Striped Bass Surf Fishing: Your Quick and Easy Guide

Striped bass, commonly known as stripers, are one of the most sought-after game fish for surf anglers across the nation. Found in both saltwater and freshwater environments, these impressive fish can grow up to six feet long and weigh over 125 pounds. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this article will help you understand a bit more about surf fishing for striped bass.

Habitat and Record

Striped bass can be caught in various coastal regions. While researching for this article, I came across a really informative article that details striped bass migration patterns and more. The following image was taken from that website to show where striped bass can commonly be caught.

The current world record for striped bass stands at 81 lb 14 oz (37.14 kg), caught by Gregory Myerson on August 4, 2011. He caught this record fish while drifting a live eel near the Outer Southwest Reef in Long Island Sound, off the coast of Westbrook, Connecticut. After a 20-minute battle, Myerson landed the 54-inch-long fish, which had a girth of 36 inches.

Best Baits for Striped Bass

Striped bass have a varied diet that includes crabs, sand crabs, bloodworms, squid, clams, and numerous small fish species like shad, herring, mackerel, surfperch, croaker, alewives, silversides, and eels. For a universal bait option, surf fishing with cut bait works exceptionally well.

On the West Coast, surf fishing baits such as sand crabs, bloodworms, and clams are effective for catching smaller stripers, while live small baitfish can also be productive. For targeting larger striped bass, lures such as poppers, jerkbaits, and bucktails are highly recommended.

Effective Rigs for Striped Bass Fishing

When using bait, the following rigs are commonly used for surf fishing:

• Fish Finder Rig
• High Low Rig
• Standard 3-Way Rig

If you prefer using lures like bucktails, poppers, jerkbaits, and swimbaits, no additional rigging is necessary.

Best Hook Sizes for Surf Fishing

For catching larger striped bass with cut bait, a 2/0 – 6/0 circle hook is ideal. For smaller striped bass, 1/0 – 3/0 hooks are more suitable.

Choosing the Right Lures for Striped Bass

Surf fishing with lures can be challenging but highly rewarding. Beginners should start with jigs, topwaters, jerkbaits, and swimbaits, typically between 4 and 6 inches long. Red and white lures are particularly effective for striped bass.

When it comes to choosing the specific lure to use, it will vary based on your local fishery. Do some digging on social media and local websites/forums before you hit the surf.

For instance, here in So Cal, striped bass aren’t the most common species, so the most common lure they’re caught on here is a jerkbait like the Lucky Craft FM 110 as that’s what’s used for the more common c=species of game fish in our local waters.

Techniques for Surf Fishing Striped Bass

Success in surf fishing for striped bass hinges on locating currents. Rivermouths or lagoons and other structures that cause unique currents are your best bet for catching striped bass in the surf. Tides play a crucial role in creating these currents too, so using a tide chart for your local area will help you identify the best times to fish, specifically during the transitions between high and low tides.

Timing Your Fishing with Tides

Large tidal swings and changing tides are said to be ideal conditions for striped bass surf fishing. These fish thrive in strong currents, which are commonly found in inlets, canals, and areas where rivers or streams flow into larger bodies of water.

By understanding the behavior and habitats of striped bass, selecting the appropriate bait and rigs, and timing your trips with favorable tidal conditions, you’ll greatly enhance your chances of landing these impressive game fish. Tight lines all!