I've always just thrown chunks of cutbait when fishing for stripers for the surf and jetty. This year I want to move away from bait but I am not sure what plugs to add and colors weights etc. Bucktails are the most versatile I've been told but I'm not quite proficient at them yet. I fish the coast of NJ from lbi down to the Cape and bay. Can anyone give me some ideas of what to throw and also how your technique changes in the fall run vs the spring?

Thanks

Hi Matt,

 

While I am no expert, having started surf fishing last summer, I will tell you its all about time on the water. No, one lure is going to do it all, you need lures to cover certain situations. Having said that and also not knowing what kind of area you are planning on fishing. I would start off with some tins, Deadly Dicks are a good start, always keep some bucktail jigs on hand, soft plastics like a sluggo or baitfish/eel imittation, plugs there are so many to choose from keep it simple top water and some jerk baits. Dont go crazy and be prepared that any lure you buy, you will eventually lose. I dont know what the rules are for posting different fishing forums and blogs here. Since this is mainly a freshwater fishing forum, I will just leave it that if you want the sites, I can PM you them. I hope this helps. Like I said I only started last year so I am still learning.

I could shed some light on this.  In saltwater fishing the lure is not the major priority, what's important is whether fish are in the area or not.  We may cast lures pretty much the same as we do for bass fishing, but the nature of species for the most part are different.  Most of the salt species do not lay in ambush, they follow the baitfish, it may dead where you're at but 200 yds away the bite is hot.  To be successful you need to be watching the water and air for signs of activity, like birds work or fish busting on bait.  In the way or lures you don't need very much, spoons or diamond jigs may be the #1 weapon, bucktails, fluke type baits on a jig head, hard lures like twitchbaits and bottle poppers.  There is nothing where you are at that won't hit these baits.  For a little fun bluefish and stripers go crazy on surgical tubes.