Trolling for Striped Bass
Pulling lures behind a moving boat at controlled speed and depth to search large water. 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
- 7'–9' moderate-action trolling rods
- Method — Line
- 10–30 lb; braid for depth control, mono for shock absorption
- Method — Extras
- Line-counter reel, planer boards or downriggers for precise depth
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
Depth is controlled by lure choice, line length behind the boat, line diameter and added weight or downriggers. Speed controls lure action, so small speed changes often matter more than lure changes.
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
Compare Striped Bass with
Common questions
What line do I need for trolling for striped bass?
Use 20–50 lb main line, adjusting for cover and water clarity.
What hook size for trolling for striped bass?
2/0–8/0 singles; 1/0–4/0 trebles on plugs.
What rod and reel suit trolling for striped bass?
A medium-Heavy to Heavy surf or boat rod rod around 7–11 ft with 4000–8000 saltwater spinning.
Is trolling hard to learn?
Difficulty is 3/5 (moderate). Record speed, depth and lure for every fish. Trolling is a data exercise — repeatability is the whole point.
When does trolling work best for striped bass?
Moving tide, low light, and visible bait activity or working birds.