Best Producing Fall Striped Bass Lures
By Brian Brown, TackleDirect Staff
Nov 8th 2024
Explore the best fall striped bass lures—from jigs to swimbaits. Boost your success with expert lure picks and tips to catch more stripers this season.
When the crisp autumn air sets in and water temperatures start to cool, the fall striped bass run is just beginning on the East Coast. These powerful, hard-fighting fish are a favorite among anglers, drawing fishing enthusiasts to the surf, jetties, and boats in pursuit of a trophy catch. Known for their fight, stamina, and beauty, striped bass—or "stripers," as they're commonly called—make fall fishing a thrilling experience. But having the right lures can make all the difference between a successful day of fishing and going home empty-handed.
Whether you're a seasoned striper chaser or new to the sport, choosing the right lures for fall striper fishing is crucial. Our team of expert anglers at TackleDirect has compiled a list of the best-producing fall striped bass lures. We'll cover why these lures are essential, what makes each one stand out, and how to use them to maximize your chances of hooking a prized fall striper.
Why Striped Bass Fishing in the Fall Is So Popular
Fall is one of the most exciting seasons for striper fishing due to the annual migration that brings striped bass closer to the shore. As temperatures drop, striped bass move south along the coast and into rivers and bays, often following schools of baitfish like bunker, herring, and sand eels. This migration makes them more accessible to anglers fishing from shore or small boats. The fall season is also when striped bass put on weight, making them heavier and more powerful—a true challenge for any angler.
Striped bass fishing in the fall is not only about the thrill of the catch but also about the experience. The cool air, changing leaves, and quiet mornings create an atmosphere that many anglers cherish. There's a camaraderie among anglers during the fall striper run; it's a time when fishing communities come alive, sharing tips, tricks, and the occasional fishing story. But amid the tales of monster stripers landed, one thing becomes clear: success often boils down to having the right lures in your tackle box.
Top Fall Striped Bass Lure Types
We've broken down the most effective types of lures for fall striped bass fishing, detailing what makes each one a standout. Here are the lures that should have a place in your tackle box this season:
Soft Swimbaits
Swimbaits are highly effective for fall striper fishing because they closely mimic the appearance and swimming motion of the baitfish striped bass are hunting. Typically made from soft plastic, swimbaits are designed to be lifelike in both look and action. Many swimbaits come in multiple sizes and colors, allowing you to match the baitfish prevalent in your area. Some even have scent additives, which can be particularly helpful in murky water.
Key Features to Look For: Look for swimbaits with natural color patterns, realistic eye designs, and a strong tail action that produces a tight wobble. The goal is to get the lure as close as possible to the actual baitfish in size and shape. Swimbaits with built-in rattles or scent are also a great choice, especially in low-light or rough conditions.
Pro Tip: Try casting swimbaits parallel to the shoreline or structure and retrieve them at a steady pace, mimicking a baitfish swimming with the current.
Poppers
Nothing quite matches the thrill of seeing a striper explode on a topwater popper. These lures are particularly effective at dawn and dusk when stripers are actively feeding near the surface. Poppers create a commotion on the surface that can attract stripers from a distance, even in choppy waters. The sound and splash they create can trigger a powerful response, especially in aggressive fall bass.
Key Features to Look For: Look for poppers with a cupped mouth to create a louder "popping" noise and plenty of water displacement. A durable body and sharp treble hooks are also essential since striped bass can put up a powerful fight. For added realism, choose poppers with lifelike scale patterns and natural color combinations.
Pro Tip: Work your popper with a "pop-pause" cadence, allowing the lure to rest for a moment between pops. This mimics a distressed baitfish, which can be irresistible to hungry stripers.
Jigs
Jigs are a staple for striper anglers, valued for their versatility and ability to mimic various prey in different conditions, from deep channels to shallow flats. Their adjustable presentation allows control over depth and retrieve speed, making them effective whether stripers are actively feeding or holding low. Bucktail jigs, known for their lifelike movement, are a popular choice, but paddle-tail jigs, metal jigs, and soft plastic jig heads also offer unique ways to target stripers in diverse environments. Whether fishing the surf or drifting over structure, jigs consistently entice strikes from even the wariest bass.
Key Features to Look For: When selecting jigs, pay attention to the quality and durability of the materials. For example, bucktail jigs with high-quality hair or synthetic fibers maintain their action even after repeated use. For other jig types, look for realistic finishes, durable paint, and strong, sharp hooks that can handle a powerful striper. Additional elements, like a touch of flash or rattles, can also help catch the attention of striped bass, especially in low-light or murky conditions.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different jigging techniques to find what works best in the moment. A slow, steady retrieve with pauses can be particularly effective with bucktail jigs, while a quicker, erratic motion can make metal jigs irresistible to stripers feeding on fast-moving baitfish. Don't be afraid to vary your retrieve style until you find the rhythm that draws the most strikes.
Soft Jerkbaits
Soft plastic jerkbaits are a fantastic choice when targeting stripers in calm or shallow water. They're lightweight, easy to cast, and their erratic darting action is perfect for mimicking distressed baitfish. The subtle movement and versatility of jerkbaits make them effective in clear water, where stripers can get a good look at the lure before committing.
Key Features to Look For: Look for jerkbaits with a soft, flexible body that creates a lifelike flutter as it moves. Natural colors like silver, green, and brown are often best, but bright colors can work well on cloudy days. Weighted hooks can help you control the jerkbait's action and depth.
Pro Tip: Work your jerkbait with short, quick twitches of the rod tip, pausing occasionally. This stop-start action can trigger a bite from curious stripers.
Spoons
Spoons are an old-school lure that still produces great results, especially when stripers are feeding aggressively. The flashing, wobbling action of a spoon can mimic the appearance of wounded baitfish. This is particularly effective in deeper water where stripers are actively schooling.
Key Features to Look For: A good spoon should have a reflective finish to create maximum flash, along with a sturdy single or treble hook to handle the power of a big striper. Weight is also important, as heavier spoons can reach deeper waters where big stripers may be holding.
Pro Tip: Let your spoon sink before beginning your retrieve. Then use a fast, steady retrieve to create a tight wobble. You can also try vertical jigging, which works well when stripers are stacked up in deeper water.
Hard Baits
Hard baits, aka plugs are essential for fall striped bass fishing, designed to trigger aggressive strikes with lifelike action and vibration. Effective when bass are hunting baitfish, hard baits include topwater plugs, crankbaits, and jerkbaits, each suited to different depths and conditions. Topwater plugs like poppers draw explosive strikes on the surface by imitating distressed prey, while diving plugs and crankbaits work deeper, covering more water and targeting submerged bass. Jerkbaits offer a realistic, darting action when paused, imitating a wounded baitfish that bass find hard to resist.
Key Features to Look For: High-quality hard baits should have a strong, durable body that withstands repeated strikes from powerful stripers. Look for realistic finishes that mimic local baitfish, as well as strong, sharp treble hooks that can hold up against aggressive fish. Hard baits with rattles or internal weights add sound and vibration, which are particularly effective for drawing in stripers from a distance, especially in murky water.
Pro Tip: When fishing hard baits in the fall, try a fast retrieve to mimic the frantic action of fleeing baitfish. If stripers are chasing but not committing, switch to a more erratic, twitching retrieve to give the lure a "wounded" look, often triggering a predatory response. Topwater lures are especially fun to use on calm days when stripers are feeding close to the surface; the explosive strikes make for unforgettable moments on the water!
Top Fall Striped Bass Lures
These lures are tried-and-true options that appeal to striped bass anglers targeting everything from surface-feeding bass to fish holding in deeper water and along structured areas. They offer a variety of actions and retrieval options, making them suitable for the different stages and behaviors of fall striped bass.
Here's a rundown of some of the top fall striped bass lures that anglers rely on to bring in quality catches:
Runoff Lures Hammered Diamond Jigs
Runoff's Hammered Diamond Jigs are known for their shimmering appearance, which mimics baitfish and triggers bites from striped bass, especially in deeper waters. Anglers love these for their effectiveness in various depths and strong strikes from bigger fish, making them a staple for jigging setups.
Yo-Zuri Mag Darter
The Yo-Zuri Mag Darter is ideal for surfcasting. Its aerodynamic design allows for long, accurate casts, while its unique wiggling action attracts bass even in choppy surf. This lure's magnetic weight transfer system enhances its castability, a feature appreciated by anglers who fish open beaches.
Tactical Anglers SubDARTER
Known for its impressive versatility, the Tactical Anglers SubDARTER works well across different water conditions. With its streamlined, darting motion, this lure excels in mimicking injured baitfish, drawing in strikes from aggressive striped bass, particularly in strong currents.
Yo-Zuri Hydro Minnow LC
The Yo-Zuri Hydro Minnow LC is favored for its lifelike swimming action and durability. Its extra casting distance makes it perfect for reaching distant schools of striped bass, and its resilience in saltwater ensures it can withstand multiple catches without wear.
Hogy Protail Swimbaits
Hogy Protail Swimbaits are popular due to their soft, realistic feel and effective action. Designed with a paddle tail, these swimbaits produce a natural swimming motion that mimics live bait, making them a great choice for anglers targeting bass feeding on schools of smaller fish.
Storm WildEye Swim Shads
These soft-bodied shads feature a lifelike appearance, with 3D eyes and a natural swimming motion that effectively attracts stripers. The Storm WildEye Swim Shad is especially useful for anglers who want a more subtle presentation, ideal in clearer water.
RonZ Original Series
RonZ Original Series lures feature a slim, fish-like profile that's highly appealing to striped bass. Its versatility and unique action make it a go-to for anglers in both inshore and offshore fishing, allowing for varied presentations, whether jigged or swam.
Tsunami Pro Flutter Spoons
The Tsunami Pro Flutter Spoons produce a fluttering fall that mimics dying baitfish, which striped bass find irresistible. Anglers appreciate this lure's ability to cover a lot of water, making it ideal for larger areas and attracting fish with its wide, flashy movements.
Daiwa Salt Pro SP Minnows
With their realistic design and strong castability, Daiwa Salt Pro Minnows have become a favorite among surf anglers. Known for their durable construction, these lures are excellent for aggressive retrieves, triggering strikes in turbulent water conditions.
Spro Power Bucktails
Spro Power Bucktails offer versatility in action and retrieval speed. With their sturdy, single-hook setup, they are particularly useful for fishing around rocks and other structure where striped bass tend to hold.
Magic Tail Mojos
Magic Tail Mojos are designed specifically for targeting big bass. These lures feature a weight-forward design that creates a natural swimming motion, which can be fished deep, making them effective for trolling setups during fall runs.
Blue Water Candy Loaded Tandem Parachute Rigs
These parachute rigs are effective for trolling and feature a dual-rig design that can attract double hook-ups. Anglers targeting big stripers in deeper waters favor these rigs, as they provide a balanced, enticing presentation.
Rapala X-Rap Magnum
Rapala X-Rap Magnums are highly durable and reach impressive depths on the troll, a key factor in attracting striped bass holding deeper in cooler water. Known for their wide wobble and rattle, they appeal to anglers who fish both offshore and inshore waters.
Rapala Skitter Walk
For topwater action, the Rapala Skitter Walk offers an enticing walk-the-dog action. Anglers appreciate this lure for surface feeding situations where stripers are aggressively chasing bait, making it an excellent choice for shallow waters.
FishLab Mad Eels
The FishLab Mad Eel combines a realistic design with flexible action, appealing to bass that are feeding on eels and other elongated prey. Its undulating motion works well when retrieved slowly, making it effective for deeper presentations.
Savage Gear Sand Eel
Savage Gear's Sand Eel mimics the profile and swimming action of live sand eels, a preferred food source for striped bass. It's especially productive in sandy areas where sand eels are naturally abundant, drawing in larger bass.
Al Gag's Whip-It Fish Lures
Al Gag's Whip-It Fish Lures offer a lifelike action that can be used in a variety of presentations. Their versatility allows anglers to target bass in both shallow and deeper waters, making them a versatile addition to any tackle box.
Cotton Cordell Red Fin Lure
The Cotton Cordell Red Fin is a classic topwater choice with a wobbling action that's known to attract strikes on the surface. Its floating design and slow retrieve make it an exciting option for striped bass angling in shallower waters.
Ready to Catch Your Next Trophy Striper? We're Here to Help!
Fall striper fishing is an experience unlike any other. From the adrenaline-pumping topwater strikes to the thrill of a big fish bending your rod, targeting striped bass in the fall is something every angler should experience. And with the right lures in your arsenal, you can significantly increase your chances of a memorable catch.
If you need any assistance selecting the best lures or tackle for striped bass—or any fishing adventure you're planning—don't hesitate to reach out to us at TackleDirect. Our expert staff anglers are here to help you find the perfect products to fit your needs and budget. We can provide personalized recommendations based on our years of experience, helping you make the most of the fall striper run. Contact us today, and let's get you geared up for success this fall!
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