Nj Stripers Online (2024)

FAQs

What is the best time of day to catch striper in NJ? ›

Whether you're in a boat or fishing from shore, to successfully catch striper in NJ, there are certain tips you should know for the most effective outing. To start, select the best time of day to head out. For striped bass, that generally means at dawn and dusk.

Striped Bass fishing often reaches its peak in the spring and fall during their migration along the Jersey coast. Sandy Hook and Raritan Bay are popular hotspots for chasing these beauties. While various techniques work, live bait like eels, bunker, or bloodworms can be particularly effective.

The current recreational size limit for striped bass in NJ is 1 fish at 28” to less than 38”. On July 2, 2023, the new slot size of 1 fish at 28” to 31” will be effective; please check our website and social media for updates. Many states have already changed their regulations.

Often, throughout the Atlantic region, anglers can find the most success with striped bass ranging from the beginning of September till the end of April. Like most fish, a striper's appetite is dialed back during the winter from the lack of available bait and the lower water temperatures inducing lethargy.

Generally speaking, shoreline stripers are nocturnal feeders, particularly in summer months. If I'm targeting big stripers, prime time for me is between sunset and sunrise. There are a number of exceptions to the rule about night fishing. Overcast, foggy and rainy days will extend your fishing times, sometimes all day.

For example, a striped bass weighing 7 to 10 pounds may be from 5 to 9 years old.

By early April, mature striped bass have begun to move into the mouths of their natal rivers. While some may travel as much as two hundred miles upstream, most spawn in the slightly brackish or freshwater sections just above the upper estuaries of large rivers, in waters less than 20 feet deep.

One of the most famous lakes in Texas for striped bass fishing is Lake Texoma which falls on the border with Oklahoma. The constant flow of water into the lake from the Red and Wash*ta Rivers make Lake Texoma one of the only self-sustaining freshwater striped bass fisheries in the US.

Arguably one of the best fishing rigs for catching stripers is the fish finder rig. However, the the in-line sinker drift rig and Carolina rig come in a close second.

What is the best bait for striped bass? ›

Bunker (Menhaden)

Bunker is hands-down the best bait for Striped Bass (we'll lump in alewife here in freshwater, as you can use them in similar ways).

The size of the circle hook you use for a striped bass rig depends on the size of the bait. For larger baits, like live menhaden (bunker or pogies), an 8/0 circle hook is ideal. For chunk baits and live eels or spot, a smaller 6/0 circle hook will work. Smaller baits, like seaworms, can be rigged on 2/0 circle hooks.

With a bonus permit, anglers can keep one fish at 24 inches to less than 28 inches from May 15 through December 31, 2024. Reporting bonus harvest within 24 hours is mandatory.

Fish may be taken only in the manner known as angling with handline or with rod and line, or as otherwise allowed by law. When fishing from the shoreline, no more than three fishing rods, handlines or combination thereof may be used (except on the Delaware River.

Most organizations offer a reward for reporting the capture of a tagged striper, usually a commemorative item like a patch, pin or hat.

But they tend to be most active in the early morning just before sunrise and the evening just after sunset with about a two hour window of heightened activity at both times. The lower light during these time periods helps striped bass more easily see their prey when hunting. It also provides cooler water temperatures.

Usually, an incoming tide is ideal for surf fishing for these brutes, and using a surf fishing rig ( or surf leader) with a pyramid weight and bait such as squid, sand crabs, or herring will get the job done. Due to this wide natural forage, anglers fish a variety of lures, baits, and tactics.

Bunker is hands-down the best bait for Striped Bass (we'll lump in alewife here in freshwater, as you can use them in similar ways). Cast them on simple weighted rigs, drift them, or cut them up for chum. The simplest tactic is to chop the tail off and liveline it in a school.

Those who have gone night fishing for striped bass already know that the night bite is often the right bite. At some times of the year it's virtually the only path to success, and at others it will give you relief from the crowds and the heat of the sun.