Spinning with Lures for Striped Bass
Casting and retrieving spinners, spoons or small soft plastics on light spinning tackle. Applied to striped bass, that means 20–50 lb main line and a medium-heavy to heavy surf or boat rod rod as your baseline.
Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · Editorial policy
Rod, reel, line and hooks
- Rod
- Medium-Heavy to Heavy surf or boat rod, 7–11 ft
- Reel
- 4000–8000 saltwater spinning
- Main line
- 20–50 lb
- Hooks
- 2/0–8/0 singles; 1/0–4/0 trebles on plugs
- Method — Rod
- 6'–7'6" Light to Medium spinning rod
- Method — Line
- 6–12 lb mono or braid, matched to the species
- Method — Trace
- Wire or 40 lb+ fluorocarbon trace whenever pike may be present
Where the species baseline and the method spec differ, the method spec is the more specific advice — the species row tells you the strength you need, the method row tells you the behaviour you need.
Check prices for this setupWhy this works on this fish
How the rig works
A rotating blade or wobbling spoon puts out flash and vibration that predators detect on the lateral line as well as by sight, so it works in coloured water where sight-only baits fail.
Striped Bass behaviour
Follows bait schools — sand eels, bunker, herring. Feeds hard on moving tides.
Surf beaches, estuaries, rips and rocky coastlines; runs into rivers to spawn.
When to fish it
Moving tide, low light, and visible bait activity or working birds.
Striped Bass tips
- Fish the two hours either side of a tide change.
- Rinse all gear in fresh water after saltwater use, every time.
- Watch for diving birds — they mark feeding fish.
Other methods for striped bass
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Common questions
What line do I need for spinning with lures for striped bass?
Use 20–50 lb main line, adjusting for cover and water clarity.
What hook size for spinning with lures for striped bass?
2/0–8/0 singles; 1/0–4/0 trebles on plugs.
What rod and reel suit spinning with lures for striped bass?
A medium-Heavy to Heavy surf or boat rod rod around 7–11 ft with 4000–8000 saltwater spinning.
Is spinning with lures hard to learn?
Difficulty is 1/5 (very easy). Spinners twist line badly. Use a quality swivel and re-spool when coils appear.
When does spinning with lures work best for striped bass?
Moving tide, low light, and visible bait activity or working birds.