Striped Bass (Striper) Saltwater Fishing
Because of the popularity of striped bass fishing (also referred to as striper), these species have been introduced into many large reservoir impoundments across the United States.
However, this species is native to saltwater and is found naturally all along the eastern seaboard, populating the Atlantic coastline from as far north as Nova Scotia to the southern reaches of Florida. They can easily be caught as far north as Hudson Bay, as well.
Striper saltwater fishing is an especially popular sport in the Chesapeake Bay area and its tributaries, in Virginia. In fact, many anglers set up shop to wait for the early return of striped bass after the spawning activity to the north every year in May, anxious to grab that first specimen.
This influx into the bay is usually a good measure of what can be seen in terms of size of the striped bass. Striper saltwater fishing regularly produces specimens in excess of 50 pounds and four feet in length. For this reason, the regulations set on fishing in the Chesapeake Bay area are not all that difficult to abide by (with the exception of wanting to catch greater numbers!).
The daily limit for the first half of May is a single striper that measures at least 32 inches. From mid-May to mid-June, this increases to a limit of two, either both between 18 and 28 inches in length or one of this size and a second measuring greater than 32 inches.
It can be fruitful through the use of several different baits, and the choice is usually based on an angler’s personal preference. Clams, anchovies, nightcrawlers, eels, bloodworms, sandworms, herring, shad, chicken livers, and menhaden can all be great baits for striper saltwater fishing, just to name a few. Basically, striped bass are opportunistic feeders and look for the easiest catch they can find, making most baits work for attracting their attention.
Interestingly enough, during winter months when the oceans become too cool for their liking, stripers will migrate into freshwater environments, traveling hundreds of miles up river to find a warmer climate until spring returns.
During the winter, striped bass saltwater fishing is most proficient in the southern states, with their migratory pattern taking them down to areas along the East Coast between the Carolinas and the Hudson River in New York. However, during summer months, you’ll find them further north, highly concentrated around Long Island in New York and in portions of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, though they can be tracked as far south as New Jersey and north through Maine and even into Canadian waters.
Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is commited to providing the best saltwater fishing information possible. Go to http://www.asksaltwaterfishing.com/editorials/striped-bass-saltwater-fishing.html for more information on striped bass saltwater fishing.
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