5+ Best Lures for Stripers: Ultimate Guide to Catching Success

Striped bass, commonly known as stripers, are a popular target for recreational anglers due to their size, strength, and abundance. To maximize the chances of a successful fishing trip, choosing the best lure for striper is crucial.

Effective lures for striped bass often mimic the appearance and movement of their natural prey, such as baitfish, eels, and crabs. Some of the most popular and productive lures include:

Topwater lures, which create a commotion on the surface of the water to attract fish from below.
Swimbaits, which imitate the swimming action of baitfish and can be retrieved at various depths.
Jigs, which can be tipped with live bait or soft plastics and are effective for both casting and trolling.
Spoons, which flash and vibrate as they are retrieved, attracting fish from a distance.
Plugs, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be effective for both trolling and casting.

The choice of lure will depend on factors such as the time of year, water conditions, and the specific location being fished. It is also important to consider the size of the stripers being targeted, as larger fish may require larger lures.

1. Size

When choosing the best lure for striper, size is an important factor to consider. The size of the lure should match the size of the stripers you are targeting. This is because stripers are ambush predators that typically target prey that is a manageable size. If the lure is too small, the stripers may not be interested in it. If the lure is too large, the stripers may be intimidated by it.

Facet 1: Matching Lure Size to Striper Size

The best way to determine the right size lure for stripers is to consider the size of the stripers you are targeting. If you are targeting small stripers, you should use a smaller lure. If you are targeting large stripers, you should use a larger lure.
Facet 2: Lure Size and Depth

The depth at which you are fishing can also affect the size of lure you should use. If you are fishing in shallow water, you should use a smaller lure. If you are fishing in deep water, you should use a larger lure.
Facet 3: Lure Size and Water Clarity

The clarity of the water can also affect the size of lure you should use. If the water is clear, you can use a smaller lure. If the water is murky, you should use a larger lure.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best size lure for striper and increase your chances of success on your next fishing trip.

2. Action

When choosing the best lure for striper, action is an important factor to consider. The action of the lure refers to the way it moves in the water. This is important because stripers are visual predators that are attracted to lures that mimic the movement of their natural prey. There are many different types of lure actions, including:

Swimming action: This type of lure mimics the swimming motion of baitfish. It is often used for trolling or casting.
Darting action: This type of lure darts erratically through the water, mimicking the movement of fleeing baitfish. It is often used for casting or jigging.
Wobbling action: This type of lure wobbles from side to side as it is retrieved. It is often used for casting or trolling.
Popping action: This type of lure creates a popping sound as it is retrieved, mimicking the sound of a baitfish feeding on the surface of the water. It is often used for topwater fishing.

The best way to determine the right action for striper is to consider the type of baitfish that they are feeding on. If you are not sure what type of baitfish stripers are feeding on, you can try using a lure with a variety of actions and see what works best.

By considering the action of the lure, you can choose the best lure for striper and increase your chances of success on your next fishing trip.

3. Color

The color of the lure is an important factor to consider when choosing the best lure for striper. This is because stripers are visual predators that are attracted to lures that resemble their natural prey. The color of the lure should be appropriate for the water conditions and the time of year.

In clear water, stripers are more likely to be attracted to lures that are natural colors, such as silver, white, or gold. In murky water, stripers are more likely to be attracted to lures that are brighter colors, such as chartreuse, orange, or red. The time of year can also affect the color of the lure that you should use. In the spring, stripers are more likely to be attracted to lures that are brighter colors, such as chartreuse or orange. In the summer, stripers are more likely to be attracted to lures that are natural colors, such as silver or white. In the fall, stripers are more likely to be attracted to lures that are darker colors, such as brown or black.

By considering the water conditions and the time of year, you can choose the best color lure for striper and increase your chances of success on your next fishing trip.

4. Depth

The depth at which the lure is fished is an important factor to consider when choosing the best lure for striper. This is because stripers are found at different depths depending on the time of year, water temperature, and baitfish availability. In the spring, stripers are often found in shallow water, near the surface of the water. In the summer, stripers are often found in deeper water, near the bottom of the water column. In the fall, stripers are often found in shallow water again, near the surface of the water.

To determine the depth at which stripers are holding, you can use a fish finder or talk to other anglers in the area. Once you know the depth at which stripers are holding, you can choose a lure that is designed to be fished at that depth.

There are many different types of lures that can be used to catch stripers, including topwater lures, swimbaits, jigs, spoons, and plugs. Each type of lure has its own unique characteristics and is best suited for fishing at a particular depth. For example, topwater lures are best suited for fishing in shallow water, while jigs are best suited for fishing in deep water.

By choosing the right lure and fishing it at the right depth, you can increase your chances of catching stripers.

5. Presentation

When it comes to choosing the best lure for striper, presentation is an important factor to consider. This is because stripers are visual predators that are attracted to lures that look and move like their natural prey. The way the lure is presented can affect how well it mimics the striper’s natural prey, and therefore, how effective it is at catching fish.

Facet 1: Retrieve Speed

The speed at which the lure is retrieved can affect its effectiveness. Striper’s prey swim at different speeds, so varying the retrieve speed can help you match the lure’s movement to the striper’s natural prey.
Facet 2: Retrieve Depth

The depth at which the lure is retrieved can also affect its effectiveness. Striper’s prey swim at different depths, so varying the retrieve depth can help you match the lure’s movement to the striper’s natural prey.
Facet 3: Use of Pauses

Pausing the retrieve can also be effective when fishing for stripers. This is because striper’s prey often pause in their swimming motion, so pausing the retrieve can make the lure appear more natural.
Facet 4: Use of Jerks

Using jerks or twitches when retrieving the lure can also be effective when fishing for stripers. This is because striper’s prey often dart and change direction when swimming, so using jerks or twitches can make the lure appear more natural.

By considering the presentation of the lure, you can increase your chances of catching stripers. Experiment with different retrieve speeds, depths, pauses, and jerks to find what works best on any given day.

FAQs on Best Lure for Striper

Here are some frequently asked questions about choosing the best lure for striper, along with their answers:

Question 1: What is the best size lure for striper?

The best size lure for striper will vary depending on the size of the striper you are targeting. As a general rule, you should use a lure that is about 1/3 the size of the striper you are hoping to catch. For example, if you are targeting striper that are 24 inches long, you should use a lure that is about 8 inches long.

Question 2: What color lure is best for striper?

The best lure color for striper will depend on the water conditions and the time of year. In clear water, stripers are more likely to be attracted to natural colors, such as silver, white, or gold. In murky water, stripers are more likely to be attracted to brighter colors, such as chartreuse, orange, or red.

Question 3: What action is best for a striper lure?

The best lure action for striper will vary depending on the striper’s feeding habits. If the stripers are actively feeding, you can use a lure with a more aggressive action, such as a jerkbait or a crankbait. If the stripers are less active, you can use a lure with a more subtle action, such as a spinnerbait or a soft plastic bait.

Question 4: How deep should I fish my lure for striper?

The depth at which you should fish your lure for striper will depend on the depth of the water and the location of the stripers. In general, you should fish your lure at the same depth as the stripers are holding. You can use a fish finder to determine the depth of the water and the location of the stripers.

Question 5: How fast should I retrieve my lure for striper?

The speed at which you retrieve your lure for striper will depend on the striper’s feeding habits. If the stripers are actively feeding, you can retrieve your lure more quickly. If the stripers are less active, you can retrieve your lure more slowly.

Question 6: What are some of the best lures for striper?

Some of the best lures for striper include:

Topwater lures, such as poppers and stickbaits
Swim baits, such as jerkbaits and crankbaits
Jigs, such as bucktail jigs and swim jigs
Spoons, such as flutter spoons and casting spoons
Plugs, such as minnow plugs and diving plugs

By following these tips, you can choose the best lure for striper and increase your chances of catching this popular game fish.

Transition to the next article section:

Now that you know how to choose the best lure for striper, you can start planning your next fishing trip. Be sure to do your research and learn about the striper population in the area you will be fishing. This information will help you choose the best lure and increase your chances of success.

Tips for Choosing the Best Lure for Striper

Tip 1: Match the Size of the Lure to the Size of the Striper

The size of the lure should match the size of the stripers you are targeting. This is because stripers are ambush predators that typically target prey that is a manageable size. If the lure is too small, the stripers may not be interested in it. If the lure is too large, the stripers may be intimidated by it.

Tip 2: Choose a Lure with the Right Action

The action of the lure refers to the way it moves in the water. This is important because stripers are visual predators that are attracted to lures that mimic the movement of their natural prey. There are many different types of lure actions, so it is important to choose one that is appropriate for the stripers you are targeting.

Tip 3: Select the Right Color Lure

The color of the lure should be appropriate for the water conditions and the time of year. In clear water, stripers are more likely to be attracted to lures that are natural colors, such as silver, white, or gold. In murky water, stripers are more likely to be attracted to lures that are brighter colors, such as chartreuse, orange, or red.

Tip 4: Fish the Lure at the Right Depth

The depth at which the lure is fished should match the depth at which the stripers are holding. In the spring, stripers are often found in shallow water, near the surface of the water. In the summer, stripers are often found in deeper water, near the bottom of the water column. In the fall, stripers are often found in shallow water again, near the surface of the water.

Tip 5: Experiment with Different Presentation Techniques

The way the lure is presented can affect its effectiveness. Varying the retrieve speed, depth, and use of pauses and jerks can help you match the lure’s movement to the striper’s natural prey. Experiment with different presentation techniques to find what works best on any given day.

Summary of Key Takeaways

Consider the size, action, color, and depth of the lure when choosing the best lure for striper.
Experiment with different presentation techniques to find what works best.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of catching stripers.

Transition to the Article’s Conclusion

Choosing the best lure for striper is an important factor in increasing your chances of success on your next fishing trip. By following these tips, you can choose the right lure for the conditions and the stripers you are targeting.

Conclusion

Choosing the best lure for striper is an important aspect of successful striper fishing. By considering the size, action, color, depth, and presentation of the lure, anglers can increase their chances of catching stripers. Experimenting with different lures and presentation techniques is key to finding what works best on any given day.

In summary, understanding the factors that influence lure selection for striper can greatly enhance an angler’s ability to target and catch these sought-after fish. Whether you are a seasoned angler or just starting out, paying attention to these details can make a significant difference in your fishing success.