Spring Striperin’
Jonah Paris
05/01/25Now is the most anticipated time of year for striper junkies in Maine. Some of us try to scratch the itch by tossing shad darts in the rivers, others make futile attempts at distraction by targeting trout or largemouths. But as the days grow longer, the lilacs start budding, and the ocean temperature creeps up, we know the stripers are getting close.
Every few seasons, rumors of striped unicorns surface in April, likely holdovers. Most years, we can expect the first wave of migratory fish to begin trickling into southern Maine by the end of the first week of May. From then on, we welcome back more and more bass with each tide.
During May, stripers filtering into the larger river systems are keyed in on the herring run. Choose relatively large plugs and soft baits to mimic adult alewives. However, spring stripers returning to the backwaters and marshes are hungry and grubbing for any available food - typically sea worms, mummichogs, grass shrimp, and crabs.
May is prime time to fish soft plastics on light tackle. Zoom Super Flukes, Hogys (7-inch), and Sluggos (6-inch), rigged either weightless or on a light jighead, are top early-season producers. Similarly, Saltwater Assassin 4-inch Sea Shads threaded on a 3/8 or 1/2 oz. bucktail jig is a springtime favorite. The jig-plastic combo is excellent for slowly working through outflows, dropping into holes, and probing along undercut banks. Though I am typically more concerned with an artificial’s profile and action than color, I have found frequent success using pink - I mean “bubblegum” - soft plastics in the muddy backwaters. Whether pink baits resemble sea worms, or just create a strong contrast in the stained water, they catch spring fish.
For those plugging at night, Bomber Long A’s, both 15A and 16A, along with the 5-inch Cotton Cordell Red Fin are annual early-season favorites. Over the last decade, I have caught more stripers from shore on Bomber 16A plugs than all of my other lures combined. Yo-Zuri Mag Darters, especially the 5-inch model, is a close second and a top choice while fishing the herring run. For those sneaking out in low-light conditions, catching May stripers on topwater is not out of the question, but downsize your offerings. Leave the large pencils and jumbo spooks at home until the mackerel and pogies arrive. Instead, tie on a small Storm Chug Bug, Heddon Super Spook, or MirrOlure MirrOMullet.
Few activities are more relaxing than soaking bait for an evening tide while catching up with friends, or enjoying a picnic with one’s better half. Throughout May, those looking to fish the docks, sand, or spike rods along river mouths should opt for bloodworms, sandworms, or surf clams on 5/0 or 6/0 inline circle hooks.
Another season is upon us. Fish responsibly, pick up trash, and make some memories.
See you out there!
Jonah Paris,
First Mate
TEAZER Charters
South Portland, ME
jonaheparis@gmail.com