For striped bass, Bunker (Menhaden) is hands-down one of the most effective baits, though a variety of live, cut, and artificial options can yield excellent results depending on conditions and location.
Understanding Striped Bass Bait Preferences
Striped bass are opportunistic predators, and their diet can vary significantly based on their habitat, the season, and the available forage. Understanding their natural prey is key to selecting the best bait.
Top Live Baits
Live bait often triggers an aggressive strike from striped bass due to its natural movement and scent.
- Bunker (Menhaden)
Bunker, also known as Menhaden, is widely regarded as a premier bait for striped bass. These oily baitfish are irresistible to stripers. For freshwater anglers, alewife can be used in similar effective ways.- Techniques for Bunker:
- Weighted Rigs: Cast them out on simple weighted rigs to reach the desired depth.
- Drifting: Allow live bunker to drift naturally with the current, especially effective in rips or along structure.
- Chumming: Cut up bunker to create a scent trail, attracting stripers to your area.
- Livelining: A highly effective tactic involves chopping the tail off a live bunker and livelining it in a school of fish, mimicking an injured baitfish. This makes it an easy target for hungry stripers.
- Techniques for Bunker:
- Eels
Live eels are a classic and highly effective bait, particularly for larger striped bass, especially when fished at night or in strong currents. They can be fished on the bottom or free-lined. - Mackerel & Herring
These oily baitfish are staples in the striped bass diet. Live-lining mackerel or herring is incredibly productive, especially when stripers are actively feeding on schools of these baitfish. - Worms (Bloodworms, Sandworms)
Smaller striped bass, especially in estuaries and surf zones, are very fond of worms. These are excellent for light tackle fishing and can be fished on various rigs, including high-low rigs. - Crabs
In certain areas, particularly around rocky structures or estuaries where crabs are prevalent, green crabs or hermit crabs can be highly effective baits, especially for larger, bottom-feeding stripers.
Effective Cut Baits
When live bait isn't available or practical, fresh cut bait can be incredibly effective, relying on scent to attract fish.
- Cut Bunker (Menhaden)
Even when not alive, cut bunker remains a top choice. The oily flesh creates a strong scent trail in the water, attracting stripers from a distance. Use chunks on a fish-finder rig or a simple bottom rig. - Clams
Fresh clams (surf clams, chowder clams) are a favorite bait for striped bass, especially in sandy surf environments or bays. Their strong natural scent is very attractive. They are best fished on a surf rig with a float or teaser to keep them off the bottom. - Squid
Cut squid is a versatile bait that can be effective for striped bass, particularly when they are feeding on various bottom-dwelling prey. It's durable and stays on the hook well.
Popular Artificial Lures
Artificial lures offer a dynamic way to target striped bass, allowing anglers to cover more water and mimic various baitfish.
- Plugs
- Topwater Plugs (Poppers, Walk-the-Dog lures): Exciting for surface strikes, especially during dawn and dusk.
- Diving Plugs (Minnow Imitations, Swimmers): Mimic fleeing baitfish and are effective for trolling or casting in various water depths.
- Soft Plastics
Soft plastics, such as paddle tails, shads, and stick baits, rigged on jig heads are incredibly versatile. They can be fished shallow, deep, fast, or slow, imitating a wide range of baitfish. - Bucktail Jigs
Bucktail jigs are a classic and highly effective lure. They can be tipped with a strip of pork rind or a soft plastic trailer to add scent and action. They are excellent for jigging in currents or casting into the surf. - Spoons
Heavy casting spoons are great for long-distance casting in the surf or for targeting fish in deeper water. Their flash and wobble imitate wounded baitfish.
Bait Selection Quick Guide
Here's a quick overview of bait types and their common uses:
| Bait Type | Primary Use | Ideal Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Live Bunker (Menhaden) | Livelining, drifting, weighted rigs | All conditions, highly versatile |
| Live Eels | Night fishing, targeting larger fish | Strong currents, low light |
| Live Mackerel/Herring | When stripers are feeding on these baitfish | Active feeding frenzies |
| Bloodworms/Sandworms | Smaller stripers, estuaries, light tackle | Bays, calm surf, bottom fishing |
| Cut Bunker (Menhaden) | Chumming, bottom fishing | Anytime, especially when live bait is scarce |
| Clams (Fresh) | Surf fishing, sandy bottom areas | Moving tides, cloudy water |
| Squid (Cut) | Versatile bottom bait, durable | Varied conditions, especially deeper water |
| Topwater Plugs | Surface action, exciting strikes | Dawn/dusk, calm waters, active fish |
| Soft Plastics | Imitating baitfish, versatile jigging/casting | All conditions, adapting to depth |
| Bucktail Jigs | Jigging in currents, surf casting, deeper water | Varied depths, strong currents |
Choosing the best bait often comes down to matching the hatch—using what the striped bass are actively feeding on in your specific location and conditions.
