Bunker and clams are two of the most effective baits to use for catching striped bass. More recently some good synthetic baits have become available.
BUNKER
Bunker should be cut into chunks as shown in the picture on the right. Use all the chunks except the tail. Do use the head. Some of the biggest stripers are caught using the head.
Bunker chunks are usually fished on fish-finder rigs. I usually don't use circle hooks when fishing with bunker chunks because they have short shanks. Even though you might be fishing for stripers, bluefish often hit the bunker and can cut your leader with their sharp teeth. Use a longer shanked hook, and heavy leader when using bunker chunks.
To find out more about bunker, and how to rig bunker, follow this link: Bunker Bait
CLAMS
Clams are an excellent bait for catching stripers from the surf. When the surf is a little rough, it stirs up the clams and the stripers come through rooting for them.
High-Low rigs, as shown in the picture on the right work well, and cast well. They have two hooks on dropper loops above the sinker. When cast, the sinker goes first, breaking the wind the with the clams on the dropper loops falling in line behind the sinker in the slip stream.
I use circle hooks. You rarely gut hook a fish when using circle hooks, and their hooking performance is excellent. If you leave your rod in your sand spike after you cast, the stripers will often hook themselves in the lip as they turn after picking up your clam bait.
To find out more about clams, and how to rig clams, follow this link: Clam Bait
EELS
To see about using Eels for surf fishing, follow this link:
Live Bait
SYNTHETIC BAIT
Berkley Gulp Bloodworms
New on the fishing scene are synthetic baits from Fishbites and Berkley,
that slowly ooze bait odor into the water. They come in various flavors such as clam,
blood worms, and others. Berkley Gulp synthetic bloodworms are shown in the picture on the right.
Very good results are reported by users of these baits. John used the Berkley Gulp
bloodworms
fishing for kingfish, and was catching double headers. My friend, Mike,
has had good success using the Berkley Gulp clams for stripers.
A bit of caution: when done fishing don't leave them on your hook. They dry and harden like rock. Link to more about Synthetic Bait
Surf Fishing Photos
Surf fishing at Montauk, NY
Surf fishing from the rocks at Montauk, NY
Surf fishing at Island Beach State Park, NJ
Throwing lures at Island Beach State Park, NJ
Surf fishing at Brigantine, NJ.
Surf fishing doesn't always have to be such a strenuous activity.
