The Type of Artificial Bait to Use for Striped Bass

Crank Baits

Crank baits have a bill or lip on the front designed for diving down in the water column. The longer and bigger the bill, the deeper the lure will dive. Typically, crank baits have two treble hooks hanging from the bottom. Types of crank baits for bass fishing include lipless rattlers, medium divers and deep divers. Crank baits are most effective during spring and fall when the fish lingers in the shallow but not surfacing. These lures work well on humps and points in reservoirs and for fishing around structures like submerged woods in rivers. Opt for rattling styles when night fishing.

Soft plastic lures for bass come in many styles and sizes. Types include soft jerk baits, lead-head trailers and tube baits. Soft jerk baits are realistic lures that work especially well for striped bass fishing in the shallows. Bass Pro Shops recommend soft plastics like 9-inch Slug-Go and Lunker City's 10-inch Fin-S Fish for big stripers. Use lead-head trailers like big twist-tail grubs for attracting early-spring striped bass in long points and coves.

Top-water lures work well in waters where you can find surfacing stripers. Areas such as shallow flats, protected coves, river eddies and against bluff banks are prime holding areas for stripers where top-water lures can increase catch rates. Types of top-water lures include prop baits, poppers, surface minnows and stick baits. Surface minnows are the most popular lures for landlocked striper lures, such as the well-known Cordell Red Fin. These lures are effective in bright sunlight but are best during early mornings and late in the day during low-light periods.

Spoon lures are made of shiny metal that uses movement and reflection to entice stripers. Types include jigging spoons, trolling spoons and blade baits. Jigging spoons 3/4 to 3 oz. are ideal for striper fishing in water depths of 15 feet or more. Pick the spoon size depending on depth, wind and current conditions. Trolling downrigger spoons are made of lightweight aluminum such as the Northport Nailer. Use them during midday when stripers tend to move offshore and suspend themselves to forage on deep schools of baitfish.