how to catch bigger striped bass if you are only catching schoolies

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

You’re not dreaming—the big girls (and occasional big guys) are out there. Mid fall is a transitional window when bigger striped bass start lurking on edges and deeper structure as bait concentrations shift. With a few adjustments, you can upgrade from schoolies to serious hook-ups. 🐟🎣

**Key ideas to target bigger striped bass**

- **Shift your target to structure and depth.** Schoolies tend to roam the shallow edges, but the bigger bass hold on ledges, drop-offs, rock piles, and river mouth channels where cooler, denser water concentrates bait. Focus on the edges of breaks, points, and any bait schools (menhaden/bunker) and mark depth changes with your electronics.

- **Match the bite with bigger bait and bigger lures.** When schoolies obligingly eat small baits, you stay in that zone. To tempt bigger fish, step up lure size and profile: 4-6 inch swimbaits, paddle-tail soft plastics, big topwater plugs, and even chunk baits or live bait where legal. If you’re fishing from a boat or jetty, keep a heavier setup handy (see gear below).

- **Time it right: tides, fronts, and the day window.** In mid fall, feeding windows often tighten to early morning and late evening as daylight shortens. Moving water helps—outgoing tides that push bait toward structure can concentrate bigger bass on the stomach-high edges. If a cold front moves in, expect a brief pause, then a burst of aggressive feeding as conditions stabilize.

- **Presentation that triggers bigger fish.** Target slow, steady retrieves with occasional pauses. For big swimbaits, a slow roll along the edge with a short pause can provoke a bite. If you’re using topwater, switch to a bigger surface lure and work the strike zone with calculated pops and pulls. When chasing deeper fish, a slow, tight jig or a mid-speed swim can do the trick.

- **Tackle that can actually handle a bigger fish.** Consider 20-40 lb braided line with a stout fluorocarbon leader, and a rod capable of loading without bending into a snag. If you’re using heavier lures or live bait, you’ll want a rod and reel setup with the backbone to handle a breakaway run.

- **Locate bait, then locate the bass.** Look for bait pods and birds diving; that’s your breadcrumb trail to the bigger fish. If the schoolies keep feeding, don’t be afraid to cast around the edges to discover the bigger risers that ride the perimeter of the school.

**Practical plan (quick-start):**

1) Mark likely structure: drop-offs, edges, rocks, channels. 2) Deploy bigger lures (4-6 inch swimbaits, large soft plastics) or live bait if allowed. 3) Work edges with slow, deliberate retrieves; don’t rush. 4) If a schoolie grabs, don’t panic—switch to a bigger lure to test the water for bigger predators. 5) Move if there’s no interest after a few casts; big bass aren’t everywhere all the time. 6) Check tides and plan for dawn/dusk sessions when feeders are most active.

**Gear & gear-ups you can consider**

- Lures: try bigger swimbaits and paddle tails, or topwater plugs in the 3-6 inch range for a visible strike. For a quick starter kit, explore options like the [TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GP1DL4K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) and other swimbait kits such as the [GOANDO Fishing Lures Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DY9NGQV?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1).

- Electronics and search tactics: a solid fish finder to spot bait and depth changes is your friend.

- Reading the season: mid fall means shifting water temps. Expect more aggressive takes around first light and last light; wind and front passages can shuffle where the bass hold.

**Helpful video resources**

- How to Fish for Freshwater Striped Bass: [How to Fish for Freshwater Striped Bass](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmGGrRqOJQM) 🎬
- How To Catch Bigger Striped Bass From the Shore With Bait (Chunking): [How To Catch Bigger Striped Bass From the Shore With Bait (Chunking)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDfgKUl_NAI) 🎣
- Sacramento River Striper Fishing (How To Catch Bigger Striper): [Sacramento River Striper Fishing (How To Catch Bigger Striper)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng96XFfnOX4) 🌊

**More gear ideas (quick picks):**
- [TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GP1DL4K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) 
- [FONMANG 126Pcs Fishing Lures Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTH8MXB4?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) 
- [HALYXS 10-Pack Top Water Plopper](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FVGGTQWT?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

You’ve got the tools; now it’s about reading the water and letting bigger bass reveal themselves. Stay patient, keep moving to the right zones, and gradually raise the stakes on your lure game. With a little timing and the right spots, those schoolies will make room for their bigger cousins. Tight lines and good luck! 🧭🌊🐟

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