Striped Bass Questions and Answers

 Welcome to the Arkansasstripers.com  most frequently asked Questions about Striped Bass. .

How do I measure the length of a Striped Bass according to the rules?

With the mouth closed and the tail fin pinched together.
A good way to obtain this length is to push the fish's snout up against a vertical surface with the mouth closed and the fish laying along a tape measure, then pinch the tail fin closed and determine the total length.
Do NOT pull a flexible tape measure along the curve of the fish.

What is a "slot limit" and why are they used?

A protective slot limit prevents mid-sized fish from being caught, but allows catching smaller and larger fish.
Catching fish below the protective slot may take advantage of a great number of small fish, which allows mid-sized fish a better opportunity to survive and grow out of the protected size range.
As the protected mid-sized fish continue to grow, they eventually become harvestable-sized, large fish.
Lake Ouachita does not have a size or slot limit on striped bass.

What topwater lures would you suggest for striped bass?

We use a modified Cotton Cordell redfin 7in a lot in chrome and trout colors. Of course any top water bait you would use for Black bass will work, especially fun is "walking the dog" with the zara spook..

When is the best time to fish topwater lures for striped bass?

Topwater lures can be productive any time of the year,  especially at dawn and dusk. The most consistence months are September thru April depending on water temperature.

 Does Striped Bass Catch and Release Work?

Yes, under the right conditions?

With the event of the FLW and NSBA Striper Tournament Trails we are seeing more research into Striped Bass Catch and Release.  If your goal is to catch a good number of striped bass, we would recommend the use of artificial lures. Striped bass caught on artificial lures are generally not deep-hooked as they are with natural baits, so overall catch-and-release mortality generally will be less with artificial bait. Other factors such as water temperature and poor handling contribute to catch-and-release mortality just as with Black Bass so we encourage anglers to be prepared to release striped bass quickly and carefully. More on Catch and release

What kind of rod and reel would you use to catch striped bass?

We use and recommend 7 foot medium-to-heavy weight rods and bait casting reels in General.

Are Natural Baits or Artificial Baits The Best to Catch Striped Bass?

To be such an aggressive fish, striped bass can get pretty picky about what they eat. Cut bait and live Shad are the baits of choice for consistent catches of trophy striped bass, some days, striped bass will bite only the liveliest live baits and ignore anything less active or anything that’s been frozen and artificial baits. On some occasions, artificial baits are just as effective as natural bait. We encourage anglers who use natural baits to use circle hooks.

Where are Striped Bass Raised?

Fish Hatcheries which have been part of our nation's conservation and natural resource management efforts for more than 100 years. Hatcheries can be warm water, cool water, or cold water facilities. Hatchery's spawns, hatch, and raise young fish to a size and age which provides them with the best chance of surviving in the natural wild environment of rivers, lakes and ponds.

How do I apply for a possible state record fish?

To apply for a state record, the angler must submit a completed State Record Fish Application.
More information on state record application.

When do Striped Bass Spawn?

Striped Bass spawn in water of 58 to 69 degrees from April through mid-June in flowing water Broadcasting millions of eggs without affording any protection or parental care. More on Striped Bass Spawning.

What size line.

A big misconceptions in thinking is you always need heavy tackle to catch striped bass. Certain times of the year you will do much better on Lake Ouachita with light line or leaders.

As always use a good quality rod and a reel with a very good smooth drag (bait casting or spinning).

During cooler temperatures we use 10 to 20 pound leaders below 30# main line moving to 30# leaders in spring and when tree fishing.

As always in fishing no matter what the species is, stay flexible and adaptive and ALWAYS keep an open mind.

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