Dumb Question but...

[Got Stripers]

I throw plastic jerk baits 90% of the time and stripers (& blues) gobble up my hand poured baits like candy. My baits are only 7 inches long and I've never seen the need for anything bigger, although I've used the larger baits and they do work. I will go to the bigger baits when it's very rough or I know there are larger fish in the area. I've posted pictures on the way I rig my baits and prefer a weighted 5/0 Owner 90 degree jig hook over a lead head jig. Plastic works great and I would strongly recommend you give them a try, but don't limit yourself to the 9" Sluggos. There are times, especially early fall, when the stripers are keyed in on the smaller bait and you will do much better with a smaller piece of plastic.

Tight lines.