Top Mistakes to Avoid When Striper Fishing

When it comes to striper fishing, the angler success rate on any given trip seems either awesome or awful, and there's no in-between.

Striped bass can be challenging to find. They're always on the move in search of their next meal, and they're unpredictable beasts, too. You may not find them at the same depth or same location from one day to the next – or even one hour to the next.

Make no mistake: A light line and lively bait will result in more bites, and nobody knows this better than Captain Mike, a 35-year striper fishing veteran on South Carolina's Lake Murray. 

As one of the lake's most popular guides, he's seen plenty of anglers set themselves up for failure. So, today, we share some of the most common blunders when fishing for freshwater stripers and Captain Mike's prescriptions for how to fix them. We'll also talk about the best way to stay safe on a boat when striper fishing!

Mistake #1: Sticking to One Strategy

You show up prepared with one style of striper fishing. 

If you're into freelining, your game plan probably consists of a trolling motor, a hook, and a herring. You've scored before pulling bait slowly through one to two feet of water, so you're not going to change that strategy, no matter what. 

The problem is that this strategy isn't working for you today. The fish have moved on, and so should you.

The Solution to Avoid Mistake #1

Key into current conditions and be willing to adjust your strategy. 

For example, is it hot and sunny? These are two factors that will drive stripers deep. These heat-sensitive nomads may head to depths of 40 feet or more to find a temperature and oxygen level they're comfortable with. So, you may want to switch up your game by adding a sinker to your rig to do some deep-water fishing.

Or did you see a commotion at the surface on a cloudy day? It might be stripers feeding on bait fish, so it's time to dig out those artificial lures. Try throwing a popper, surface minnow, or other topwater lure.

The trick is not to get stuck in a rut. Vary your style of striper fishing according to the weather, time of year, and even the time of day.

Mistake #2: Heavy Tackle

You come to the party with striper fishing tackle that is too big and too heavy. If you're showing up with size 10/0 hooks and a 20-pound test fishing line, you can probably leave your fillet knife at home. 

Sure, the odds are poor that three anglers will agree on the best fishing tackle. However, if you're fishing with live bait, heavy line can change baitfish presentation and may be visible to striped bass.

The Solution to Avoid Mistake #2

Line matters! Captain Mike recommends sticking with a 10-pound or 12-pound test. Plus, it makes catching striped bass a lot more fun.

Mistake #3: The Fish Can't Breathe

You don't have an aeration system for your bait tank. 

However, baitfish and humans have more in common than you might think. We both need oxygen to live.

Without oxygen, your "live" bait is no longer "live," and this can impact your success. 

The Solution to Avoid Mistake #3

Pony up the cash for a decent aeration system. 

Keep those herring or shad lively with oxygenated water. They'll last longer and be more frisky, and in the long run, you'll save money and get more bites.

Mistake #4: Your Fishfinder is a Mystery Device

Your knowledge of how to use your fish finder equals your understanding of quantum physics, nuclear fission, and Facebook's privacy settings.

You have one, but you don't know how to use it to find and catch fish! 

The Solution to Avoid Mistake #4

Start by reading the owner's manual. 

Yes, it probably reads like it was written by a dysfunctional team of robots. However, it contains useful information about your unit. You'll learn how to mount the fishfinder in your boat, your various menu options, how to use the situation mode to master the functions, and how to read the display.

Getting the most out of your fishfinder can feel like rocket science because there's so much to learn. After reading (and understanding) the manual, we recommend that you dedicate your next visit to the lake to practice using this equipment.

While it's not a mistake to fish a new lake without some help to find fish, it can feel like one if you aren't catching anything. 

Fish With a Guide

One of the best ways to unlock the striper fishing secrets of any body of water is to hire an experienced guide. You'll get your money's worth learning about the lay of the lake, what baitfish and lures work best, and a bevy of tackle tips. Then, with all that information, you'll be ready to go it alone on your next trip.

If you plan to fish on South Carolina's Lake Murray, plan a striper fishing trip with Captain Mike! 

Avoid the Mistake of Not Having Your Boating Education Card

One additional mistake many anglers make is not having a boater education card. This card should go hand-in-hand with your fishing license as a must-have before striper fishing every season. 

With the knowledge from a boater education course, you'll know how to navigate the waters safely, what to do if something goes wrong, and how to boat around others on the water as you follow your fish finder for the best striper fishing spots. 

Most states require boaters to pass a boater safety course. Do it online through Boater-Ed, then have a safe striper fishing season! Find the course for your state, then start learning and pass it before launching your first fishing trip this season. 

Originally published April 25, 2013. Content updated January 22, 2024.