Best Lures for Striped Bass in New Brunswick (Hi-Lo Rigs, Casting Eggs & More)
Species Guide — Atlantic Canada
Best Lures for Striped Bass in New Brunswick
Striped bass fishing in New Brunswick is one of the most exciting shore and wharf fisheries in Atlantic Canada. From tidal areas around New Brunswick to feeding zones around Shediac, Cap-Pelé, Bouctouche, and the Miramichi River, success is driven by current, bait, and presentation. Part of our Canada Fishing Hub.
In NB, striped bass are not randomly scattered. They position around current seams, drop-offs, river mouths, wharf edges, and bait concentrations. Anglers who understand these feeding lanes and use the right rig for tidal conditions consistently catch more fish.
This guide focuses on the most productive striped bass methods for New Brunswick, especially for anglers fishing from land. If you want the most reliable all-around setup, start with a hi-lo rig and natural bait, then adjust based on tide movement, bait activity, and location.
Hi-Lo Rigs
The single most reliable striped bass setup in New Brunswick. See our full guide: How to Fish the Crab Free Rig.
Crab-Resistant Hi-Lo Rig
Floating and glow beads help keep bait above the bottom — ideal in crab-heavy areas where standard bait rigs get picked apart quickly.
6/0 – 8/0 — Shore & Wharf Fishing
These hook sizes are ideal for Atlantic striped bass. Large enough to hold cut bait securely and strong enough for powerful runs in current.
Best All-Around Striped Bass Setup
A hi-lo rig presents multiple baits cleanly in current, covers more of the water column, and works in a wide range of Atlantic conditions.
The biggest advantage of a hi-lo rig in New Brunswick is control. In tidal water, a simple single-hook rig can roll, drag, or get stripped by crabs. A properly weighted hi-lo rig holds better in current and presents bait where striped bass are actively feeding.
For shore anglers, this is often the best place to start because it is simple, proven, and highly effective in spring and early summer when striped bass are moving through bays, estuaries, and river mouths.
A few small adjustments make a big difference:
- Cast slightly into the current instead of straight out
- Use enough weight to keep your bait holding naturally in place
- Keep bait chunks moderate so fish can take them cleanly
- Fish current seams, edges, and structure rather than empty water
This is why hi-lo rigs remain the top choice for wharf and shoreline striped bass fishing across New Brunswick.
Best Bait
Natural bait is still one of the most effective striped bass producers in New Brunswick. Also see: How to Fish with a Casting Egg.
The go-to bait for many Atlantic striped bass anglers. Oily, durable, and highly attractive in tidal current.
Excellent natural forage match in many rivers and estuaries.
Useful early in the season or when bass are less aggressive.
Bait selection matters, but bait preparation matters just as much. In many cases, anglers use pieces that are too large or cover too much of the hook. For better hook-ups, cut bait into manageable chunks and leave the hook point exposed.
Fresh cut bait creates a stronger scent trail, which is especially helpful in stained or moving water. This gives striped bass a better chance to locate your rig as the tide carries scent and bait particles through the feeding zone.
As a general rule:
- Use mackerel when you want strong scent and durability
- Use herring or gaspereau when you want a close baitfish match
- Use worms early in the season or when fish are less aggressive
- Replace bait regularly to keep it fresh and effective
Casting Eggs
Casting eggs are a simple and effective option for striped bass in New Brunswick, especially for anglers fishing from shore who want to present bait, soft plastics, or flies farther from the bank. See our full guide: How to Fish with a Casting Egg.
Casting eggs help anglers cast lighter presentations farther, making them useful for beaches, wharfs, and open shoreline areas.
They can be used with bait, jigs, flies, and small lures, giving anglers a flexible setup when striped bass are feeding at different depths.
Best in lighter current, along beaches, or when you want to drift a presentation more naturally instead of anchoring a bait rig in one place.
Casting eggs are not a replacement for a hi-lo rig in heavy current, but they are an excellent second option when fish are moving higher in the water column or when a lighter, more natural drift is needed.
They are especially useful for:
- Fishing open shoreline where extra casting distance matters
- Presenting bait or jigs without heavy bottom weight
- Fishing calmer tidal zones or lighter current
- Anglers who want a simple, versatile setup
Trolling Spoons
Excellent for covering water from a boat when bass are spread out.
Spoons that mimic smelt, gaspereau, or herring work especially well when striped bass are chasing bait schools.
Best from a boat when you need to search larger areas or locate feeding fish quickly.
Although bait is the most reliable method for many NB shore anglers, spoons become very effective when fish are actively feeding on baitfish. They are especially useful from a boat when you need to cover more water or search for roaming fish.
Spoons that imitate smelt, herring, or gaspereau often perform best because they match the natural forage striped bass are already targeting. A steady retrieve with occasional pauses can imitate an injured baitfish and trigger reaction strikes.
Use spoons when:
- Fish are visibly chasing bait
- You are covering larger areas from a boat
- The tide is lighter and fish are more spread out
- You want to search quickly before switching back to bait
Best Setup Comparison
✔ Most consistent results
✔ Best for shore & wharf fishing
✔ Works in tidal current
→ #1 method in New Brunswick
✔ Great for extra casting distance
✔ Versatile with bait, jigs, and flies
✔ Best in lighter current or open shoreline
✔ Covers large areas
✔ Best from boat
✔ Works when fish are active
Timing & Tides
In New Brunswick, tides are one of the most important factors in striped bass fishing. Fish feed where current pushes bait toward them, which is why incoming and outgoing tide windows often outperform slack water.
The most productive times are usually 1–2 hours before high tide and 1–2 hours after, especially when combined with low-light conditions like sunrise, sunset, or night fishing.
- Best tide: moving water
- Best zones: current seams, channel edges, river mouths, wharf structure
- Best times of day: early morning, evening, and night
- Worst condition: dead slack tide with little bait movement
Anglers who plan around tide movement consistently do better than anglers who simply show up and cast. In striped bass fishing, timing often matters just as much as lure or bait choice.
Best Lures by Region
Top setup: Hi-lo rig with mackerel or herring. Also see: Striped Bass NB Guide.
Top setup: Hi-lo rig with heavier weight for stronger tides.
Top setup: Hi-lo rig with natural bait from beaches and shore access points.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too little weight — your bait drifts and does not stay in the feeding zone
- Fishing slack tide — less bait movement usually means fewer feeding fish
- Using oversized bait chunks — lower hook-up rates and poorer presentation
- Fishing empty water — focus on structure, current seams, and drop-offs
- Moving too often — give a productive-looking spot time before changing
Recommended Setup
When to Use Each Setup
- Fishing from shore or wharf? → Use hi-lo rig + bait
- Fishing tidal current? → Use hi-lo rig for best control
- Fishing lighter current or open shoreline? → Use a casting egg
- Fishing from a boat? → Use trolling spoons to cover water
- Not sure what to use? → Start with hi-lo rig, the most consistent method
Most Effective Setup in NB, NS & PEI
Striped Bass Starter Kit
StickyLures hi-lo rigs are built for Atlantic striped bass conditions — ready to fish straight out of the package for shore, wharf, and tidal fishing.
Get the Setup →Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rig for striped bass in New Brunswick?
A hi-lo rig is the most reliable all-around striped bass setup in NB. It presents bait cleanly in current and works well from shore and wharfs.
What bait works best for striped bass?
Mackerel and herring are top producers for striped bass in NB. Gaspereau can also be excellent when fish are feeding on local baitfish.
Do casting eggs work for striped bass in New Brunswick?
Yes. Casting eggs work well in lighter current, from open shorelines, and when you want to fish bait, jigs, or flies farther from shore.
Do trolling spoons work for striped bass?
Yes — trolling spoons are effective when fishing from a boat and covering larger areas. They work best when bass are active and following bait schools.
What hook size should I use for striped bass?
Hook sizes 6/0 to 8/0 are ideal for most striped bass bait rigs in Atlantic Canada.
What is the best time to fish for striped bass in New Brunswick?
Moving tide periods, especially around sunrise, sunset, and at night, are usually best. Focus on current seams, structure, and places where bait is moving.
Can beginners catch striped bass from shore in NB?
Yes. New Brunswick is one of the best places in Canada for beginner-friendly striped bass fishing from shore and wharfs, especially with a simple hi-lo rig and natural bait.