There are a few ways to catch stripers on a boat. The most common method is by using live bait, such as herring, mackerel or bunker. Another way is to use lures that imitate the appearance and/or movement of these baitfish. Some common lure choices include swimbaits, spoons, jigs and topwater lures.
When targeting stripers with live bait, it’s important to have your baits down deep where the fish are feeding. This can be accomplished by using weighted rigs, such as sinker rigs or downriggers. Once you find a school of fish, it’s also important to keep your boat moving at a slow speed so as not to scare off the fish.
When fishing with lures, it’s often best to cast out and retrieve your lure at a fast pace so as to mimic the movements of a fleeing baitfish. Again, keeping your boat moving at a slow speed will help keep the fish interested in your lure. It’s also important to pay attention to the depth of water you’re fishing in and adjust your lure accordingly. For example, if you’re fishing in shallow water (<20 feet), then topwater lures or swimbaits are usually better choices since stripers tend to feed near the surface in these areas.