As spring arrives, the excitement ramps up for anglers along the Eastern Seaboard, particularly in New Jersey, where the striped bass run is in full swing. This migration sees millions of striped bass journeying from Virginia to Maine, entering various estuaries, preparing to spawn.
"From May through June, striper fishing can be at its finest in New Jersey," shared a local fishing expert, highlighting how these weeks offer abundant opportunities for catch-and-release adventures.
"From May through June, striper fishing can be at its finest in New Jersey,"
Fishing enthusiasts often recount thrilling days, capturing more than 50 fish in just a few hours across the state’s smaller estuarine bays. Fishing spots like Barnegat Bay, Great Bay, and Great Egg Harbor, along with larger bodies like Raritan Bay and Delaware Bay, become hotspots for this annual phenomenon.
Many anglers agree that one of the most exhilarating methods of target fishing for stripers is using artificial lures. "There’s nothing quite like the bone-jarring strikes and brutal battles that come with using lures," said seasoned charter captain Mike Davidson. This season, with its ample opportunity for stargazing on the water and rod-bending action, is a prime time for enthusiasts to engage with the sport.
"There’s nothing quite like the bone-jarring strikes and brutal battles that come with using lures,"
Career Journey
Jersey’s two largest bay systems, Raritan Bay and Delaware Bay, are pivotal during this time. Located at the northern and southern tips of the state, respectively, these bays serve as vital routes for spawning bass on their journey into the Hudson and Delaware rivers. "The excitement peaks in these waters from May through June," said biologist Claire Parker, emphasizing the peak season for rod-bending action.
"The excitement peaks in these waters from May through June,"
For many, traditional methods such as chunking or live-lining bunker can be effective, yet the real thrill comes when anglers opt for top-water strategies. Davidson encourages anglers to remain vigilant for signs of feeding fish. "Look out for birds diving into the water, schools of bunker visibly swimming at the surface, and the unmistakable splashes as bass feed aggressively," he advised.
"Look out for birds diving into the water, schools of bunker visibly swimming at the surface, and the unmistakable splashes as bass feed aggressively,"
Race Results
Using the right lures can make all the difference. Anglers often favor the Cotton Cordell 7-inch Pencil Popper C67, Rebel Pop-R P71, and Creek Chub Knuckle-Head. "The trick is to create enough surface commotion to draw the bass away from bait schools," noted Davidson. When fish are actively feeding, casting a popper onto the outskirts can yield exhilarating results. The best technique involves a steady rhythm—slowly popping the lure while allowing pauses to tease feeding bass.
"The trick is to create enough surface commotion to draw the bass away from bait schools,"
"Don’t be surprised when a 30- to 40-pound bass crashes on the popper!" Davidson added, sharing his own experiences with moments of dramatic action on the water.
However, not all feeding bass will swim to the surface for a popper. For this, subsurface baits like the Bomber Jointed Long A are often effective. "Casting this to the edges of these bait schools mimics an injured bunker that bass find irresistible," explained angler Lisa Thompson.
"Casting this to the edges of these bait schools mimics an injured bunker that bass find irresistible,"
When targeting deeper fish found in 15 to 30 feet of water, large soft-plastic baits are preferable. "The YUM Scottsboro Swimbait, for example, mimics a bunker perfectly," noted Thompson. By employing a jigging technique while retrieving it slowly, anglers can further entice strikes as the bait flutters back down.
"The YUM Scottsboro Swimbait, for example, mimics a bunker perfectly,"
On the flip side, smaller bay systems offer a different kind of challenge. Fishing in these areas usually translates to targeting smaller, yet equally spirited, stripers that range from 5 to 15 pounds. This requires a more nuanced approach, often focusing on structural features such as back creeks, side channels, and pilings, where the bass lie in wait.
Championship Implications
"Sodbanks serve as ambush points for stripers, making them prime locations for bait fishing," stated seasoned fisherman Dave Hollister. As tides rise, the adjacent flats flood, forcing crabs, worms, and small baitfish into the channels, where hungry stripers await.
"Sodbanks serve as ambush points for stripers, making them prime locations for bait fishing,"
Hollister suggests using thin, soft baits such as YUM Money Minnow to effectively entice bass lurking nearby. “As these baitfish drop off the edges of the sodbanks, stripers lie in wait to strike, making it crucial to work your bait through the water column effectively," he advised.
With the right techniques and lures, anglers are poised for a productive fishing season. As the striped bass migration continues throughout New Jersey, excitement grows among those who are eager to uncover the local fishing gems and engage in the thrill of catching these prized fish.