Best Striper Lures for Shore Fishing 2024
Shore striper fishing requires lures that cast far, work in current, and imitate the wide range of forage stripers eat in Long Island Sound. These are the lures CT beach and jetty anglers rely on — not the ones with the best marketing, but the ones that consistently produce fish.
Some links in our gear reviews may be affiliate links — we always disclose when they are. We never accept payment for favorable coverage. If something isn't worth your money, we'll say so.
Hogy 5.5" Epoxy Jig
Best metal jig for Long Island Sound shore fishingThe Hogy epoxy jig is a serious CT shore angler's metal jig. The narrow, dense profile casts better in wind than wide swimming lures, and the epoxy coating survives bluefish attacks that destroy paint finishes on cheaper jigs. The 1.5 oz size handles most CT shore conditions; bring the 2 oz for heavy surf or strong wind. White/silver and olive/white are the primary colors. Retrieve: cast, let sink, retrieve with a rod tip up and a medium-fast pumping action to imitate a fleeing sand eel or juvenile bunker.
BKD Bucktail Jig (White, 1–2 oz)
Best all-around shore striper lureA white bucktail jig is the simplest, most proven striper lure there is. Every CT shore angler should carry 1 oz and 1.5 oz versions in white and chartreuse. Fish it on the swing through current (cast across, let the current do the work), on a straight retrieve across sandy bottom, or bumped along a rocky bottom. Add a soft plastic trailer (white Gulp Jerk Shad or a Storm Wildeye) to add length and action. The action of bucktail hair breathing in the water is the most natural-looking movement of any synthetic material.
Tsunami Swim Shad (5.5" and 7")
Best soft plastic for CT shore striper fishingThe Tsunami Swim Shad in bunker (silver/dark back) or alewife patterns is effective when stripers are keyed on specific baitfish. Rig on a 1–1.5 oz lead head jig and retrieve on a steady swimming action. The paddle tail activates even at slow speeds, which is advantageous when fish are sluggish in cold water (below 55°F). The 5.5 inch matches peanut bunker size; the 7 inch matches adult bunker or large mullet. Keep extras — bluefish destroy soft plastics quickly.
Buying Guide
Striper Shore Lure Buying Guide
Match the forage: The most important rule for CT striper fishing is matching what the fish are eating. In spring and early summer, sand eels and juvenile fish dominate — use narrow, small profile lures. Mid-summer through fall, bunker (menhaden) are the primary forage for large fish — use big profiles and bunker color patterns. If you see birds over baitfish, identify the bait size before picking a lure.
Weight for casting: Shore fishing requires enough lure weight to reach productive water. Minimum 1 oz for most CT shore situations. On exposed beaches or in wind, 1.5–2.5 oz casts more comfortably and reaches the rips where fish hold. Never sacrifice lure placement for lure design — a simple heavy bucktail in the right spot beats a beautiful plug that doesn't reach the fish.
Colors by conditions: White and silver for clear water and daytime. Olive, green, or bunker patterns when fish are keyed on specific forage. Dark (black, purple) for night fishing when contrast against the sky helps fish locate the bait. Chartreuse adds visibility in stained water or overcast conditions.
Surface vs. subsurface: Surface plugs work brilliantly when fish are feeding actively on top. But 80% of striper feeding is subsurface — using only surface plugs misses most opportunities. Carry at least one heavy jig or subsurface swimmer for when fish are there but not breaking.
Striper lures, bluefish tackle, and fluke gear reviewed honestly for CT coastal anglers. Subscribe to Hooked Fisherman.
Sign Up — Free