Q&A for How to Catch Striped Bass

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  • Question
    Is it necessary to use live bait? Can we use artificial bait?
    Kody Lee
    Guide, Fishing Trips
    Kody Lee is a Guide for Fishing Trips in Washington. He has worked as a guide since 2015 and has fished his entire life.
    Guide, Fishing Trips
    Expert Answer
    Live bait is not necessary. Artificial bait is effective for catching striped bass as well.
  • Question
    Are there any striped bass in American rivers?
    Community Answer
    Yes, there are striped bass in some American rivers.
  • Question
    How do I get the bait to the bottom?
    Community Answer
    Add a weight to the line and make sure you have enough line to reach the bottom. Some baits are heavy enough on their own.
  • Question
    What bait should I use if I am fishing from shore?
    Community Answer
    I've always had the best luck with mackerel, it stays on a long time and stinks like crazy. The stinkier the better!
  • Question
    When can I fish for striped bass?
    Community Answer
    It depends on where you live. In New England states, May through October is a good time.
  • Question
    When fishing from a pier, shore, rocks etc., what is better: high or low tide?
    Community Answer
    High tide is better because in low tide, some of the fish are stuck in tide pools or rocks.
  • Question
    Where is the best area to fish for stripers in New York City? What bait do I use?
    Community Answer
    Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn or the lower East River in Manhattan. Use clams in the East River and bunker in the Bay.
  • Question
    How do I jig for striper in 40' of water?
    Community Answer
    I just bounce a 1/4 ounce skirted jig around on a steady retrieve. I have caught pretty large stripers in shallow water.
  • Question
    Are there any good places to fish for striped bass near Knoxville, Tennessee?
    Community Answer
    Lake Cumberland in Jamestown KY, which is just 2.5 miles north of Knoxville, is great. This is a 50,000 acre lake that covers 3 counties in SE KY. Guides are available year round.
  • Question
    Will cutting the tail off a live bunker increase the chance of catching a striped bass?
    Community Answer
    No.
  • Question
    Can goldfish be used as bait to catch stripers?
    Community Answer
    Yes, goldfish make exceptional bait if used properly. I suggest a 3/0 hookset on their underside, going through the lip with the hook exposed.
  • Question
    What type of lures do I use for striped bass?
    Community Answer
    You should troll large swimbaits, such as a 6 ounce skirted swim jighead, with a 12-24'' shad swimbait as a trailer.
  • Question
    Should you use flavored worms?
    Community Answer
    You may use flavored worms if you like, but they are not necessary for catching striped bass.
  • Question
    If you spray WD40 on cut bait or lures, will it help catch striped bass?
    Community Answer
    No.
  • Question
    Does the Chesapeake Bay offer large striped bass?
    Community Answer
    The largest of all striped bass come from the bay. It's the sport fish of the state of MD.
  • Question
    Does it matter if I use a metal leader when fishing for striper with mackerel ?
    Community Answer
    It doesn't matter. It is actually preferred by many, just because you may also catch a bluefish.
  • Question
    Where is the best area to fish for striped bass in Massachusetts?
    Community Answer
    I really like fishing for them in Rockport and Gloucester.
  • Question
    When is the best time to fish for striped bass in Stockton, CA?
    Community Answer
    Try the site bayareafishing.com. This website has a great breakdown of, not only striper, but many other species as well. It talks about the best places, time of the year, most successful set ups and more. Helped me starting out after many years away from fishing.
  • Question
    Where can I catch striped bass?
    Community Answer
    Along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico, and they have been introduced to some areas on the West Coast. If you live in one of these areas, your state's website will list areas in which they can be found.
  • Question
    What size sinker should I use when casting from shore if I want to catch striped bass?
    Joshua Weaver
    Community Answer
    Most people four oz when fishing from shores, though you can get away with two.
  • Question
    What is the best tackle and bait to use?
    Community Answer
    Diamond jig. Live eels and whole or chunked fresh bunker with a hook size 5 - 10 are awesome baits for big stripe bass.
  • Question
    Can I use minnows as bait when catching striped bass?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely! Minnows work great and are very popular. They're best when still alive, as they swim and look completely natural.
  • Question
    Will striped bass eat white perch?
    Community Answer
    They love white perch, but keep them live. Use a good strong hook, because they usually like bigger perch.
  • Question
    Why is it difficult to catch strippers when they are surface feeding?
    Community Answer
    It is not difficult to catch them when they are surface feeling. Consider using surface plugs, simple colors such as white (base color), yellow (for bunker- menhaden), blue (mullet and herring), pink (squid), and green (sand eel).
  • Question
    When is a good time to fish for strikers in Delaware?
    Community Answer
    Fish for them at dusk or dawn. This is a great time to fish anywhere for stripers, as they love to feed at that time of day.
  • Question
    Where's the best place to fish for striped bass?
    Community Answer
    Near shoals or sand bars where this is a deep drop off. The stripers ambush the bait fish in these areas. I just came off a trip where we were catching stropers in 8 feet of water on the edge of a 40 foot drop off.
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