How to recognise it
The striped bass, or Morone saxatilis, is a robust fish with a streamlined body. It has a silver-green to bluish back, with a series of horizontal black stripes running along its sides. The belly is a lighter shade, often white. The dorsal fin is divided into two parts: the first has spiny rays, while the second is softer. The mouth is large, with sharp teeth. Striped bass are often confused with white bass (Morone chrysops). The key difference is that striped bass have continuous horizontal stripes, while white bass have broken stripes.
Where it lives
Striped bass are found along the Atlantic coast, from the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Canada to the St. Johns River in Florida. They inhabit estuaries, rivers, and coastal waters. In freshwater, they can be found in lakes and reservoirs. They prefer depths of 10 to 50 feet but can be found deeper in summer. In spring, they move into shallower waters to spawn. During summer, they often retreat to deeper, cooler areas. In fall, they return to shallower waters as temperatures drop.
When it bites
Striped bass are most active from April to October. They prefer water temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees F. Early morning and late evening are prime times for fishing. A passing cold front can trigger feeding activity, while strong winds may make them less active. A full moon can enhance their feeding behavior, leading to increased activity during the night.
How to catch it
Effective rigs for striped bass include the fish finder rig and the Carolina rig. Use live bait such as menhaden or eels, typically 6 to 12 inches long. Lures like topwater plugs, swimbaits, and jigs in sizes 4 to 8 inches work well. Colors like white, chartreuse, and blue are effective. Use a line strength of 15 to 30 pounds and hooks sized 4/0 to 6/0. Cast near structures like rocks, piers, and drop-offs. Retrieve lures with a steady, erratic motion to mimic injured prey.
Size, age and the table
Anglers typically encounter striped bass ranging from 18 to 30 inches and weighing 3 to 15 pounds. A trophy striped bass is generally considered to be over 40 inches. They grow rapidly, reaching 12 inches by their first year and can live up to 30 years. Striped bass have good eating quality, with firm, white flesh. Handle them carefully to minimize stress, and use proper techniques for catch and release to ensure their survival after being caught.
