Live Bait for Striped Bass (Stripers)
LIVELY TeamBunker/Pogies (Menhaden):
- Size: 4-10 inches
- Usage: Bunker, also known as menhaden, are excellent baits for Striped Bass, both live and as cut bait. Live bunker are usually fished on a fish finder rig, while cut bunker chunks are used for chumming and bottom fishing.
Eels:
- Size: 6-12 inches
- Usage: Live eels are one of the most effective baits for Striped Bass, especially in the Northeast. They can be fished on a simple hook or with a weighted rig for deeper waters. Eels are particularly effective in cooler waters and during the night or low-light conditions.
Herring:
- Size: 6-12 inches
- Usage: Herring are prime live baits, particularly in the spring during their spawning runs. Live herring can be drifted or fished on a simple hook, while cut herring can be used similarly to bunker for chumming and bottom fishing.
Mackerel:
- Size: 6-10 inches
- Usage: Mackerel are effective baits, especially in cooler waters. Live mackerel can be slow-trolled or drifted, while cut mackerel can be used as chunks on the bottom.
Threadfin Herring:
- Size: 4-6 inches
- Usage: Threadfin herring in this size range are excellent for Striped Bass, especially when fishing inshore or near structure. They can be drifted, free-lined, or used with light weights near current breaks and drop-offs.
Analysis
Artificial Baits: Artificial baits, including swimbaits, jigs, and topwater plugs, are widely used and popular. Live eels and bunker are very effective, particularly in the Northeast. A close split, but artificial lures are slightly more popular overall due to their versatility and the prevalence of shore and inshore fishing.