Striped bass (stripers, rockfish) are the most sought-after inshore coastal gamefish in the northeastern US. Found from Maine to North Carolina in the Atlantic and in landlocked reservoirs throughout the country, stripers fight hard, grow large, and respond to a wide range of techniques. This guide covers the proven methods for catching striped bass in every situation.
Striper Fishing Quick Reference
| Technique | Lure/Bait | Season | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surf casting | Metal swimmers, eels | Fall, spring | Ocean beaches, inlets |
| Chunking | Bunker (menhaden) chunks | Spring–fall | Rips, channels, reefs |
| Jigging | Diamond jigs, bucktails | Year-round | Ledges, structure |
| Trolling | Umbrella rigs, tube lures | Summer–fall | Open water, bays |
Top Striped Bass Lures
Yo-Zuri 3DB Pencil Popper: The surface action of a pencil popper triggers the most spectacular strikes in striper fishing. Walk-the-dog across a rip or bait ball, and stripers will explode through the surface from below. The 3DB’s internal ballast system delivers casting distance far beyond what its surface-floating design suggests. Use it during schooling activity in fall or early morning surface feeds.
Hogy 9″ Epoxy Jig: Diamond jigs and epoxy jigs are the workhorses of vertical striper fishing from boats. Drop to the bottom in a rip or over a ledge, retrieve quickly with hops, and stripers stack up below feeding fish will crush it on the drop. The 3 oz version covers depths from 20–80 feet in most current conditions.
Live Eel — The All-Time Striper Bait
Live eels catch stripers in every situation where other baits fail. Trophy fish that ignore plugs and lures will eat a live eel. Hook eels through the lower jaw and out the top of the skull on a 7/0–9/0 circle hook. Drift them through rips, along rocky shorelines at night, and through deep channel bends. Keep eels in a cooler with just enough water to keep them alive — cold eels are slower, easier to hook, and last longer.
Gear Setup for Striped Bass
Surf fishing: 10’–11′ heavy rod, 6000–8000 spinning reel, 30–40 lb braid, 30–50 lb fluorocarbon leader. Boat fishing: 7’–7’6″ heavy spinning or conventional, 4000–6000 reel, 30 lb braid, 30–50 lb fluorocarbon leader. Fly fishing for stripers: 9′ 9-weight or 10-weight rod with a large arbor reel and floating or intermediate line.
FAQ
What is the striped bass size limit?
Regulations vary by state. Federal regulations for coastal migratory stripers require a 28″ minimum size limit with varying bag limits by jurisdiction. Many states (Massachusetts, Rhode Island) have one-fish bags at 28″. Always check your state’s current regulations before keeping any stripers — regulations change frequently due to population management.
The FishDojo team combines decades of fishing experience across freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing, and ice fishing. We test gear, study angler feedback, and apply hands-on knowledge to bring you honest, expert recommendations. Learn more about us →
🎣 Gear up: browse top-rated fishing rods, reels, and tackle on Amazon.