If you’re looking for the ultimate experience of catching striped bass, California has got you covered. These sleek and strong fish species are a common catch in the coastal waters of California, making it an excellent destination for anglers. The key to a good catch is in selecting the right bait.
Before setting out your bait, there are several factors you need to consider. First and foremost, the season you plan on going fishing in. During different times of the year, striped bass consume different kinds of food, so you need to choose a bait that aligns with what they are feeding on. Secondly, make sure to take into account the location you’ll be fishing in, as different bodies of water require distinct kinds of baits. Lastly, you might want to consider the weather and water conditions, as these can make a difference in the weight and color of your bait.
Do you know what bait works best for striped bass in California? Are you familiar with the different seasons and how they affect the fishes' feeding habits? Do you know the do's and don'ts of fishing these strong creatures? If you’re eager to learn more about how to catch striped bass in California, keep reading! By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the mechanics behind this sport and how to get the most out of your fishing experience.
10 Best Bait For Striped Bass In California
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Ideal for catching freshwater or saltwater fish such as bass, perch, pike, walleye, and striped bass with its slow sinking design.
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2
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The product is ideal for fishing bass and trout in both freshwater and saltwater, using jighead lures and paddle tail swimbaits.
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3
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This product is ideal for fishing bass, crappie, and striper in both fresh and salt water using an umbrella rig kit.
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4
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The product is ideal for fishing bass and trout in both freshwater and saltwater due to its lifelike bionic swimming lure design.
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5
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Ideal for catching different types of fish such as bass, trout, and perch with its lifelike design and multi-jointed swimbait.
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6
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This product is ideal for attracting and catching bass in both saltwater and freshwater environments.
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7
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Ideal for freshwater fishing of bass, trout, and salmon using a variety of lures, soft plastics, crankbaits, and hooks.
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8
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This fishing lure is ideal for saltwater surf and offshore fishing targeting mackerel, bluefish, barracuda, and striped bass.
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9
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Ideal for catching various types of freshwater and saltwater fish, such as bass and trout, using a multi-jointed hard bait.
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10
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This product is ideal for controlling and eliminating fly infestations in outdoor areas.
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1. Full-Sized Multi Jointed Swimbait For Bass Fishing
The 8 Segments Realistic Lures are designed to help you catch more bass. These fishing lures have 8 segmented body sections that allow them to sink slowly and deliver a natural S-shaped swimming action at any speed. This realistic movement will attract more fish and result in quicker bites. The bass swimbaits are made of tough ABS plastic body that is supported by strong mesh woven fabric, and they feature life-like 3D eyes and pearl powder coating design, which can trigger the natural predator instinct of freshwater or saltwater monsters.
These bass lures are equipped with ultra-sharp hooks that offer the best possible penetration force and help ensure increased fish hook ups in all situations. The fishing hooks for bass are the highest quality and very sharp, so you can be sure that your catch won't get away. Moreover, the segmented fishing lure is made of high-quality ABS material and equipped with built-in rattle, which can continuously emit the fish sound wave during the swimming to provoke the feeding urge of the fishes and induce them to attack.
These fishing baits are widely targeting at catch Bass, Trout, Pike, Muskie, Walleye, Crappie, Salmon, Snook, etc. You can use them in both freshwater and saltwater, and they are perfect for catching a variety of fish species. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, the manufacturer offers a 12-month quality assurance and lifetime professional customer service. You can contact them anytime, and their friendly and reliable customer service will respond to you within 24 hours.
- Realistic 8 segmented body sections for a natural S-shaped swimming action.
- Constructed with tough ABS plastic body and strong mesh woven fabric.
- Life-like 3D eyes and pearl powder coating design.
- Ultra-sharp hooks for best possible penetration force.
- Built-in rattle to continuously emit fish sound wave during swimming.
- Widely targeting at catch Bass, Trout, Pike, Muskie, Walleye, Crappie, Salmon, Snook, etc.
- 12-months quality assurance and lifetime professional customer service.
2. Truscend Paddle Tail Swimbaits: Versatile Fishing Lures
The Truscend freshwater fishing lures are made with high-quality materials from Japan and are the perfect size at 3.5 inches, making them versatile enough to catch a wide range of fish species. Whether you're fishing in reefs, estuaries, rivers, fresh or saltwater, the Truscend lures for fishing are a must-have paddle tail lure to target bass, trout, Walleye, pike snook, salmon, redfish, and many more.
These bass fishing lures have a special 3D paddle tail that gives off turbulence, ultra-realistic patterns, life-like holographic eyes, and solid wire through construction to an ultra-sharp BKK back hook. The Top Hook protects against hangups, and its weedless nature enables you to fish it well through all types of cover. The soft body swimbaits generate the perfect kicking action, giving the lure a lifelike action that will attract fish.
The Truscend fishing bait has an ideal weight for long casting and slow sinking, making it perfect for achieving a slow, flutter presentation. Featuring a precisely engineered shape, you can easily cast the fishing jigs bait into your ideal fish area. The lively Japanese design perfectly emulates erratic baitfish action, making it more realistic and attractive to fish.
Equipped with a sharp, high-quality, high-carbon steel hook on the back, the innovative design of these soft lures can help ensure increased fish hookups in all situations while avoiding getting hung up when fishing. The Truscend bass lures can take your bass fishing game to the next level.
- Made with high-quality materials from Japan
- Versatile enough to catch a wide range of fish species
- Special 3D paddle tail gives off turbulence, ultra-realistic patterns, life-like holographic eyes, and solid wire through construction to an ultra-sharp BKK back hook
- Weedless nature enables you to fish it well through all types of cover
- Ideal weight for long casting and slow sinking
- Lively Japanese design perfectly emulates erratic baitfish action
- Equipped with a sharp, high-quality, high-carbon steel hook on the back
3. Aqua A-Rig: Ultimate Trolling Kit
The Umbrella Fishing Bait Rigs Kit is a simple and easy-to-use fishing rig that combines the swimbait and lead hook into one unit. With no scattered accessories to worry about, users can simply hang the swimbait on the rig arms and start fishing. The product comes with 2 sets of rigs in 2 different colors, making it a versatile choice for different conditions and water types.
One thing to keep in mind is that the swimbaits included in the kit vary in length and size. To optimize the rig's effectiveness, it is recommended to hang the largest swim bait in the last position of the arms. This will increase the chances of attracting big fish, as they tend to attack the lagging bait. Additionally, users can mix different colors of swimming baits to make the rig more eye-catching and appealing to fish. For example, using white for the big bait and green for the smaller ones can be an effective tactic.
While the largest swimbait has a weight of 26 grams and high resistance, it may feel heavy after prolonged use. It is recommended to use a lighter swimbait for searching and switch to the bigger one when fish are spotted. The Umbrella Fishing Bait Rigs Kit is best used for boat trolling in both fresh and saltwater environments.
- Simple and easy-to-use design
- Comes with 2 sets of rigs in 2 different colors
- Effective for attracting big fish
- Versatile for different water conditions
- Suitable for both fresh and salt water
- – Swimbaits cannot be replaced individually, requiring the entire rig to be replaced
- – Cost of use may be higher due to the need for complete replacements
- – Largest swimbait may feel heavy after prolonged use
4. Bionic Swimbaits: Lifelike Fishing Lures Kit.
TRUSCEND fishing lure is a perfect choice for those who are looking to catch more fish. It features an 8 segment multi-jointed body that sinks slowly and moves flexibly in water. The life-like swimming actions of this lure attract more catches and provoke predator fish to strike. This swimbait is made of high-quality ABS material and equipped with built-in rattle, which allows it to continuously emit the fish sound wave during swimming to provoke the feeding urge of the fishes and induce them to attack. Moreover, this swimbait has 3D realistic looking eyes and pearl powder coating, which makes it appear very delicate and vivid like a real fish. This feature makes it a perfect fishing bait that easily cheats the target fishes. The bass vibration of this fishing lure can be widely used to catch bass, yellow perch, walleye, pike, muskie, roach, trout, snook, salmon, etc. This swimbait is quite suitable for both saltwater and freshwater and functions well in all water layers. In addition, this fishing bait offers 12-months quality assurance and lifetime professional customer service.
TRUSCEND fishing lure is a must-have for any fishing enthusiast. With its high-quality ABS material and 8 segment multi-jointed body design, this lure sinks slowly and moves flexibly in water, making it more attractive to predators. The life-like swimming actions of this lure make it appear like a real fish. It has 3D realistic looking eyes and pearl powder coating, which makes it look delicate and vivid in water. The built-in rattle of this swimbait emits fish sound waves during swimming, which triggers the feeding urge of the fishes to attack. This fishing bait can be used to catch a variety of species, including bass, yellow perch, walleye, pike, muskie, roach, trout, snook, salmon, etc. It is suitable for both saltwater and freshwater and functions well in all water layers. Additionally, it offers 12-months quality assurance and lifetime professional customer service, making it a reliable and trustworthy product.
TRUSCEND fishing lure is a game-changer when it comes to catching more fish. The 8 segment multi-jointed body design of this lure allows it to sink slowly and move flexibly in water. The life-like swimming actions of this lure attract more catches and provoke predator fish to strike. With 3D realistic looking eyes and pearl powder coating, this swimbait appears very delicate and vivid in water, which makes it a perfect fishing bait that easily cheats the target fishes. The built-in rattle of this fishing bait emits fish sound waves during swimming, which triggers the feeding urge of the fishes to attack. This fishing lure can be used to catch a variety of species, including bass, yellow perch, walleye, pike, muskie, roach, trout, snook, salmon, etc. It is suitable for both saltwater and freshwater and functions well in all water layers. Moreover, it offers 12-months quality assurance and lifetime professional customer service, ensuring that customers are satisfied with their purchase.
- 8 segment multi-jointed body design allows it to sink slowly and move flexibly in water
- Life-like swimming actions attract more catches and provoke predator fish to strike
- 3D realistic looking eyes and pearl powder coating make it appear very delicate and vivid in water
- Built-in rattle emits fish sound waves during swimming, which triggers the feeding urge of the fishes to attack
- Can be used to catch a variety of species, including bass, yellow perch, walleye, pike, muskie, roach, trout, snook, salmon, etc.
- Suitable for both saltwater and freshwater and functions well in all water layers
- Offers 12-months quality assurance and lifetime professional customer service
5. Charmyee Topwater Bass Lure Trio
The 6 Segment Lifelike Lures fishing kit is a top-quality product that is designed to make fishing easier and more fun. The lure is made of high-quality ABS material and is equipped with a built-in steel ball that emits a bass sound wave during swimming. The lure's 6 segment multi-jointed body allows it to sink slowly and move flexibly in water, making it more attractive to catches and provoking predator fish to strike. It is the perfect fish bait that easily cheats the target fishes.
This crankbait is of high simulation with 3D realistic looking eyes and pearl powder coating that make it appear so delicate and vivid that it looks like a real fish. The life-like swimming actions of this lure make it even more attractive to fish, making them more prone to strike.
This bass fishing lure is suitable for catching bass, yellow perch, walleye, pike, Muskie, roach, trout, and many other species. It functions well in all water layers and is suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.
The Mustad hooks are of the highest quality and are very sharp, providing the best possible penetration force. The trident crochet hooks make it hard for fish to escape, ensuring that you catch your target fish easily.
- High-quality ABS material with a built-in steel ball that emits a bass sound wave during swimming
- Life-like swimming actions make it more attractive to catches and provoking predator fish to strike
- Suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing and functions well in all water layers
- Mustad hooks are of the highest quality and are very sharp, providing the best possible penetration force
6. Shrimp Pro Saltwater Bass Lures – Truscend
The TRUSCEND shrimp is a highly realistic soft plastic lure that features a segmented body, lively moving legs, and an antenna that create lifelike swimming movements in the water. Its special tail also provides a kicking action that adds more attraction to the lure. This premium design is precisely engineered to have a realistic swimming action at both slow and fast speeds, making it an essential paddle tail lure for targeting a wide variety of fish species. Whether you are fishing in reefs, estuaries, rivers, or saltwater, this TRUSCEND Soft bait is ready to take on any challenge.
Made from TPE material, this soft bait is highly resistant to multiple hits, making it durable enough to last through many bites. However, it is important to store it separately from other soft plastic lures to avoid dissolving caused by the oil from other lures. The TRUSCEND shrimp is also pre-rigged with an ultra-sharp back hook and features ultra-realistic patterns, holographic flash foil, and 3D eyes, making it even more attractive to fish.
Overall, the TRUSCEND shrimp is a top-quality soft bait that is perfect for any angler looking for a highly realistic and durable lure that can attract a wide variety of fish species. So, if you want to take your fishing to the next level, then this TRUSCEND Soft bait is the perfect choice for you.
- Highly realistic swimming movements due to segmented body, lively moving legs, and antenna
- Special tail provides a kicking action that adds more attraction to the lure
- Made from TPE material for extreme strength and supple flexibility
- Pre-rigged with an ultra-sharp back hook and features ultra-realistic patterns, holographic flash foil, and 3D eyes
- Suitable for fishing in reefs, estuaries, rivers, or saltwater
- – Needs to be stored separately from other soft plastic lures to avoid dissolving
7. Freshwater Fish Tackle Kit" By Goando
Enhance your fishing experience with these life-like lures that feature a precisely engineered shape, stereo 3D fisheye, and lifelike scale patterns, making them look like a living fish in the water. These fishing spoons have genuine plating, giving them a brilliant flash in the water, and reflective surfaces that attract fish and make them strike. These lures are perfect for cheating target fishes and are suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing in all water layers.
The fishing lures set comes with a tackle box that contains almost all accessories, including 1 crankbait, 1 VIB, 1 topwater lure, 33 plastic worms, 5 jigs, 2 fish-shaped soft baits, 2 shrimp simulations, and 32 other realistic and swimming accessories. With this wide range of fishing accessories, this fishing lures set can be a complete assortment for any angler in any season and any water.
All fishing accessories are made of high-quality stainless steel and soft plastic, which are not easy to deform and have anti-corrosion, durable, and practical characteristics. These bass and trout fishing lures have undergone precision processing, giving them a longer service life than other fishing baits.
The plastic fishing tackle box is compact and easy to carry, measuring about 17.5cmx9.5cmx3cm. It is convenient to get the exact fishing lures kit you need at any time and anywhere.
- Life-like appearance makes the fish look more vivid and realistic, attracting more fish and making them strike.
- Suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing in all water layers.
- Comes with a wide range of fishing accessories, making it a complete assortment for any angler in any season and any water.
- Made of high-quality stainless steel and soft plastic, ensuring durability and a longer service life.
- Compact and easy-to-carry plastic fishing tackle box for convenience.
8. Saltwater Surf Striper Lures By Dr. Fish
The Dr.Fish 6 Pieces Fishing Plugs are the perfect addition to any angler's tackle box. With a brilliant holographic laser finish and 3D eyes, these lures are sure to attract the attention of fish in both saltwater and freshwater conditions. The latest modification includes 2 plugs equipped with Mustad Treble Hooks and 4 with ultra-strong Saltwater Stainless Treble Hooks, making them extremely durable and long-lasting.
Featuring a superior Chamber Rattler System, these plugs have a life-like swimming action in the water that is sure to fool even the smartest fish. The strong Mustad plated treble sharp hooks ensure a secure hookset and prevent fish from escaping. These lures are much better quality than those kits with a final price less than 1 buck per piece, making them a great value for their price.
The Dr.Fish Fishing Plugs come in 6 different styles, each designed for different conditions. With a strict selection of colors and designs, these plugs are sure to work great for trolling, surfcasting on salmon, sea trout, striper, musky, and more. They are also ideal for bass, pike, walleye, and musky in lakes, ponds, and rivers. The integrated long casting system partners with the irresistible rattle to make them even more tempting, increasing your chances of catching fish.
All of these lures are 5 inches or longer, making them perfect for larger game fish. With their superior quality and design, the Dr.Fish Fishing Plugs are a must-have for any serious angler.
- Brilliant holographic laser finish and 3D eyes attract fish in both saltwater and freshwater conditions
- 2 plugs equipped with Mustad Treble Hooks and 4 with ultra-strong Saltwater Stainless Treble Hooks make them extremely durable and long-lasting
- Superior Chamber Rattler System and life-like swimming action in water fool even the smartest fish
- Strict selection of colors and designs covers various conditions
- Ideal for bass, pike, walleye, and musky in lakes, ponds, and rivers
- Integrated long casting system partners with the irresistible rattle to make them even more tempting
- 6 different styles designed for different conditions
- All lures are 5 inches or longer, perfect for larger game fish
9. Yongzhi Multi Jointed Fishing Lures For Bass
Looking for the best bass lures? Look no further than crankbaits! These lures come in both shallow and deep diving options, providing versatility and options for any fishing situation. With a wide range of brilliant colors and realistic designs, these crankbaits are sure to attract fish in both saltwater and freshwater environments.
One of the key features of these crankbaits is the metal ball inside. This ball helps to control the barycenter of the lure, allowing for easy casting and a far reach. Additionally, the noise model design makes it easier for fish to sense the lure and take the bait.
Crankbaits are a great choice for a wide range of fishing environments. They can be effective in rocky banks and ledges, shallow flats, grass beds, and around brush and stumps. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, these lures are easy to use. Simply cast them out far and crank them back in. The fat body crankbait provides a wide wobbling action, while the flat model runs in a tight wiggling action.
Overall, crankbaits are a top choice for any angler looking to catch bass. With their versatility, realistic designs, and ease of use, these lures are sure to become a staple in your tackle box.
- Comes in shallow and deep diving options
- Wide range of brilliant colors and realistic designs
- Metal ball inside helps control barycenter and allows for easy casting
- Noise model design makes it easier for fish to sense the lure
- Effective in a wide range of fishing environments
- Easy to use for beginners and pros alike
Best Bait For Striped Bass In California FAQs
Are live baits or artificial lures more effective for striped bass in California?
There is no definitive answer to the question of whether live baits or artificial lures are more effective for catching striped bass in California, as both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Live baits, such as anchovies, sardines, or herring, are often preferred by experienced anglers because they tend to be more realistic and attractive to fish. However, live baits can be expensive, difficult to find, and require careful handling to keep them alive and fresh. On the other hand, artificial lures, such as soft plastics, swimbaits, or topwater plugs, can be more versatile and easier to use, as they can mimic a wide range of baitfish and can be customized to match the current conditions. Additionally, artificial lures can be more durable and reusable than live baits, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run. Ultimately, the choice between live baits and artificial lures depends on personal preference, local regulations, and the specific fishing conditions.
What are the best baits for striped bass in California?
In California, striped bass is one of the most popular fish species that anglers love to catch. If you are planning to fish for striped bass, you need to know what baits work best for them. The best baits for striped bass in California include live bait, artificial lures, and cut bait.
Live bait is a great choice for striped bass. Anchovies, sardines, and mackerel are some of the most commonly used live baits. You can also use live shad, minnows, or squid. Striped bass are attracted to the movement of live baits, and they will strike at them aggressively.
Artificial lures are also effective for catching striped bass. You can use swimbaits, soft plastics, topwater lures, and crankbaits. The key is to choose lures that mimic the natural prey of striped bass. You can experiment with different colors, sizes, and shapes to find out what works best.
Cut bait is another option for catching striped bass. You can use anchovies, sardines, or mackerel. Cut the bait into small pieces and use a hook to hold it in place. This method is effective when fishing from the shore or a pier.
In conclusion, the best baits for striped bass in California are live bait, artificial lures, and cut bait. Experiment with different baits and techniques to find out what works best for you. Remember to follow local fishing regulations and practice catch-and-release whenever possible.
What are the legal size and bag limits for striped bass fishing in California?
In California, the legal size and bag limits for striped bass fishing can vary depending on the location and time of year. For example, in the San Francisco Bay and Delta, the minimum size limit for striped bass is 18 inches and the daily bag limit is two fish per day. However, in the coastal waters of California, there is no minimum size limit and the daily bag limit is five fish per day.
It's important to note that these regulations can change, so it's always a good idea to check with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the most up-to-date information before heading out to fish. Additionally, there may be special regulations in certain areas or during certain seasons, so it's important to be aware of any specific rules that apply to your fishing location.
Overall, it's important for anglers to follow these regulations to help protect and sustain the striped bass population in California's waters. By following the rules, we can all work together to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the thrill of catching these popular game fish.
What is the optimal fishing technique for catching striped bass in California?
The optimal fishing technique for catching striped bass in California can vary depending on the season and location. However, there are a few general tips that can help increase your chances of a successful catch.
Firstly, it’s important to use the right gear. Striped bass can grow quite large, so you’ll need a sturdy rod and reel with a strong line. Many anglers prefer to use live bait such as anchovies or sardines, but artificial lures like swimbaits and crankbaits can also be effective.
Secondly, it’s important to target the right areas. Striped bass can be found in both freshwater and saltwater environments, so you’ll need to do some research on the specific body of water you’ll be fishing in. Generally, striped bass prefer areas with structure such as rocks, reefs, or drop-offs.
Finally, pay attention to the tides and time of day. Striped bass are more active during low light conditions such as dawn and dusk. During high tide, they may be feeding in shallow areas, while during low tide they may be found in deeper water.
Overall, successful striped bass fishing in California requires a combination of the right gear, knowledge of the fish’s behavior, and a bit of patience and persistence.
When is the best time of year to target striped bass in California?
The best time of year to target striped bass in California is during the spring and fall seasons. During these times, the water temperature is ideal for the fish to migrate and spawn. In the spring, striped bass move towards the Sacramento River and San Joaquin Delta for spawning, and in the fall, they begin their migration towards the ocean.
However, it is important to note that the specific timing can vary depending on the location and conditions. For example, in northern California, striped bass can be found year-round in the Sacramento River, while in southern California, they are more commonly found during the summer months.
It is also important to consider factors such as weather patterns, tides, and moon phases when planning a fishing trip for striped bass. Checking local fishing reports and consulting with experienced anglers can help determine the best time to target striped bass in a specific area.