Striped Bass (Striper) Saltwater Fishing

Because of the popularity of striped bass fishing (alsobetween 18 and 28 inches in length or one of this size
referred to as striper), these species have beenand a second measuring greater than 32 inches.
introduced into many large reservoir impoundmentsIt can be fruitful through the use of several different
across the United States.baits, and the choice is usually based on an angler's
However, this species is native to saltwater and ispersonal preference. Clams, anchovies, nightcrawlers,
found naturally all along the eastern seaboard,eels, bloodworms, sandworms, herring, shad, chicken
populating the Atlantic coastline from as far north aslivers, and menhaden can all be great baits for striper
Nova Scotia to the southern reaches of Florida. Theysaltwater fishing, just to name a few. Basically, striped
can easily be caught as far north as Hudson Bay, asbass are opportunistic feeders and look for the easiest
well.catch they can find, making most baits work for
Striper saltwater fishing is an especially popular sport inattracting their attention.
the Chesapeake Bay area and its tributaries, in Virginia.Interestingly enough, during winter months when the
In fact, many anglers set up shop to wait for the earlyoceans become too cool for their liking, stripers will
return of striped bass after the spawning activity tomigrate into freshwater environments, traveling
the north every year in May, anxious to grab that firsthundreds of miles up river to find a warmer climate
specimen.until spring returns.
This influx into the bay is usually a good measure ofDuring the winter, striped bass saltwater fishing is most
what can be seen in terms of size of the striped bass.proficient in the southern states, with their migratory
Striper saltwater fishing regularly produces specimenspattern taking them down to areas along the East
in excess of 50 pounds and four feet in length. For thisCoast between the Carolinas and the Hudson River in
reason, the regulations set on fishing in theNew York. However, during summer months, you'll find
Chesapeake Bay area are not all that difficult to abidethem further north, highly concentrated around Long
by (with the exception of wanting to catch greaterIsland in New York and in portions of Rhode Island and
numbers!).Massachusetts, though they can be tracked as far
The daily limit for the first half of May is a single stripersouth as New Jersey and north through Maine and
that measures at least 32 inches. From mid-May toeven into Canadian waters.
mid-June, this increases to a limit of two, either both