Best Lures for Springtime Striped Bass Surf Fishing

Select the best lures for catching a striped bass by using our expert recommendations for springtime striper surf fishing.

Surf Fishing for Striped Bass in the Spring

Springtime is one of the best seasons for surf fishing for striped bass, also known as Striper. During this time, Striped Bass migrate from their winter grounds and move closer to the shorelines to feed. This makes them more accessible to surf anglers, who can take advantage of the increased activity to catch these highly prized fish.

When surf fishing, it is important to pay attention to the water temperature. Striped Bass prefer water temperatures between 55-68°F, so you want to target areas where the water is within this range. In addition, striped bass are often found in areas with good water flow, such as rip currents or jetties, as these areas can concentrate baitfish and create an ideal feeding zone for striped bass.

Water Factors & Conditions

There are many different fishing lures that can be effective for catching Striped Bass in the Spring. The best lure to use will depend on a variety of factors, including water conditions, baitfish present, and the mood of the fish. By experimenting with different lures and presentations, anglers can increase their chances of success.

Striped Bass can be found at different depths, so it is important to experiment with different depths until you find where the fish are biting. When using sub-surface lures, it is important to vary your retrieve speed and depth. Sometimes, a slow and steady retrieve will work best, while other times, a more erratic retrieve may be necessary to entice a strike. Striped Bass can be finicky with their topwater bites, so make sure to change up your retrieve speed and pause between twitches.

Best Lures for Striped Bass

Swimbaits

Nomad Design Vertrex Swim Vibe

Swimbaits are an excellent choice for springtime striped bass surf fishing. These lures mimic the natural swimming action of baitfish, which is what Striped bass are looking for in their prey. Paddle tail swimbaits create a lot of vibration, which can help attract the fish from a distance.

Recommended Swimbaits:

Metal Jigs

Hopkins Shorty Single Bucktail

Metal jigs are another effective lure for springtime striped bass surf fishing. These lures have a shiny, reflective surface that can catch the attention of striped bass from far away. Metal jigs also have a lot of weight, which makes them easy to cast long distances, even in windy conditions.

Recommended Metal Jigs:

Bucktail Jigs

Jigging World Premium Bucktail V2 Jigs

Bucktail jigs are a classic lure for catching Striped Bass in the surf. These lures have a hair-like material tied to a jig head, which gives them a lifelike appearance in the water. Bucktail jigs can be used with or without a trailer, which allows anglers to experiment with different presentations.

Recommended Bucktail Jigs:

Tactical Anglers BombPOPPER Smart Lure
Provided by user: nodonutshere)

Topwater Lures

Topwater lures are a lot of fun to use when targeting Striped Bass in the surf. These lures create a lot of commotion on the surface of the water, which can attract Striped Bass from a distance. Topwater lures also allow anglers to see the strike happen, which adds to the excitement of the catch.

Recommended Topwater Lures:

Soft Plastic Baits

NLBN Paddle Tail Swimbait

Soft plastic baits are a versatile lure for springtime striped bass surf fishing. These lures come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which allows anglers to mimic different types of baitfish. Soft plastic baits can be rigged with a jig head, which allows for different presentations. A great jig to throw your soft plastics on is the Northeast Jig Co. FMJ Jig Heads.

Recommended Soft Plastic Baits:

Yo-Zuri Mag Darter Lure
Provided by user: cascobayfishing)

Hard Baits

Hard baits are another effective lure for springtime striped bass surf fishing. These lures have a diving lip that allows them to dive to different depths. Hard baits also have a lot of action, which can attract striped bass from a distance.

Recommended Hard Baits:

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Provided by user: bignosebassin