April is a fantastic time of year for striped bass fishing. As the water begins to warm up, these popular gamefish start to migrate back towards the coastline from their wintering grounds, offering anglers the opportunity to catch some of the largest specimens of the year. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the basics of striped bass fishing in April, including the best gear to use, where to find these fish, and some tips and tricks for landing them successfully.
Understanding the Behavior of Striped Bass
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the behavior of striped bass in the spring. As water temperatures rise, these fish begin to move from deeper offshore waters towards shallower inshore areas, including bays, estuaries, and river mouths. They’re looking for food and warmer water, and they’ll often congregate in large schools during this time of year. As such, April is an excellent time to target striped bass from both the shore and from boats.
Gear To Use:
When it comes to gear, most anglers prefer to use medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting setups. A 7-8 foot rod with a fast action is ideal for casting heavy lures or live bait, while a quality reel with a smooth drag system is essential for fighting these hard-fighting fish. Braided line with a fluorocarbon leader is a popular choice for striped bass fishing, as it offers both strength and stealth in the water.
Location Location Location:
Now, let’s talk about where to find striped bass in April. As mentioned, these fish will be moving inshore in search of food and warmer water, so focus your efforts around areas with structure and current. Rocky points, jetties, and bridge pilings are all excellent places to start, as they provide cover and current breaks that striped bass will often use to ambush prey. Additionally, look for areas where baitfish are present, such as schools of herring or menhaden, as this is where you’ll find hungry striped bass lurking.
Lures and Bait:
Tsunami Holographic Shad
When it comes to lures and bait, there are a few tried-and-true options that tend to work well for striped bass in April. Topwater lures such as poppers and stickbaits can be effective during low-light conditions or when fish are actively feeding on the surface. Soft plastics such as swimbaits and jerkbaits can mimic baitfish and work well when retrieved slowly around structure. Livebait such as eels, bunker, or herring can also be a deadly option when presented properly.
Tips and Tricks:
Finally, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when targeting striped bass in April. First, be sure to pay attention to the tides and current, as these can greatly affect where and how the fish are feeding. Second, use a slow and steady retrieve when working your lures, as striped bass tend to prefer a more subtle presentation. And finally, be patient and persistent – these fish can be elusive, but the payoff of landing a big striped bass is well worth the effort.
April is a prime time of year to target striped bass inshore. With the right gear, knowledge of where to find them, and a few tips and tricks, you can increase your chances of landing these hard-fighting and delicious gamefish. So grab your gear and hit the water – the striped bass are waiting!
Do you have any tips or techniques for striped bass fishing in April? Have you had any memorable catches this season? Let us know in the comments below!
Meet The Author
Meet Keith, a passionate angler and the author of the popular fishing blog, “Anglers Hub.” Keith grew up in a NYC where fishing was a way of life. As he got older, Keith’s love for fishing only grew stronger, and he decided to share his knowledge and experiences with his children and others through his blog. His son Pedro is a brand ambassador for Tsunami Tackle and S&S Bucktails two of the top brands in fishing.
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