Striped bass tips and tricks

[Stugots]

With striped bass season right around the corner, I figured now would be a good time to start a topic talking about these trophies we target. 

Starting around April 15 as a rule of thumb, the striped bass move into the Raritan Bay and the local rivers to beging their spawn / migration. At this time of year, the water is cold so they are generally a bit more sluggish. Due to this, bait fishing is more common. Anchoring up on the flats on an outgoing tide and soaking clams or blood worms. We like to find some marks on our sonar and anchor on them. Then start a chum slick. Using a slider sinker rig with about 36 inches of fluorocarbon leader (30 or 40lb) to a 7/0 circle hook. Cast out and let it sit in the rod holder. 

 

Once the water warms up a bit towards the end of April,  we start to troll. Starting out with stretch plugs to match the herring. We will also troll Mojo rigs as well. Once the bunker come in, we generally use only Mojos. For trolling, we use 50lb braided power pro to a 15ft fluorocarbon 50lb leader to a snap swivel.

During May, along with trolling, we live-line bunker as well as chunk them. 

Once these fish push out of the bay and into the ocean late May early June, we really focus on live lining bunker and trolling bunker spoons on wire line. During this time the fish tend to be very aggressive and we also like to throw top water plugs for these big fish.

These fish can be very frustrating but also very rewarding. On any day, these fish can decide to eat one thing and not the other. Be ready for everything and most importantly, dont be afraid to change your technique. You cannot go out there saying today I will only liveline or Visa versa. Many days you will have to change it up to get these fish to bite. 

 

Good luck all for the 2019 season, be safe, and tight lines!

Edited March 18, 2019 by Stugots
Typo

[Hunter115522]

Nice write up, thanks for the info 

[Live to Hunt]

2 minutes ago, Hunter115522 said:

Nice write up, thanks for the info 

[Stugots]

Thanks guys, PS, our trolling speed is around 3knts. We use line counter reels to determine where the lures are depending on water depth.

[HNTRDIVER]

Good  info! I think pulling gear is boring but it does put some nice ones on the deck! I try everything else first

[SPEARFISH]

I gave them a brake the last couple years.  We'll see how motivated I get this year.  More into bottom fishing now.

My tip is fish where the fish are.  Sounds simple, but most water is unproductive.   You have to find the bait or structure that is holding the fish.

[JHbowhunter]

The striped bass can make a rookie an expert, and an expert a rookie on any given day. It's best to understand everything about them in their environment.  Great advice!

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[Nomad]

Did you forget to mention the 40,000 dollar boat?

[SPEARFISH]

3 minutes ago, Nomad said:

Did you forget to mention the 40,000 dollar boat?

That's not much of a boat these days.

[Nomad]

1 minute ago, SPEARFISH said:

That's not much of a boat these days.

I guess I'll keep fishing the beach then.

[mightyhunter]

6 minutes ago, SPEARFISH said:

That's not much of a boat these days.

And that's only for starters! Gas, bait, dock fee or launch fee (truck to tow) etc.

LOL

[Buck154]

1 hour ago, HNTRDIVER said:

Good  info! I think pulling gear is boring but it does put some nice ones on the deck! I try everything else first

 Me too. But it definitely puts some big bass on the deck. I but I still rather jig or live bait them.

[Buckeyes11]

Nothing like catching a big bass from he surf. Take that over a fishing from a boat any day 

[Nomad]

9 hours ago, Buckeyes11 said:

Nothing like catching a big bass from he surf. Take that over a fishing from a boat any day 

I've caught them up to 20 off the beach, but can't get one bigger.  Although I only make a few trips down a year.

[mazzgolf]

11 hours ago, mightyhunter said:

And that's only for starters! Gas, bait, dock fee or launch fee (truck to tow) etc.

BOAT = Bust Out Another Thousand!