Learn from Jim Freda
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Reading the water
Finding striped bass along the New Jersey coast starts with finding bait. Bunker, mullet, sand eels, herring, and peanut bunker all draw bass into inlets, jetties, current-swept points, and beaches with defined troughs. The best action typically occurs during low-light periods and moving tides, when bass use current to ambush prey. Watch for diving birds, nervous bait, and current seams, then match lure size and profile to the available forage for the most consistent success.
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Recommended Striper Setup
When targeting striped bass along the New Jersey coast, anglers need a setup capable of handling powerful fish, long casts, and changing conditions. The Okuma SRT Elite Series provides the sensitivity to work plugs, swimbaits, and soft plastics effectively while delivering the backbone needed to control larger bass in heavy current and surf. Paired with the Okuma Tesoro Spinning Reel, anglers gain exceptional durability, powerful drag performance, and the smooth operation needed for long days on the water. Together, this combination offers the strength, balance, and reliability serious striped bass anglers depend on from the back bays to the open surf.
