Florida Striped Bass Fishing
Guide to catching striped bass and hybrid stripers on local lakes
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Best striper and wiper lakes, lures and bait
Florida is not typically known for its native population of striped bass, but it does offer excellent opportunities for anglers to target hybrid stripers, which are a crossbreed between striped bass and white bass. These fish are highly sought after for their aggressive strikes and hard-fighting nature, making them a popular choice for Florida anglers. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about striped bass and hybrid stripers fishing and identify popular striper waters in the state.
Striper Fishing Video
Several major lakes in Florida provide fantastic striped bass and hybrid striper fishing. One of the top destinations is Lake Talquin, located near Tallahassee. This 8,800-acre reservoir is known for its healthy population of hybrid stripers and offers anglers the chance to reel in some impressive catches. Other notable lakes for striped bass and hybrid striper fishing include Lake Seminole, Lake George, and the Apalachicola River.
Fishing for Striped Bass in Florida
When fishing for stripers concentrate on the deeper waters in the lake. If you can locate schools of shad, stripers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow, over the deeper water, you can catch stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. Check Florida fishing reports for current striper information. And for the ultimate thrill, try large topwater baits whenever you see surface feeding activity. When the stripers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also take striped bass when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it is a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent way to fish for stripers. Use flashy lures in bigger sizes. Striped Bass, known for their strength and spirited fights, provide an exhilarating angling experience.
Fishing for Hybrid Stripers in Florida
Florida offers several opportunities for hybrid striped bass fishing, which are popular with local anglers. Hybrid stripers are a crossbreed between striped bass and white bass, combining the best characteristics of both species. They are known for their strength, aggressive nature, and impressive fighting ability, making them a thrilling catch for anglers. These "wipers" tend to school around baitfish and follow river channel edges. Fish finders can help you locate schools of fish as well as schools of baitfish. Look for them on flats and long points that connect with channels. Trolling, or still fishing, with live or cut bait are also great options for catching hybrid stripers.
When targeting hybrid stripers in Florida, anglers often find success by trolling or casting near drop-offs, submerged structures, and points. These fish are known to gather in schools and can be quite active during feeding times, making them more likely to strike at artificial lures or live bait. Successful techniques include using crankbaits, swimbaits, spoons, and live shad or shiners.
While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams become the ideal spawning grounds for stripers. Landlocked stripers then populate the lakes. Rivers feeding to the ocean are also likely to produce stripers.
It's important to note that regulations and fishing seasons may vary for hybrid stripers in different bodies of water, so anglers should always check the local fishing regulations before heading out. Additionally, catch and release practices are encouraged to help preserve the striped bass and hybrid striper populations for future generations of anglers.
Striper & Wiper Fishing Lakes
Lakes with populations of stripers include Crescent Lake, Crooked Lake, Doctors Lake, Lake Apopka, Lake Eustis, Lake George, Lake Griffin, Lake Harris, Lake Santa Fe, Lake Seminole (Jim Woodruff Reservoir) and Lake Talquin and Tsala Apopka Lake. The St Johns River also has a healthy population of striped bass.
Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Inland world record: 64 lbs 8 oz
State Record: 42.24 lbs
Hybrid Striper (Wiper)
World record: 27 lbs 5 oz
State Record: 16.31 lbs
Click the images and links above for species details.
State Fish Records
The state record striped bass was caught from the Apalachicola River.
The state record hybrid striped bass came from Lake Seminole.
Fishing for Stripers in Florida
When fishing for stripers concentrate on the deeper waters in the lake. If you can locate schools of shad, stripers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow over the deep water, you can catch stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. And for the ultimate thrill, try large topwater baits whenever you see surface feeding activity. When the stripers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also take striped bass when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it is a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent way to fish for stripers. Use flashy lures in bigger sizes.
Florida Striper Fishing Information
Florida Fish and Wildlife - Striped Bass
Additional Striper Information
While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams become the ideal spawning grounds for stripers.
Striped Bass - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Striped bass and hybrid stripers, by state
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