Summer is the best time for catching various types of bass, and striped bass is one of them. Nowadays, striped bass is not only saltwater fish but also successfully transplanted to the freshwater environment.
Now freshwater has a huge amount of hybrid stripers. You can also fish striper in the spring, but today I will write only about summer fishing. Weather is a very affecting thing in fishing. Summer fishing is challenging because when the water temperature rises, fishes go deep into the water.
Striped bass looks so beautiful that in hot summer, your action won’t be slow. Just gather the right equipment and be patient so your day will spend more joyfully. Remember, summer fishing means you have to arrange extra things. I will try to cover a whole bunch of stuff.
Where and When to Fish (Time of Year)
You can go fishing big striped bass are local rivers, estuaries bays, etc. After spring, the water temperature starts rising, so stripers are going to the river or ocean.
In summer, they go deeper, so fishing them from the coast is effective. In this season, the early morning is a good time to start fishing in the deep water.
Also, catch them from banks at night. Bass loves to stay where they are born. Also, look for the local lakes and target offshore humps. In summer, the striper normally stays 25 t 30 feet deeper in the water, but it also depends on water clarity.
Search for the inlet areas. Also, look for bridge abutments, rocky areas, jetties, etc. Those are the best place for bass in the summer.
Live Bait Rigs & Other Food Habit of Stripers
It is important to know and understand how often you can use shad. And what other kinds of live bait rigs for stripers are perfect. Strippers’ food habits depend on the season.
They normally eat zooplankton, fish larvae, worm, white perch, shad, herring, etc., all year round. On the warmest days, they tend to eat worms and larvae more than other species.
What is the Best Bait for Striped Bass?
Bunker: it is a very popular bait for stripers. You do not have to use the whole body. Cut down any of the body parts and hook it. If it seems hazardous, then use the full-body as bait.
Eels: Big striper love eels. However, fishing eels is a little difficult.
Mackerel: it is also popular and easy to use live lining under your boat.
Porgy: it is a great bait for trophy stripers. In summer, striper fishing this bait, so using this is very effective.
Best Bait for Striped Bass in Summer to Buy
Here are few baits you can buy for getting the most out of the striper fishing,
- Gibbs Danny Surface Swimmer
- Rapala Skitter Walk
- Rebel Jumping Minnow
- Sebile Magic Swimmer
- Shimano ColtSniper Jerkbait
Striped Bass Fishing Rig
There are many ways to fish for striped bass. Trolling rig, umbrella rig, mojo rigs, etc., are very common for a stripper. But you will need a sinker and choose its weight depends on the water condition and how large the fish is.
When the water has current, you need to use heavyweight. Running a bead is not mandatory at this time of year. Attach a swivel so the line won’t be twisted. Also, you can use a 30 to 40-pound line. A circle hook is best for strippers. You can release the fish easily if you are using this hook. Jay hooks are also better.
Using a sinker will make the bait steady. Use fish finder rigs that come with all the equipment, and it has at least 8 type rigs. It will make boat fishing easier with the right find of the fishes.
This is a traditional three-way rig that uses a sinker and can run a minimum 8-ounce weight. Use a 50-pound monofilament leader, a circle hook, a live bait, a sinker for fishing the stripper in the daytime and early morning.
Summer Striper Fishing Hooks
Circle hooks are best for a stripper. You need a limber fishing rod that has a tip you can bend easily for using this hook. This fast-tipping rod can pull out the hook from even the big striper’s mouth and the smaller ones. So, this is my personal choice.
The hook should not be buried; otherwise, the fish won’t hit the bait, and you will face difficulties in reeling. This hook is best for using live bait. Just insert the hooks on the nose of the bait so the hook will be completely visible.
Don’t be hurry after casting. This will help you get perfect use of the rods. Keep reeling until the fish hits. Also, follow the live lining. Do not use stainless steel hooks. It injures the fish badly. Choose 8/0, 9/0 hooks to grab a bigger stripper.
Shore Fishing Tips in Summer Times
If you use artificial bait, use plastic swimbait for shore big stripers fishing. In hot weather, strippers like to head to the shore, so use big lures for them. Bloodworms are pretty awesome for them at this time of year. Other artificial baits are also good.
If you want to catch big stripers from topwater, pick a day when the water temperature is at least 65 degrees F. Bass normally running hungry after their migration, so it is the best time to get them on the higher in the water column.
Current moving areas are a good place for stripers. Check the shorelines, jetties, and pick a suitable place. Soft and hard plastics are both good for catching stripers.
Fishing from Block Island
Block island is another great place for summer stripers fishing. Strippers look for food when the water temperature is 62 to 70 degrees F. Bunker and worms are the best bait for them here.
If you go for night fishing, the water temperature should be 30 to 60 degrees F. Look behind any structure and the place where birds were gathering.
Stripped Fishing in Lakes
The night is the best time for fishing stripers in hot weather. Use a fish finder because summer means you have to search bass in deep water. Fishfinder makes the work easy. You will need heavy spinning equipment and always run your boat slowly.
Cast at medium speed so the lure can go maximum depth. Also, use sonar and sound-making crankbait as strippers are attracted to it.
Bass are searching for cool water in the summer. Deeper water does not mean it is well oxygenated. Use a temperature sensor so you can detect which area is oxidated. When you find the stripper, use the trolling technique as it is very effective in lake fishing. Live bait or artificial both are good to go.
Where to Find Striped Bass in River & How to Take Them
You can fish in the river from the shore using a surf rod. 20 lb test line is enough for it. Use a ball bearing swivel and bright color line with fast current lures for better results.
Shad can also be used for finding large sizes strippers. There are many articles on how to hook shad for striper fishing. Live shad and minnow or any artificial lure are often good for a stripper.
You don’t need a boat always. Strippers also hit the bait when you are fishing from docs or outcrop.
What is the Best Time to Catch Striped Bass?
Bass fishing is a very unpredictable fish. So, it is very important to pay attention to the time, weather and tide. Before high tide and the middle of the outgoing tide is the best time to catch striped bass.
Peak and slack time are also good. Before sunrise and before sunset is another best time. When the water temperature reaches 55 to 68 degrees F, do not miss the chance to catch them.
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