing in Rough Surf: Super Strike Little Neck Swimmer
Key Features
- Weight: 2 ounces
- Durable construction
- Effective in rough surf
The Super Strike Little Neck Swimmer excels in rough surf conditions at night. Its durable construction ensures it can withstand the harsh environment, while its action attracts striped bass even in turbulent waters. This lure is a must-have for any serious night angler.
Best Darter: Super Strike ZigZag
Key Features
- Weight: 1½ to 2½ ounces
- Unique darting action
- Suitable for various water conditions
The Super Strike ZigZag is renowned for its unique darting action, which mimics the erratic movement of injured baitfish. This lure is highly effective in both calm and rough waters, making it a versatile addition to any tackle box.
Best Needlefish: Super Strike Super N Fish
Key Features
- Length: 6 inches
- Sinking design
- Effective in moderate to rough surf
The Super Strike Super N Fish is designed to mimic needlefish, a common prey for striped bass. Its sinking design allows it to be fished effectively in moderate to rough surf conditions. This lure’s realistic appearance and action make it a favorite among anglers targeting stripers.
Best Popper: Super Strike Little Neck Popper
Key Features
- Weight: 2 ounces
- Creates a commotion on the water surface
- Attracts aggressive strikes
The Super Strike Little Neck Popper is perfect for creating a commotion on the water surface, attracting aggressive strikes from striped bass. Its design allows for long casts and its action is highly effective in drawing fish to the surface.
Best Spook: Musky Mania Doc
Key Features
- Length: 9 inches
- Walk-the-dog action
- Internal rattle system
The Musky Mania Doc is a large topwater lure that excels in walk-the-dog presentations. Its internal rattle system and easy-to-work design make it a go-to choice for targeting big striped bass. This lure’s wide gliding action is particularly effective in enticing strikes.
Best Metal Lip Swimmer: Gibbs Danny Surface Swimmer
Key Features
- Weight: 2 ounces
- Classic design
- Proven effectiveness
The Gibbs Danny Surface Swimmer is a classic metal lip swimmer that has proven its effectiveness over the years. Its design allows for a slow, seductive swim that striped bass find irresistible. This lure is a staple in many anglers’ tackle boxes.
Best Metal Lure: Tsunami Diamond Jig
Key Features
- Weight: 2 to 6 ounces
- Versatile for different depths
- Highly reflective finish
The Tsunami Diamond Jig is a versatile metal lure that can be fished at various depths. Its highly reflective finish attracts striped bass from a distance, making it a reliable choice for both boat and shore anglers. This lure’s durability and effectiveness make it a top pick.
Best Soft Plastic: Tsunami Swim Shad
Key Features
- Length: 4 to 6 inches
- Realistic swimming action
- Durable construction
The Tsunami Swim Shad is a soft plastic lure that mimics the swimming action of a live baitfish. Its realistic appearance and durable construction make it a favorite among anglers targeting striped bass. This lure is effective in both fresh and saltwater environments.
Best Trolling Lure: Hogy Perfect Tube
Key Features
- Length: 18 inches
- Designed for trolling
- Effective at various speeds
The Hogy Perfect Tube is specifically designed for trolling, making it an excellent choice for boat anglers. Its length and action are highly effective at attracting striped bass, even at varying trolling speeds. This lure’s design ensures it remains effective throughout the fishing season.
How to Choose the Best Bait for Striped Bass
When selecting lures for striped bass, it’s important to consider the fishing conditions and the behavior of the fish. Here are some tips to help you choose the best bait:
- Start with Proven Lures: Begin with a few proven lures and expand your collection based on your experiences.
- Match the Conditions: Choose lures that are suitable for the specific water conditions you’ll be fishing in, whether it’s calm or rough, day or night.
- Consider the Forage: Select lures that mimic the natural prey of striped bass in the area you’re fishing.
- Keep it Simple: Stick to natural colors and white, as these are typically effective in various conditions.
- Consult Local Experts: Visit a well-respected tackle shop near your fishing location for advice and recommendations.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right lure is crucial to success in striped bass fishing. By using the lures recommended in this guide, you can increase your chances of a successful fishing trip. Remember to consider the conditions and the behavior of the fish when choosing your lures. We hope this guide empowers your next fishing adventure!
