Best Fishing Lures for Striped Bass – 2025 Reviews

Striped bass are opportunistic predators that key on specific forage depending on location and season. In spring and fall, they often target smaller baitfish like silversides and sand eels, while summer patterns might focus on larger prey like bunker or herring. Matching your lure size and action to the prevalent forage is crucial—when in doubt, start with lures in the 4-6 inch range that mimic local baitfish.

Pay attention to water temperature and clarity too. In colder water, slower presentations with more vibration often work better, while warmer water might call for faster retrieves with more flash. Murky water demands lures with strong vibration or rattle, while clear water requires more subtle, natural appearances.

Swimbaits and jerkbaits excel when stripers are feeding on baitfish schools—their lifelike swimming action triggers reaction strikes. Bucktail jigs and spoons work well in current or when fish are holding deeper, as their weight maintains contact with the bottom. Topwater poppers can be deadly at dawn and dusk when stripers are surface-feeding.

Consider the fishing environment too. For surf fishing, heavier lures that cast well into the wind are essential. In estuaries or back bays, lighter lures that won’t spook fish in shallow water often produce better. Always carry multiple types so you can adapt when conditions change.

Saltwater is brutal on fishing tackle—corrosion can ruin cheap lures after just a few trips. Look for corrosion-resistant hooks and hardware, preferably made from stainless steel or high-carbon steel with protective coatings. Quality split rings and connection points are equally important—they’re often the first failure point when battling large stripers.

Paint quality matters more than you might think. Cheap paint chips easily when bouncing off rocks or structure, reducing the lure’s effectiveness. Higher-quality lures use epoxy coatings or powder finishes that withstand abuse and maintain their fish-attracting appearance trip after trip.

Schoolie stripers (under 28 inches) will happily strike lures from 3-5 inches, while larger cow stripers often prefer bigger meals in the 6-9 inch range. However, don’t automatically go big for big fish—sometimes the largest stripers key on small baitfish when that’s what’s abundant. Carry a range of sizes and let the fish tell you what they want each day.

Remember that lure weight affects casting distance and depth control. Heavier lures (1-3 ounces) work better in strong current or when you need to reach distant structure, while lighter lures allow for more subtle presentations in calm conditions. Having options lets you fish effectively regardless of conditions.

The way a lure moves through the water often matters more than its appearance. Lures with built-in rattles or vibration can be deadly in murky water or low light conditions when stripers are relying on their lateral line to detect prey. Jointed lures that create realistic swimming motions often outfish rigid designs because they better imitate injured baitfish.

Experiment with retrieve speeds too. Sometimes a fast, erratic retrieve triggers reaction strikes from aggressive fish, while other times a slow, steady retrieve mimicking a tired baitfish works better. The best lures maintain their action across different retrieve speeds, giving you maximum versatility.

While premium lures often feature better components and durability, you don’t always need to spend top dollar to catch striped bass. Many budget-friendly options perform nearly as well as their expensive counterparts, especially for anglers who frequently lose lures to structure or toothy bluefish. The key is finding that sweet spot where quality meets affordability.

Consider how often you’ll use each lure type. If you’re mainly surf fishing with heavy metal lures that frequently get lost in the wash, budget options make sense. For boat fishing where you can carefully work specific lures around structure, investing in higher-quality models might be worthwhile. Building a balanced arsenal lets you fish effectively without breaking the bank.

For most striped bass situations, lures in the 4 to 7 inch range work best. Schoolie stripers (under 28 inches) will readily strike smaller lures, while larger cow stripers often prefer bigger offerings. However, matching the prevalent baitfish size is more important than arbitrary measurements—if the stripers are feeding on 2-inch sand eels, even big fish will hit small lures.

Carry a variety of sizes and let the fish tell you what they want. I typically start with a 5-inch lure and adjust based on what’s producing strikes.

While some freshwater bass lures will catch striped bass, saltwater-specific designs are usually better. Saltwater lures feature corrosion-resistant hooks and hardware that withstand the harsh marine environment. They’re also typically weighted and balanced differently for casting into wind and current, and their actions are often tuned for saltwater species’ feeding behaviors.

That said, many lures work in both environments—just be sure to rinse them thoroughly with freshwater after each saltwater use to prevent corrosion.

Lure color can be surprisingly important, but contrast and visibility often matter more than specific hues. In clear water, natural baitfish patterns like silver, white, and blue often work best. In stained or murky water, brighter colors like chartreuse, orange, or pink create better visibility. Dark colors like black or purple can be deadly in low light conditions.

The most successful striper anglers carry multiple colors and quickly switch until they find what the fish want that day. When in doubt, start with silver/white combinations—they mimic most common saltwater baitfish.

Hard baits (crankbaits, jerkbaits, poppers) typically have more built-in action and can be fished at consistent depths. They’re great for covering water quickly and often feature rattles or vibration systems. Soft baits (swimbaits, jigs) offer more natural texture and flexibility, often creating more subtle, lifelike movements. They’re also usually more affordable and can be rigged weedless for fishing in heavy cover.

Many experienced striper anglers carry both types—using hard baits to locate active fish and soft baits to work them thoroughly once found.

Preventing rust starts with buying saltwater-specific lures with corrosion-resistant components. After each fishing trip, rinse your lures thoroughly with freshwater and dry them completely before storage. Some anglers spray their lures with corrosion inhibitors like WD-40 or dedicated reel oil for extra protection.

Store your lures in a dry, cool place—avoid leaving them in damp tackle boxes or direct sunlight. Regularly check hooks and hardware for signs of corrosion, and replace any components showing rust before your next trip.