Striped Bass Mayhem Courtesy Of Crushcity

Since their unveiling two years ago, Rapala’s CrushCity soft baits have proven to be irresistible to all kinds of sport-fish. Case in point, The Jerk and Heavy Hitter have become must-haves for anglers fishing striped bass in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.

In 2024, when Rapala Pro and fishing guide, Ron James, was testing prototypes of the larger, 5.5-inch Heavy Hitter and 7-inch The Jerk in 2024, he immediately saw how the upsized CrushCity plastics struck a cord with the forage-size preferences of striped bass within the Miramichi river. “These fish like eating big baits,” he said.

Keeping things simple, James fishes the plastics on either a Boxer Jig or Swimbait Jig, which have the necessary 1X Strong, 5/0 to 7/0 hooks needed for battling big, strong striped bass. Pliers are used to pinch down the barb on jigs to comply with the Gulf Region’s single, barbless hook requirements.

Tidal currents and depth dictate jig weight James uses. Half, 3/4 and 1-ounce see the most water time. Though he often goes with a lighter jig when needing to downsize to a 4-inch Heavy Hitter or The Mayor to finesse bites during a slack tide.

“I swear by the tide,” James said. “When the tide’s moving, either in or out, you’re going to catch more fish. If the tide’s slack, it’s tougher to get them to bite.”

On an incoming tide from season opener in April to early June, James often catches fish from shallower channel swings, ledges, humps, islands and other features creating current breaks in the seven to 12 foot range. On an outgoing tide, stripers often position around deeper current breaks in 12 to 30 feet.

Similar patterns unfold in fall, which sees fishing action pick up again as the Miramichi swells with stripers returning from spending the summer months feeding in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and beyond. Channel swings and current breaks in 25 to 30 feet are key autumn areas. Though James also catches stripers from river bends featuring back bays and grass flats in the 15 foot range in September and October.

“A slow and steady retrieve is the name of the game,” James said. “If the current is not moving, or if the tide isn’t moving as much, I’ll fish The Jerk because it’s forked tail doesn’t throw off as much vibration. The Heavy Hitter gives off a lot of vibration, and I like it for when the tide is moving and there’s a lot of stuff flowing down the river.”

James notes The Jerk’s subtle action and vibration help trigger strikes during the cold water of early spring. As temperatures warm, he leans more heavily on the Heavy Hitter when the tidal currents are in play.

“Water temperature I didn’t find makes a big different in the fall because they’re eating with winter coming,” James said, explaining tide and current intensity inform whether he fishes The Jerk or Heavy Hitter in autumn.

The ultra-durability of Rapala’s Super TPE material is a big advantage for James and other anglers fishing the Heavy Hitter and The Jerk for striped bass.

“I’ve caught well over 100 fish anywhere from 4- to 10-pounds on one bait,” James said. “I put a dab of super glue in front of jig head to hold the TPE against the jig.”

Using glue in this manner is also done to extend the lifespan of The Mayor, a PVC plastic with a less aggressive kicking action.

James favours natural patterns. Gizzard Shad, Electric Shad, Glow Shad and Baitfish being just a few CrushCity colours he’s likely to have on hand for striped bass. Not to be overlooked, though, are brighter patterns, like Hot Pink Pearl.

James and his clients catch a lot of stripers using 13 Fishing Fate Black 7’1” medium-heavy, fast spinning rod paired with a 3.0 to 4.0 13 Fishing spinning reel. He prefers 20-pound Sufix 832 with 12 to 14 inches of 14-pound Sufix Fluorocarbon Leader, noting the near-invisible properties of fluoro are important to have on your side when fishing striped bass in clear water.

“A medium-heavy spinning combo does a good job making sure you get a good hook-set when the tide is flowing, and also gets you a great screaming fight,” he said.

James suggests anglers preferring baitcast combos consider a 7’6” to 8’ medium-heavy model paired with a low profile baitcaster spooled with 40-pound braid.

If James’ description and enthusiasm of fishing for striped bass has piqued your curiosity, you’re not alone as interest in catching these powerful predators appears to be growing more with each passing year. Regardless of whether you’re a local or considering travelling the Maritimes from afar to catch striped bass, don’t leave home without the above-mentioned upsized CrushCity plastics and VMC jigs into your tackle bag.

Note: This link to Fisheries and Oceans Canada is a good jumping off point learn important information about recreational fishing for striped bass in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (e.g., fishing season dates, details on the closure of the Northwest Miramichi River to all angling activities during the spawning period).