The Ultimate Guide to Catching Striped Bass: Techniques and Tips

Stripped bass, also known as rockfish or linebackers, are a popular choice for anglers due to their fighting spirit and impressive size. Mastering the techniques of catching striped bass isn't just about the equipment, but also mastering the right bait, timing, and location. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know to catch these elusive fish.

Part 1: Using the Right Equipment

Striped bass can be unpredictable and are known to inhabit various locations and depths based on weather, time of year, and time of day. To increase your chances of success, use the right equipment and bait. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare and what to look for:

Choosing the Right Equipment

1. Fish-finder: A reliable fish-finder is essential for locating productive areas where striped bass aggregate. Read the owner's manual thoroughly to understand how to use it effectively. Understanding the depth at which bass are holding will give you the best chance to catch them.

2. Bait: Stripers are opportunistic feeders and can be caught using a wide range of bait. Live baits like herring, menhaden, mackerel, eels, squid, clams, anchovies, bloodworms, shad, and nightcrawlers can be effective. Choose the right bait based on the location and consult a local bait and tackle shop if unfamiliar with the water body. Fishing lures that resemble local forage can also be successful.

3. Rod, Reel, and Tackle: Heavy-duty rods are preferred, with the choice varying based on the fishing location and technique. Saltwater spinning reels are a good option, as long as they are sturdy enough to handle larger fish. Line strength should be around 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9.1 kg), and hooks should be sharp with a minimum of 2 inches (1.3 cm) between the point and shank to avoid catching undersized bass.

Part 2: Optimal Fishing Conditions

Understanding the behavior patterns of striped bass is crucial for successful fishing. Here are some factors that can help you identify the best conditions for catching:

Water Temperature: Stripers prefer water temperatures between 45 and 65°F (7 to 18°C). Higher or lower temperatures may indicate that the bass have migrated to more suitable conditions.

Water Movement: Temperature changes, Tides, and wind can stir up sediment, attracting baitfish, which in turn attract striped bass. Feeding activity increases in the presence of these factors, making them prime times for fishing.

Feeding Times: Striped bass are most active at dusk and dawn, preying on smaller fish under the cover of darkness. Focusing your efforts during these times can significantly improve your chances of success.

Part 3: Live Eel Fishing

Live eels are a highly effective bait for catching large striped bass, especially on Cape Cod Bay. Here’s how to prepare and use eels successfully:

Why Use Live Eels?

Live eels are particularly adept at catching large striped bass and are useful in deep water. They can be fished in various ways, with medium or medium-light rods being a popular choice.

Storing Eels Properly

To keep eels moist and cool, store them in a cooler with a plastic ice block and a damp burlap sack. Avoid immersing them in water, as this can deplete oxygen levels and lead to their suffocation.

Fishing Techniques with Live Eels

Use a burlap sack or cotton sock to handle eels, as they can be slippery. Hook the eel either through the mouth or deeply in the throat. Holding the eel by the neck is recommended to avoid killing it. Cast the eel out and let it sink. Once it reaches the bottom, start reeling slowly while adding weight if needed. As soon as a bass grabs the eel, bow the rod and prevent the striper from feeling the tension. Use a constant reel in for circle hooks to set the hook.

Part 4: Tube and Worm Trolling

Trolling with a tube and worm is an easy and effective method for new anglers, especially in shallow, flat waters. Here's how to execute it successfully:

When to Use This Technique

The tube and worm method works best in warm waters above 55°F (13°C). This technique imitates a large sandworm or a swimming eel, two of striped bass's favorite foods.

Trolling Technique and Bait

Tie a live sandworm or herring strip to the tube to make it more inviting. Fishing without bait rarely results in success. Stinger hooks can be added to prevent short strikes and lost bass. Trolling at a speed of 2-2.5 mph (3.2-4.0 km/h) mimics the natural swimming speed of eels, making the bait more realistic. Keep the bait in the ideal depth range of 3 to 7 feet (0.9 to 2.1 m) by letting the line out tautly and gently reeling it in as needed. Use the number of lead cores to determine the depth, and weave the tube to mimic natural movements.

Setting the Drag

Set the drag at 9-10 pounds (4.1-4.5 kg) for the strike. Keep the boat moving to achieve a good hook set.

Mastering these techniques will bring you closer to catching striped bass, whether you're using live eels or trolling with tubes and worms. Happy fishing!