What if I told you the secret to landing that trophy striped bass lies not just in your casting skill, but in what you dangle at the end of your line? Striped bass, or “stripers,” are legendary fighters, but getting them to bite consistently can feel like a guessing game. Choosing the perfect bait is often the biggest hurdle. Do you go natural, like a plump bunker, or rely on the flash of a topwater plug? The wrong choice means hours of casting with nothing to show for it but sore arms and frustration.
This confusion stops right here. Understanding what makes a striper strike—whether they are feeding aggressively near the surface or holding tight to the bottom—is key to success. We are diving deep into the best baits for every situation you’ll face this season. By the end of this guide, you will stop guessing and start catching. Get ready to learn the tried-and-true methods that put more big stripers in your cooler.
Top Bait For Striper Fishing Recommendations
- WIDELY FISHING SPECIES - Using Japan material, the freshwater fishing lures is the perfect size at 3.5in, which ready to take on multiple hits. Whether you are fishing reefs, estuaries, rivers, fresh or saltwater, the Truscend lures for fishing will become your essential paddle tail lure to target bass, trout, Walleye, pike snook, salmon, redfish and many more.
- LIFE-LIKE ACTION - The bass fishing lures have a special 3D paddle tail to give off turbulence, ultra-realistic patterns, life-like halographic eyes and solid wire through construction to ultra-sharp BKK back hook. The Top Hook protects against hangups. Its weedless nature enables you to fish it well through all types of cover.
- LONG CASTING JIG HEAD - Having an ideal weight for long casting and slow sinking, Truscend fishing bait can achieve a slow, flutter presentation. Featuring a precisely engineered shape, the soft body swimbaits generate the perfect kicking action. You can easily cast the fishing jigs bait into your ideal fish area.
- JAPAN DESIGN - Constructed from high quality materials from Japan, expertly design and rigorous testing of light refraction fish pattern make TRUSCEND "Shad Paddle Tail Bait" more realistic and attractive. The soft plastic fishing lures who lively Japanese design perfectly emulates erratic baitfish action.
- ULTRA-SHARP HOOK - Equipped with sharp high quality high carbon steel hook on back, the innovative design of these soft lures can help ensure increased fish hook ups in all situations while avoid getting hung up when fishing. The bass lures can take your bass fishing game to the next level.
- Soft Swimbaits: Made of environmental friendly quality soft plastic, jig head fishing lures are soft, light but durable with fishy smell to attract freshwater / saltwater fishes.
- Lifelike Culter Bait: Fishing jig soft lure features realistic 3D laser fish eyes, plump trout shaped fish mouth, fish scale and fins to imitate the real culter fish.
- Big Soft Tail: Soft and flexible big tail strongly swings and creates natural swimming action in water can easily attract bass, trout, perch, crappie, pike, walleye, mandarinfish, etc.
- Jig Head Fishing Lure: Weighted jig hook inside the head; a triple hook with a squashed double connecting ring (an optional hook hanger）at the abdomen; reasonable counterweight designed for long casting, deep sinking and high catching rate.
- What You Get: Package comes with 6 PCS fishing baits in 6 colors (blue, green, silver, white, red-white and black-red). Each bass lure is 3.54in long and weighs 0.31oz.
- FULLY RIGGED, INCLUDES EVERYTHING YOU NEED. Umbrella Rig Featuring 5 Arms, and 8 Willow Leaf Blades, 20cm long from tip of head to end of arms. Also Includes (5) 9cm long Swim Baits and (5) 7g Jig Head as shown in the picture
- BASS CAN'T RESIST! Imitates a school of Shad Swimming. The color chosen for this bait is a natural Shad color. Grey, White, and Black colors are great for any time of the year and any type of water clarity
- ADEQUATE SIZE. 20cm from tip of head to the end of the arms which allows you to spread out the arms enough to ensure that the swim baits are seperated enough to ensure the "schooling effect"
- LOOKS LIKE A SCHOOL OF SHAD. 8 willow leaf blades really emphasizes the shad school effect by providing "flashing" under water. Gets bass attention from far distances.
- CATCH MORE THAN 1 AT A TIME. Its not uncommon to catch more than 1 fish at a time on these. And they are great for species other than bass. Basically anything that eats shad wont pass this up.
- Premium Quality: Made of high-quality soft plastic material, the Big Jig Worm Lures are durable, flexible, and realistic, which can effectively attract various fish species and improve your fishing experience.
- Large Size:7.68in/195mm 3.35oz/95g.
- Unique Design: The lures feature a unique swimming action and a lifelike tail design, which can provoke fish to strike and increase your catch rate. The soft plastic material also makes them easy to cast and retrieve.
- Suitable for Different Conditions: These lures are suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, and can be used in different fishing conditions, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and oceans.
- Perfect Gift: The Big Jig Worm Lures are perfect gifts for fishermen, whether they are beginners or experienced anglers. They are easy to use and can provide a lot of fun and excitement for fishing enthusiasts.
- PREMIUM MATERIALS-Saltwater jerkbait lures are constructed from premium ABS materials,equipped with heavy duty split rings and corrosion-resistant ultra-sharp high carbon steel treble hooks,these lures are built to withstand the rigors of saltwater without corroding,ensure exceptional strength and longevity
- HIGH-SIMULATION-JOGFFDE saltwater lures are featured with brilliant holographic laser surface and lifelike 3D eyes, this exquisite design delivers stunning reflections and vivid details.This high simulation ensures they mimic the appearance and movement of real fish, effortlessly tricking target species into biting
- VIVID SWIM ACTIONS-The surf fishing lures saltwater swim like a real fish to attact predators to bite. Finished with a stainless steel rattle ball inside,integrated long casting system partners with the irresistible rattle to make them even more tempting.This combination provokes predators to strike, significantly boosting your catch rate
- VERSATILE APPLICATION-Slatwater fishing lures are great for both saltwater and freshwater,designed to target species such as salmon, bass, pike, panfish, crappie,striper,walleye and musky trout etc. Ideal for trolling, surfcasting, and various fishing techniques
- PACKAGE-Comes with 6pcs assorted surf fishing striper lures, include Minnow, Plugs, Popper Jerkbai,6 different style fits for different fishing targets.Lure length: 4.45inch-5.51inch, weigth: 13g-22g,diving depth: 0-8 Feets. This comprehensive assortment is suitable for anglers of all skill levels and makes an excellent present for fishing enthusiasts
- As a slow sinking bait, the bait can be used to attack the entire water column; Single-jointed construction gives it a remarkable swimming motion
- The glide bait has a unique S-wave action and big profile, and it can be controlled with pauses and reel turns, which can give it more drawing power that appeals to larger fish
- With eight stainless steel balls (ball dia. 0.43in, 0.39in and 0.28in) built in, along the bottom of the swim bait, to keep balance and for further distance casting, and the steel balls also make the lure noisy which will be a big factor especially when water clarity is low, rather than lure action or color
- Natural color imitation; Vivid 3D laser eyes; Textured, soft rubber fishtail for more vivid swimming strokes
- Increases your chances on catching those Monster Bass that simply don’t fall for other baits; Heavily targeted by monster size fish, regardless of their species, Bass, Trout, Muskie, etc.
- 【SIMULATED DESIGN】All saltwater fishing lures are designed with brilliant holographic laser finish and create lifelike swimming actions, which can effectively stimulate carnivorous fish to bite at a long distance
- 【GRAVITY BALLS INSIDE】Surf fishing lures have steel rattle balls inside, it will move to the tail when it is thrown out, makes the lures long accurate cast and postural stability. Besides, the balls will make unique noise to attract fish attention
- 【PREMIUM MATERIAL】The fishing lures are made of durable ABS, rigged with ultra-sharp treble hooks and stainless steel split rings, hold strong, allow for faster penetration, increasing the chances of catching fish
- 【APPLICATION】These Jerkbait Lures for Fishing work great for both saltwater and freshwater. Productive when trolling, brilliant for a very broad range of fish species, such as striped bass, salmon, sea trout, striper, pike, walleye and musky etc.
- 【QUANTITY】6pcs minnow lures hard baits, different sizes are available to meet different casting needs and dive depths. Ideal for both novice and experienced anglers!
- Premium Quality: Made of high-quality soft plastic material, the Big Jig Worm Lures are durable, flexible, and realistic, which can effectively attract various fish species and improve your fishing experience.
- Large Size:7.68in/195mm 3.35oz/95g.
- Unique Design: The lures feature a unique swimming action and a lifelike tail design, which can provoke fish to strike and increase your catch rate. The soft plastic material also makes them easy to cast and retrieve.
- Suitable for Different Conditions: These lures are suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, and can be used in different fishing conditions, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and oceans.
- Perfect Gift: The Big Jig Worm Lures are perfect gifts for fishermen, whether they are beginners or experienced anglers. They are easy to use and can provide a lot of fun and excitement for fishing enthusiasts.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Bait for Striper Fishing
Striped bass, or stripers, are powerful fish. They offer an exciting fight for any angler. Choosing the right bait is crucial for success. This guide helps you pick the perfect lure or live bait for your next striper trip.
Key Features to Look For in Striper Bait
When you shop for striper bait, look closely at a few important things. These features make a big difference in how often fish bite.
1. Size and Profile
Stripers eat many different things. Big stripers often chase large meals. Look for baits that match the size of the baitfish already in the water. A bait that looks too small might get ignored by a large fish. A good profile means the bait looks real from a distance.
2. Action in the Water
How the bait moves matters a lot. Whether you use a lure or natural bait, it needs to swim or sink naturally. Hard plastic lures should wobble or dart convincingly. Soft plastics should swim smoothly when retrieved slowly. Poor action scares fish away.
3. Color Selection
Color choice depends on the water clarity and the time of day. Clear water often calls for natural colors like silver or white. Murky water benefits from bright colors like chartreuse or fire-tiger. Always carry a few different colors to test the water conditions.
Important Materials: What Your Bait Is Made Of
The materials used in bait construction affect durability and realism.
- Hard Baits (Plugs and Jigs): High-quality plastics like durable ABS are best. These resist cracking when hitting rocks or being chomped by a big striper. Metal components, like hooks and split rings, must be corrosion-resistant, especially in saltwater environments.
- Soft Plastics: Soft baits need to feel natural in the fish’s mouth. Look for soft plastics infused with scents. This keeps the fish holding on longer, giving you more time to set the hook.
- Live Bait: If using live bait like eels or bunker, ensure the source keeps the bait healthy. Healthy, lively bait attracts more strikes than sluggish ones.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Bait Quality
Good quality bait lasts longer and catches more fish. Poor quality bait fails quickly.
Improving Quality:
Sharp, strong hooks greatly improve quality. Ensure the line tie is strong and won’t bend easily. For artificial lures, well-applied paint jobs that resist chipping are a sign of high manufacturing standards. Many experienced anglers upgrade stock hooks immediately for better strength.
Reducing Quality:
Cheap hardware is a major quality reducer. Thin wire hooks bend easily when fighting a large fish. Plastic bodies that are too soft tear easily on the first few casts. Inspect all connection points before you leave the dock.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you plan to fish. This changes the best bait choice.
Surf Casting:
When casting from the beach, you need distance. Heavy jigs or durable plugs with good weight distribution cast farthest. You want baits that stay near the bottom where stripers often feed on sand eels or crabs.
Boat Fishing (Trolling or Casting):
When trolling, large diving plugs are effective. These baits mimic larger forage fish deep in the water column. When casting near structure or jetties, use weedless soft plastics or bucktail jigs that you can work vertically.
Live Bait Tactics:
Using live eels or herring near channels or inlets often triggers aggressive strikes from large migratory stripers. This method requires more preparation but often yields the biggest results when conditions are right.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Striper Bait
Q: What is the single best type of bait for stripers year-round?
A: Many anglers consider a white or chartreuse bucktail jig the most versatile bait. It imitates many different food sources and works well in various water conditions.
Q: Should I use live bait or artificial lures?
A: Live bait often triggers more bites, especially from very large, picky fish. However, artificial lures offer ease of use, casting distance, and are always legal, unlike some live bait restrictions.
Q: How does water temperature affect my bait choice?
A: In very cold water (early spring or late fall), stripers are sluggish. Slower moving, natural baits work best. Warmer water allows them to chase faster, more erratic lures.
Q: What is the best color for murky or stained water?
A: Bright colors that create a strong silhouette are best. Think fire-tiger, bright chartreuse, or dark colors like black or purple.
Q: Do I need to add scent to my artificial lures?
A: Adding a fish attractant scent often helps. It gives the fish an extra reason to hold onto the bait longer after the initial strike.
Q: How often should I change my bait when I am not getting bites?
A: If you have not had a strike within 15 to 20 casts, change your bait’s color or action. Fish get used to seeing the same thing repeatedly.
Q: Are heavy metal jigs good for catching big stripers?
A: Yes, heavy jigs are excellent for deep water or strong currents. They sink fast and allow you to work the bottom where many large feeding stripers stay.
Q: What is the best way to store soft plastic baits?
A: Keep soft plastics in their original packaging, especially if they are oil-based or scented. Do not let different colors touch, as the colors can bleed together.
Q: Does the time of day matter for bait selection?
A: Yes. During low light hours (dawn and dusk), natural or darker colors are effective. Midday usually requires brighter or more reflective baits.
Q: What size hooks should I look for on a plug?
A: For average stripers (20-30 inches), size 2 or 1/0 treble hooks work well. For trophy fish, look for hooks that are size 1/0 or larger, ensuring they are strong enough.