Jigs
Spro Bucktail Jigs
Durable hair jigs for stripers, fluke, and anything that eats baitfish.
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A tidal estuary behind Portsmouth with spring and summer stripers.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Great Bay for striped bass. The best months overall are Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov. In October, striped bass is in season, and Clouser Minnow, Lefty's Deceiver and Walking Topwater are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 45 miles (2 fly, 10 bait and tackle); the closest is Brewster's Bait & Tackle in Portsmouth, 6 mi away. Lake Winnipesaukee is 43 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov
In October
Striped Bass
Methods
Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Great Bay Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
5 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Clouser Minnow #1/0-8
FlyStreamer
Shop This FlyLefty's Deceiver #3/0-2
FlyStreamer
Shop This FlyWalking Topwater 4 to 5 in
LureTopwater · Surface blitzes.
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic
Shop This LureBucktail Jig 1/4 to 2 oz
LureJig
Shop This Lure
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Striped Bass
Fly 9 ft 9 wt rod, intermediate or sinking line, 20 lb leader. Clousers and Deceivers.
Spin / Cast 7 to 8 ft medium-heavy spinning rod, 4000 to 5000 reel, 30 lb braid with a 20 to 30 lb leader.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Great Bay
Fly Rods
Orvis Clearwater 9 ft 10 wt Fly Rod
Backbone for big flies, heavy wind, and fish that run into the backing.
Check PriceReels
Penn Battle III Spinning Reel
A metal-bodied reel built to survive saltwater and big runs.
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Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod
A medium inshore rod for jigs, popping corks, and live bait.
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PowerPro Spectra Braided Line
Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.
Check PriceTopwater
Heddon Zara Spook
The walk-the-dog topwater that works in fresh and salt.
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Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ
A tough, stretchy paddle tail that survives toothy fish.
Check PriceFlies
Saltwater Baitfish Fly Assortment
Clousers and Deceivers in sizes for stripers, snook, and reds.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Great Bay
Bait & Tackle
Brewster's Bait & Tackle
Portsmouth, New Hampshire· 6 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Portsmouth, NH.
Bait & Tackle
Hampton Harbor Tackle
Hampton, New Hampshire· 13 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Hampton, NH.
Bait & Tackle
Crossroads Bait and Tackle
Salisbury, Massachusetts· 16 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Salisbury, MA.
Bait & Tackle
Straight Line Bait & Tackle
Salisbury, Massachusetts· 16 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Salisbury, MA.
Bait & Tackle
The Nuke's Bait and Tackle
Merrimac, Massachusetts· 18 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Merrimac, MA.
Bait & Tackle
Merrimac Bait and Tackle
Merrimac, Massachusetts· 18 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Merrimac, MA.
Bait & Tackle
Bridge Road Bait & Tackle
Salisbury, Massachusetts· 18 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Salisbury, MA.
Bait & Tackle
Big Fat Tackle - Tuna & Big Game Harpoons, Gaffs, Darts, Rod Holders
Newburyport, Massachusetts· 19 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Newburyport, MA.
Bait & Tackle
Surfland Bait & Tackle
Newbury, Massachusetts· 20 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Newbury, MA.
Bait & Tackle
Fish Tails Bait and Tackle
Barnstead, New Hampshire· 28 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Barnstead, NH.
Make It a Trip