Imagine this: You’re out on the lake, the sun is just starting to warm the water, and you’re ready for some exciting striper action. But then comes the big question: what lure should you tie on? Choosing the perfect trolling lure for freshwater stripers can feel like a puzzle. There are so many shapes, sizes, and colors, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You want to catch fish, but sometimes it feels like you’re just guessing.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! We get it. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’re going to break down the best trolling lures for freshwater stripers. You’ll learn what makes a lure work, how to pick the right one for different situations, and how to get those feisty stripers biting. After reading this, you’ll feel much more confident when you’re out on the water, ready to reel in your next big catch.
Our Top 5 Striper Trolling Lures Freshwater Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Striper Trolling Lures Freshwater Detailed Reviews
1. Creek Chub Striper Strike Lures
Rating: 8.9/10
The Creek Chub Striper Strike Lure is a powerful tool for anglers. Its metallic finish and 5-inch size make it stand out. This lure is built for tough conditions and serious fishing.
What We Like:
- It casts incredibly far. This is great for reaching fish in the surf or far from shore.
- The slow-sinking design helps it get to the right depth.
- Retrieving it quickly makes it look like a fleeing baitfish. This attracts hungry stripers, bass, and redfish.
- It’s made with strong, saltwater-ready hardware. This means it can handle big catches.
- The lure is designed to be cast farther than many others.
- It works well with a subsurface cranking technique.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, the metallic finish could potentially scratch over time with heavy use.
- The 2 1/8 oz weight might be a bit heavy for some lighter rod setups.
This lure is a top choice for serious saltwater anglers. It offers excellent casting distance and an enticing action that gamefish can’t resist.
2. Classic Striped Bass Tube Lures
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to reel in the big ones with the Classic Striped Bass Tube Lures. This 10-piece set is designed to attract a variety of saltwater fish, including striped bass, cod, and tuna. Each lure features a unique design with a soft tube body, a sharp stainless steel hook, and a flashing teaser that mimics real swimming fish. They work great for casting, trolling, or even bottom fishing.
What We Like:
- The soft tube body and flashing teaser create a super realistic look that fish can’t resist.
- The stainless steel hook is strong and stays sharp, giving you a better chance of landing your catch.
- These lures are super versatile and work for many different types of offshore fishing.
- The bright green and red colors stand out in the water, attracting fish from far away.
- You get 10 lures in each pack, with a choice of two hook sizes (7/0 and 10/0) to match your fishing needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The package only comes with two color options (green and red). More color choices could be helpful.
- While the hook is sharp, some anglers might prefer an even sharper or different style of hook for specific situations.
These tube lures offer a deadly presentation for serious saltwater anglers. They are a fantastic addition to any tackle box for a successful fishing trip.
3. Vkinman 21Pcs 5 Arms Alabama Umbrella Rig for Bass Striper Rig Fishing Lures Bait Kit with Swimbaits for Walleye Trout Perch Freshwater/Saltwater Boat Trolling
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to reel in the big ones with the Vkinman 21Pcs 5 Arms Alabama Umbrella Rig Kit! This awesome fishing lure set is designed to attract a variety of fish, from bass and striper to walleye and trout. It’s perfect for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, whether you’re casting from a boat or trolling.
What We Like:
- The Vkinman Alabama Rig features a 5-arm design that lets you attach multiple lures at once, increasing your chances of catching more fish.
- It comes with 5 arms, and 4 of them have spinning willow blades that flash and attract fish from a distance.
- The rig includes 10 colorful paddle tail swimbaits in green and black. These swimbaits have a high action, creating a vibrating and flapping movement that fish can’t resist.
- Brightly colored heads and realistic 3D fish eyes on the rig make it look even more like real bait to hungry fish.
- The kit includes everything you need: the 5-arm umbrella rig, 10 swimbaits, 5 jig head hooks, and 5 bass worm hooks.
- This kit is great for catching a variety of fish like bass, crappie, walleye, and trout.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the kit is comprehensive, some anglers might prefer longer swimbaits for targeting larger fish.
- The jig head hooks are a bit light at 5g, so you might want to swap them out for heavier ones if you’re fishing in strong currents or very deep water.
This Vkinman Alabama Rig kit is a fantastic addition to any angler’s tackle box. It’s designed to help you catch more fish with its attention-grabbing features and all-in-one package.
4. TRUSCEND Fishing Lures Diving Lip Design Suspending Jointed Crankbait with BKK Hooks All-Purpose Trolling Glide Bait for Freshwater & Saltwater Inshore Fishing Swimbaits for Bass Tout Walleye Crappie
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to reel in the big ones with the TRUSCEND Fishing Lures Jointed Crankbait! This lure is designed to mimic real baitfish, making it irresistible to a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater species. Its clever design allows it to suspend in the water, waiting for a hungry predator, and its wide wobble is sure to attract attention.
What We Like:
- The dual stainless steel hinged joint makes the lure move naturally in the water.
- It suspends perfectly in the strike zone, just like a real wounded baitfish.
- The large diving lip helps it reach the desired depth quickly.
- A faint rattle sound draws in fish without scaring them.
- The reflective, laser-cut body looks like real fish scales and sparkles in the sun, even in murky water.
- It comes with super sharp BKK hooks, realistic 3D eyes, and attractive paint jobs.
- This lure works well for many fish like bass, walleye, crappie, and even inshore saltwater species.
- It’s effective whether you cast it or troll it.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, some might find the plastic body less realistic than other materials.
- The “faint rattle chamber” might not be loud enough for all fishing conditions.
This TRUSCEND crankbait is a versatile and effective lure for any angler. You’ll love its realistic action and how it entices even the most cautious fish.
5. VMSIXVM Magnum Flutter Spoon Deep Sea Jigging Fishing Lures
Rating: 9.3/10
Ready to catch more fish? The VMSIXVM Magnum Flutter Spoon is a large, hard metal fishing lure designed to attract big game fish in both saltwater and freshwater. Its impressive 7.5-inch size and brilliant silver flash make it irresistible to striped bass, salmon, walleye, and other predatory species. This versatile spoon can be trolled, cast, jigged, or drifted, making it a must-have for any serious angler.
What We Like:
- The brilliant silver flash and shining effect really grab fish’s attention.
- It comes with a super sharp 3/0 triple hook that helps ensure a good catch and prevents fish from escaping.
- The lure mimics a struggling baitfish, which triggers a predator’s instinct to strike.
- It’s built tough with high carbon steel for saltwater corrosion resistance and has a flashabou tail for extra appeal.
- This spoon is versatile and works well for casting, trolling, jigging, and drifting.
- It’s a great gift for fishermen looking to improve their catch rate and have more fun.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for large fish, some anglers might prefer a slightly smaller option for certain fishing conditions.
- The “magnum” size might be a bit too large for smaller freshwater species if that’s your primary target.
If you’re serious about landing bigger fish, the VMSIXVM Magnum Flutter Spoon is an excellent investment. Give it a try and experience the difference!
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Catching Stripers with Trolling Lures in Freshwater
Trolling for striped bass in freshwater can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Using the right lures makes all the difference. This guide will help you choose the best freshwater trolling lures for stripers.
Key Features to Look For
When you pick out a trolling lure, think about what makes it attractive to a fish.
- Action: This is how the lure wiggles and moves in the water. A good lure has an enticing, natural-looking action. Some lures wobble side-to-side, while others dart or flutter.
- Size: Stripers come in different sizes, and so do their food. Match your lure size to the baitfish in the water. Smaller lures work for smaller baitfish, and bigger lures work for bigger baitfish.
- Color: Color is super important! Think about the water clarity. In clear water, natural colors like silver, white, or green work well. In murky water, bright colors like chartreuse, orange, or pink stand out.
- Depth Control: Some lures dive deeper than others. You need lures that can reach the depth where the stripers are feeding. Many trolling lures have a lip or bill that helps them dive.
Important Materials
The materials used in a lure affect its durability and how it performs.
- Plastic: Many lures are made from durable plastic. This material is light and can be molded into many shapes. It also holds color well.
- Metal: Metal parts, like spoon lures or bodies, can add flash and vibration to attract fish. They are also very strong.
- Paint and Finish: Good quality paint stays on the lure even after many fish bites. A realistic finish makes the lure look more like real bait.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things make a lure great, and a few can make it not so great.
Improving Quality:
- Sharp Hooks: Lures with sharp, strong hooks are essential. They help you hook the fish and keep it on.
- Durable Finish: A lure that keeps its color and doesn’t chip easily will last longer and look better.
- Realistic Design: Lures that mimic real baitfish closely, with realistic eyes and body shapes, are often more effective.
- Balanced Weight: A well-balanced lure will swim correctly and not spin out, which can deter fish.
Reducing Quality:
- Dull Hooks: Dull hooks make it hard to set the hook and can lead to lost fish.
- Cheap Paint: Paint that flakes off quickly makes the lure look old and less appealing.
- Poor Action: If a lure doesn’t swim right or has a weak action, fish might ignore it.
- Flimsy Construction: Lures that break easily or have parts that fall off are not good quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use a lure matters a lot.
Trolling with these lures is simple. You attach the lure to your fishing line and let out line as your boat moves slowly. The lure dances behind the boat, looking like a swimming meal for the stripers. Anglers use trolling for stripers in lakes, reservoirs, and large rivers where stripers school up.
Different lures work in different situations. For example, a deep-diving crankbait is great for reaching stripers holding near the bottom. A lipless crankbait might work well when stripers are suspended in the middle of the water column. Spinnerbaits can be good for covering a lot of water and attracting aggressive fish.
Many anglers find success by varying their trolling speed. Sometimes stripers want a slow, steady retrieve, and other times they chase faster lures. Experimenting with different speeds can help you find what the fish are biting that day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of lure for freshwater stripers?
A: There isn’t one single “best” lure. Crankbaits, spoons, and bucktail jigs are all popular and effective. It often depends on the time of year and water conditions.
Q: How deep should I troll my lures?
A: You should troll at the depth where the stripers are feeding. Use a fish finder to locate them, or try different depths until you get a bite.
Q: What colors are best for freshwater stripers?
A: In clear water, natural colors like silver, white, and green work well. In stained or murky water, brighter colors like chartreuse, orange, and pink are often more effective.
Q: Should I use a swivel with my trolling lure?
A: Yes, using a good quality swivel can help prevent line twist, especially when using lures that spin or wobble a lot.
Q: How fast should I troll for stripers?
A: Trolling speeds can vary. A good starting point is between 2 to 4 miles per hour. You might need to adjust based on how the fish are reacting.
Q: Can I use the same lures for saltwater stripers?
A: Many lures can work for both freshwater and saltwater stripers. However, saltwater lures are often built tougher to handle the corrosive environment and larger fish.
Q: What is the difference between a crankbait and a jerkbait for trolling?
A: Crankbaits are designed to dive and wiggle on a steady retrieve. Jerkbaits are often retrieved with pauses and twitches to mimic injured baitfish.
Q: How do I know if my lure is working correctly?
A: When trolling, you should feel a vibration or pulse from the rod tip. If you don’t feel anything, your lure might not be swimming right or could be fouled by weeds.
Q: Should I use a leader with my trolling lure?
A: Yes, a leader, often made of monofilament or fluorocarbon, protects your main line from abrasion and can make your lure more invisible to the fish.
Q: What is the most important factor when choosing a trolling lure?
A: The most important factor is matching the lure to the baitfish the stripers are eating and presenting it at the correct depth and speed.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mette Morgan—a lifelong pet enthusiast and the heart behind PetNobs.com.. My journey with animals began at an early age, and over the years, I’ve gathered invaluable experiences and insights on everything from everyday pet care to the unique quirks each animal brings to our lives. Here at PetNobs, I share my genuine passion, practical tips, and personal stories to help you create a loving, well-informed environment for your furry, feathered, or scaled friends. Welcome to my little corner of the pet world—it’s a joy to have you here!