Category: Striped Bass

It’s no surprise that anglers across the world are in search of the biggest, toughest fish they can, one that will truly give them the fight of their life. There’s nothing quite like the euphoric feeling of pulling the biggest catch of the day out of the water and either showing it to your fishing buddies or just enjoying the self-pride of landing a monster. One of the most sought after fish in the fishing community is the striped bass. Commonly known as the Striper.

While states like either of the Carolinas, Arkansas, and Kentucky are well-known for Striper fishing, you can actually find them swimming in bodies of water all over the United States.

On the West Coast, they are known as transplant fish. In 1878, 137 Striper fry were released in San Francisco Bay, which spurred the beginning of Striped Bass transplants across the West.

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife website state that “the fish’s migratory urges brought them to Oregon’s Coos River system by the late 1800s.”

Since then, Fishermen and women have made it a goal to chase and catch the fish of their dreams. For some, that dream lies in Oregon, but where is the best place to fish for Stripers in Oregon?

• The Coos River/ Coos Bay
• The Coquille River
• The Columbia River
• The Smith River
• The Umpqua River

Incase you need striped bass lures I linked some awesome choices here.

1. The Coos River/ Coos Bay
   In no particular order, the Coos River /Coos Bay takes the number five spot. While the Coos River is surprisingly only five miles long, it is formed by the confluence of its major tributaries.” The South Fork Coos River, and the Millicom River. A confluence is where two rivers meet and is clearly separated into two separate tributaries. The river flows into Coos Bay, which is Oregon’s largest bay. It is on the Pacific coast of Southwest Oregon. Interested in making a living by writing about the outdoors? The Stripers and other species like to hang out on the confluence line to spot out smaller game fish for feeding. When the two waters meet, in some cases you can see the line that forms the confluence. This makes for an ideal location to bait your hook and drop a line. Fishing in the Coos River is particularly an interesting experience due to this phenomenon. Stripers like to hang out in rivers because the higher volume of the conjoining rivers puts more oxygen in the water. In today’s day and age, the Coos River and Coos Bay are abundant with Chinook Salmon, Rockfish, crabs, and clams, and 2
   perch, but you can occasionally still catch Striper, and that’s why it takes the number 5 spot.
2. The Coquille River
   At number four we have the Coquille River. The Coquille River stretches 36 miles and is located in Southwest Oregon. The 1,059-square-mile mountainous area of the southern Oregon coastal range drains into the Pacific Ocean. The river flows through the towns of Myrtle Pointe and the town of Coquille and runs into the ocean at Bandon. Striped bass like to inhabit areas with lots of structure to swim through and explore for food and the Coquille River has plenty of that. There is no shortage of trees and brush that line the walls of the River, and if you can get your boat into one of these areas with lots of brush and cast in the right spot, there is no doubt you’ll be leaving with plenty of stories to talk about. Just don’t get your line caught, because we all know that feeling. The Coquille River has a Steelhead hatchery, and while Steelhead fishing is great there, most areas enforce strict catch and release policies due to fishermen catching and keeping them before they reach maturity. Unlike the Coquille River’s Stripers that can get larger than 24 inches in length, true keepers became harder to come by before these policies were set into place. Near the town of Coquille, you can occasionally get on a school of Shad to help you catch striper, however, if this method doesn’t seem to work, crank baits are also reliable lures that can help on tougher days out on the water. This river takes the number four spot due to the slowing demand for Striper fishing in the area in recent years, but if you’re a seasoned fisherman or one confident son-of-a-gun, and you play your cards right, the Coquille River still has a lot to offer.
3. The Columbia River
   The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, beginning in British Columbia, Canada, and flowing down throughout the state of Washington. The waterway turns west through Oregon on its way to empty into the Pacific Ocean. The river, a whopping 1232 miles long, has been crucial to the economy and history of the Northwest region of the United States. Despite having been used for travel between the Northwests many cultural groups, before 2013 stripers were rarely ever found in the 3
   river, especially up North throughout regions of Washington and Canada. That all changed in 2013 as stripers started showing up in the lower Columbia River. That year, a 52-pound striper was actually caught in the river by accident. Upon closer inspection, the fish was found to be carrying 10 pounds of roe, eggs that would have hatched had the mother not been accidentally taken from the water. Despite this incident, stripers have been more and more abundant in recent years. This goes to show how far this species can spread throughout an entire ecosystem. It’s a rarity to see the stripers that travel that far north, especially in Washington. They are very few in numbers and far between, however you can still find some in the lower Columbia River in Oregon.
4. The Smith River
   The Smith River runs 90 miles and is a main tributary of the Umpqua River. The Smith River was named after Jedediah Smith, the leader of a group of explorers traveling from Utah to Northern California and Oregon. They discovered the Smith River and camped along the Umpqua River near the Smith River’s mouth. The company was attacked by a group of natives, leaving 15 of the explorers dead and many more wounded. Like the Umpqua River, the Smith River tributary is a great place to fish for Striped Bass in Oregon, but only under certain circumstances. The fishing is hit-or-miss in this area. Stripers aren’t native to these waters, and most come in from the Pacific ocean. This explains why stripers, although rare to find, are typically very large for this waterway. They have plenty of time to grow up and mature, making their way up these rivers, and since not many people are fishing for them, it’s a true wonder when such a large bass takes the bait. It sure is a niche area to catch Stripers, but as I said, these things get huge.
5. Umpqua River
   Arguably the top place to fish for Striped Bass in Oregon, the Umpqua River is located along the Pacific coast of Oregon. The Umpqua River, originally inhabited by the Coquille tribe of Native Americans in the early 19th Century, was named after a band of the tribe called the Umpqua. The river stretches 111 miles through Douglas county and has recently become a legendary fishing spot thanks to one lone fisherman: Beryl Bliss. 4
   In 1973, Beryl reeled in a 68-pound monster, marking his spot as the Oregon record holder for the heaviest Striped Bass in the state. Not much information is known about this record considering it was set in 1973 before the age of modern technology, but I bet, to this day, Beryl is proud of setting a record and taking his place as the angler that caught the biggest Striper in Oregon. The Umpqua River continues to thrive with Stripers and other species of fish. It is still a sought-after river to fish in Oregon, and won’t disappoint as a great place for family and friends alike to search for the next record-setting Striper. Maybe if you’re lucky enough, and are as good of an angler as you brag you are to your buddies, you may even break Beryl’s record.
   When one considers the history behind these truly incredible fish and how one implantation started a frenzy of expansion and growth, it becomes clear that this was no mistake. It’s fascinating to hear the stories and pass on the legends of days gone by, stories of how the Striped Bass got there, and where they are now. The trek from the San Francisco Bay to the rivers of Oregon, from tiny fry to a 68-pound monster, was a long but rewarding one for this species. The history behind these five rivers alone validates their spots on the list. They show that Oregon is truly the home to some of the most complex ecosystems in the world, let alone the United States. Next time you’re fishing the rivers of Oregon, stop and think about where these fish came from, and how far it traveled to get there. When someone catches a striper in Oregon, it’s a story that is passed around for years, especially when they are larger than ever expected. Oregon remains a coveted location that everyone should try to fish at least once. If you get the chance, the Coos River, Coquille River, the Columbia River, the Smith River, and lastly the Umpqua Rivers are your best bet. Good luck, and good fishing.

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The Lone Star State of Texas is the second-largest state in the United States, cradling the Gulf of Mexico along the southern border of North America.  Ranches and farmland make up the majority of its nearly two hundred and seventy thousand square mile area.  Approximately seven thousand square miles of this great state is made up of water; lakes and streams teeming with wildlife can be found scattered throughout.  

Surrounding the shores of these bodies of water are forests and grasslands.  Pay a visit to Texas’ streams and you’ll most likely see many whitetail deer, as Texas has the largest population in the United States.  

However today, we will be focusing on the fishing aspects of Texas’ gorgeous landscape: Striped Bass to be exact.  Although Striped Bass are not indigenous to Texas,  many of its lakes and water bodies have been stocked aplenty, giving the opportunity to angle many of these beauties to Texas natives and visitors alike.

  Let’s move on to discuss different areas where Stripers can be found in the Lone Star State.

The list of places to catch striped bass in Texas is long but here are four of our favorites.

• Amistad Reservoir
• Buffalo Springs Lake
• Toledo Bend Reservoir
• Possum Kingdom Reservoir

Texas is filled with various bodies of water, as we have mentioned briefly before.  Nearly two hundred of these are man-made lakes and reservoirs. 

 Where you find water, you’ll most likely find fish, and this saying holds true.  Various species of fish can be found throughout Texas, including Walleye, Largemouth, and Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, and of course Striped Bass.

Amistad Reservoir

 Along the Rio Grande in southern Texas, you’ll find Amistad Reservoir, a sixty-five thousand-acre man-made reservoir that divides Texas and Mexico.  

Amistad has a very healthy amount of Striped Bass within its waters, which allows for topwater fishing along with trolling and deepwater fishing at around two hundred and fifteen feet.

In just the last two years alone, wildlife services in Texas have kindly stocked Amistad with nearly four hundred and fifty thousand Striped Bass.  

As this species of fish hails from saltwater coasts and requires special breeding environments,  lakes and reservoirs are stocked heavily from time to time.  

As Amistad is a very large reservoir, the trick to finding the best fishing spots in the lake is to find where the stripers like to hang out and feed.

Hydrilla clusters tend to hold plenty of these swimmers because of the amount of oxygen that the plant gives off. Find yourself some channel Hydrilla and maybe some fallen trees that have adapted to covering the underwater wildlife.

The more cover and oxygenation the water has, the more likely you’ll find good-sized stripers. Another trick is to know where to fish during the right time of the year.

These stripers want colder water, which gives us a fairly good idea of when and where to fish. Higher temperature waters will drive the fish deeper into the water, or towards the areas with more cover, (i.e. the Hydrilla in the channels and coves.)

This means that during summer months, those places will be the hot spots.  In the winter, the water surface temperature will drop to around 55 degrees. This allows for more topwater fishing as the cold water is all around and not just found deep.

As for lures and baits in the Amistad, many tournaments have shown stats that say red is a favorable color to use if you’re fishing with a plastic worm or lizard.

Jigs and cranks don’t matter much in color and are found to be quite useful when fishing in the covered areas previously mentioned. 

Buffalo Springs Lake

Located just a few miles east of Lubbock, Buffalo Springs is a smaller two hundred acre lake with plenty of grassy cover in the water.

It’s a perfect “fishin’ hole” for a variety of fish including some nice sized stripers. Perfect for family fishing, there are also some secluded spots for anglers to get out there and test the waters, so to speak.

There are fishing spots at the docks, one named Paul’s Pond in particular, that boast a lot of bites throughout the seasons.

Another more secluded area would be near the spillway of Buffalo Springs where the water continues its journey south towards Ransom Canyon.

Towards the southeast end of the lake is McMillan Dam, a great post for catfish and stripers alike. With the grassy waters found here, jugs and cranks are again suggested, however many stripers have been snagged with anchovies and shad.

Like a lake with plenty of other activity, the wake and constant current dispel much of the fish to the outer shores, making shore fishing the perfect way to angle at Buffalo Springs.

Toledo Bend Reservoir 

Towards the eastern edge of the state, hugging the state line between Texas and Louisiana lies Toledo Bend Reservoir. Located on the Sabine River, this one hundred eighty-two thousand acre lake is chock full of largemouth and striped bass.

While the striper catches are slow during the summer months, fall and winter months tend to bounce those numbers back up, according to local anglers in the area.

Eelgrass and Pondweed surround the embankments, as well as Hydrilla clusters and fallen trees. This cover is excellent for striped bass to live in/around and will feed not far from their potential areas.

As for bait, plastic worms, lizards, and jigs are said to be the best to use during daylight hours in the Hydrilla cover, as the bass will congregate there to maintain a cooler temperature in the more shallow areas of the lake.

If you’re going to fish at night, be sure to use propellers or flukes as they are great for low-light topwater fishing.  

Those of you looking to catch some large stripers will want to check the flats and channels during the late summer and early fall. Stripers will school together during this time as they make their way upstream to spawn. 

Possum Kingdom Reservoir 

Spanning nearly sixteen thousand acres, Possum Kingdom Reservoir holds some of the best striped bass fishing west of Dallas. The reservoir was created in 1941 and is located on the Brazos River.

This body of water is rockier than the others mentioned, but towards the south shore, there is more vegetation.

According to locals, the docks make a convenient and great fishing spot, as most species of fish in the lake tend to enjoy its cover and shade. Aquatic vegetation can, again, be located towards the south end of the reservoir, and many stripers and white bass have been known to congregate there for the shade and cooler water temps.

It is recommended to use live bait such as live shad or anchovies for the bass located in this area.

To find the perfect spot for these stripers, just take a lookup. Birds will circle above and wait for leftovers to float up to the surface from the feeding bass below. Once a bird dives down for its meal, you’ll know just where to cast for some large stripers. If you’re not having any luck on live bait, it is recommended to use worms or spoons.

Record holders

We all enjoy a good fishing story (whether or not it’s actually true is always the big question) but these anglers soon to be mentioned have spent years hunting down and catching the largest striped bass in the state of Texas. 

-Ron Venerable

On May twenty seventh, nineteen ninety nine, Mr. Ron Venerable was fishing on the great Brazos River. Unaware of what was about to happen, he caught a bite, set the hook, and fought to reel in this behemoth. Weighing in at fifty three pounds and measuring forty eight inches long, Ron’s catch was, and still is, the biggest striped bass caught in the state of Texas. He holds the record to this day!

-Tom J. Reavis

Remember when we talked about the Amistad Reservoir? Well on May fourteenth, nineteen ninety, Mr. Tom J. Reavis pulled in a forty five pound, forty four inch long big boy. Definitely a striped bass for the books! This catch is currently the record for Amistad, and has been for over twenty nine years!

Rules and Regulations

As always there are rules that fishermen must follow when fishing in Texas. First off, it is important to know what you’re fishing for, and what each species looks like. There are different bag limits for different types and following those rules is a must.

For instance, the bag limit for stripers in Texas is 5 daily, but the bag limit for White Bass — a similar looking fish — is 25 a day. Keep in mind that following these regulations allows for other anglers to have their chance at the daily limit, and we all deserve the right to fish just as much as any other angler.

Conclusion

In closing, it’s easy to see that there are many great fishing spots in Texas. With such a large area, the state truly is a remarkable place to visit for some great sights and fishing holes.  

We’ve only covered a few, but there are hundreds! Always remember to be safe and adhere to the states fishing laws when out angling, and with dedication and time, you might be the next to catch a state record. Happy fishing! 

Hey FISHMONGER – make sure to check out my FISHING RESOURCES page.

Who wants to go on a tour with me? Today, we are going to explore the land of Cape Cod and the best fishing spots to catch a striped bass. For newcomers to striped bass fishing in Cape Cod be sure to check out the Army Corps of Engineers Cape Cod Canal Tide Chart, so you can be thoroughly prepared for the weather in the area. There are BIG fish, BIG tides, and BIG crowds in this area and a lot of the locals like to keep the prime fishing spots a secret, and do not like when ‘tourists’ come around and try to figure out where the best places are. Here, we are going to give you the top 4 striped bass fishing spots, along with a lot of information on Cape Cod Canal. 

Cape Cod Canal is a man-made short cut for baitfish, that is 7 miles long in between Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay. The baitfish try to use this short-cut in order to avoid the striped bass fish that are usually hot on their tails. You, as an angler, have to be prepared to use heavy jigs and large plugs to get the attention of the stripers. The Cape Cod Canal rivals Montauk Point as one of the best places, on the East coast, for catching striped bass. The top 4 spots to fish for striped bass in the Cape Cod area are:

• Barnstable Harbor
• Wellfleet
• Billingsgate Shoal
• Race Point

1. Barnstable Harbor: if you are not picky as far as the size of the striper that you catch, then check out the harbor towards the end of May. In the spring, striped bass will feed on mackerel and live eel in this area, but they are only schoolie sized. The preferred bait is small sliders, poppers, or soft baits. Once the mackerel start getting bigger, in mid-June, you will want to opt for a little bit bigger bait as that is when the bigger striper will start showing up as well. 

2. Wellfleet: with schools of herring swimming around in later May to mid-June, look to the seagulls for confirmation that the striped bass is close. If the seagulls confirm that the bass is close by, then it is the perfect time to get out your equipment and catch that striped bass. One angler, native to the area, recommends a 6.5″, 3 oz bone-colored Hogy Pro Paddle Tail. These lures closely resemble the herring that are lurking around in the water. The lures can be cast or jigged and offer maximum versatility and casting ability. Topwater fishing in this area is also amazing. 

3. Billingsgate Shoal: in this area the spring is amazing, but usually starts off with smaller fish. The best fishing tide in this area is the outgoing tide. Make sure, especially if you are new, to experiment with your lures. Try fishing both slow and fast retrieval with soft baits and metal lures. The Billingsgate area is a popular trolling spot, but some anglers prefer to accept the challenge of hands-on action using casting and jigging to catch the feisty, evasive striped bass. 

4. Race Point: usually an overabundance of sand eels are in this area. The fishing is amazing in the springtime and the striped bass tends to hold a little deeper here, which means they are going to be bigger and maybe more of a challenge to get reeled in. Softbaits and jigs work well when fished on the bottom, slowly. Trolling for stripers is popular in this area with the bass staying in the deeper water. 

There are other spots in Cape Cod and along the Cape Cod Canal to find the striped bass; Truro & Nauset Beach, Chatam Inlet, and Cape Cod National Seashore. When you arrive at the Cape Cod area, ask around at the local bait and tackle shops, local restaurants and resorts, the employees/owners should be able to give you more places where the striped bass are going to be hanging out. You can also check and/or get a pamphlet when you go and get your Massachusettes fishing license. These pamphlets show you where all the fishing hot spots are, they give you the rules, regulations and catch limits for the different species in the different areas. It is a must-have if you are new to any area. 

Scattered along the Canal shoreline are multiple resting and feeding places for the striped bass. Fish the low-tide with darter or bottle plugs, this will allow your lure to swim the surface and into the slower water where the striper love to wait for their prey to swim by. In the Cape Cod area, there are 3 main fishing techniques that the majority of the anglers use; jigging, plugging, and bait fishing. To reach the bottom during heavy currents requires using jigs as heavy as 5 ounces. Some of the anglers in the area prefer to use Cotton Cordell Pencil Poppers that they fill with birdshot.

Hey FISHMONGER – make sure to check out my FISHING RESOURCES page.

When jigging, make sure to target areas with drop-offs. These are the perfect little hiding spots for striped bass to lye and wait for their prey. Plugging is for that striped bass that is chasing their meal across the surface of the water. A popular time to use the plugs is at sunrise when you can visibly see the stripers on the surface. Bait fishing is very popular on the Cape Cod Canal, after dark, during the slow stages of the tide. Live eels are the #1 bait at this time, though mackerel and bunker will also work.

Because of the fast current, large tides and bigger lures, you need to have stout tackle when fishing Cape Cod. One of the secrets of the canal is to use topwater lures and fish 30 minutes before the first light. Numerous 70-pound striped bass has been caught in the Cape Cod area, mainly around the canal. The best fishing times in the Cape Cod area are right after the Labor Day holiday and through the month of October. At night, in this area, it is when you are going to find more and catch the bigger striped bass because they come closer to the beaches/shores to feed. 

Cap Code is a beautiful place any time of the year to vacation or visit, but if you are an avid angler and you are looking for your next big catch, then you need to head to Massachusettes. There are many places along the canal to catch that trophy striped bass. You will be the envy of all of your fishing buddies when they find out where you are going and when you show them pictures of the ‘big one’. 

Any avid fisherman knows that you definitely need a good pair of needle nose pliers. They come in handy when stubborn hooks refuse to come out of the fishes lip. They can also save you from being stabbed by your own hook if you try to get it out without pliers. 

The best fishing pliers have a long needle nose and are resistant to rust. They should have a ring on the end so you are able to tie a string to them to keep them from falling and a really good pair will have a spring to open the pliers automatically when the tension is let off of the handle. 

These are some of the good features to have although any pair of needle nose pliers is better than nothing so go ahead and throw them in your tacklebox.

Next you’re going to need some extra line. There may come a time where you need to re-string your fishing reel and in case that happens you’re going to need the right test line for the job at hand. 

It’s always good to have some extra fishing line in your tacklebox but don’t forget that you will need leader as well. Sometimes anglers like to use a lighter line for the leader so we are including them separately here.

Pre-tying your fishing rigs before you go on the water is a super idea.  You want to keep those pre-tied rigs in your tackle-box and safe from getting tangled or lost. If you break off your line and you need to tie a rig up real quick to get yourself back in the water that’s when these will come in handy. They’re already tied and ready to go.

You may need to bring with you a hook sharpening stone. Not much to say here except that you should sharpen your hooks every once in a while. If it’s been a while since you have sharpened your hook or the hooks on your fishing lures, you will have a stone available to do so if you put it in your tacklebox now.

While we are on the subject don’t forget to put extra hooks in your tacklebox. It might be a good idea to have some of the different sizes in case you get into bigger or smaller fish than you expected.

Of course you will need swivels and snap swivels as well. Your swivels can be used to create your rigs. When fishing for striped bass, you may want sliding snap swivels as well so that you can adjust the weights that you put on. 

If you are using live bait you may need a small net to help you retrieve them from the bait tank. Don’t forget to throw one in your tacklebox so you are ready to go when the time calls. You may decide to switch up and use a different type of live bait so have a net ready in case you need it.

Have a wire cutter handy especially if you or someone else nearby is accidentally stuck with a hook. You may need to cut the tip of that hook off in order to back the hook out of them. Hopefully that doesn’t happen and you only need wire cutters for other purposes. If you got a good pair of needle nose pliers you may also have some side cutters on there. If so you are set to go if not put a small pair of wirecutters in your tacklebox as well.

Of course you are going to need a tape measure or some way to measure those lunkers that you pulled out. Or you could just lie and overexaggerate what size the fish was.

You are going to need a stringer if you catch a few fish so don’t forget that. Depending on the size of fish that you are going to catch, plan the type of stringer that you bring accordingly.

A scale is a good thing to have handy especially if you catch your personal best and you want to document it on Film. ODon’t forget to set your scale at 5 pounds before you start weighing anything.

An old fisherman trick is to bring a pair of nail clippers on a string tied to your vest so that you can easily clip that fishing string or those tags whenever necessary. Make sure you have one in the tacklebox.

You are going to need a knife for sure. You can plan on what type of knife to put in your tacklebox but a fillet knife is a good idea because it can be used for many purposes including to fillet your catches.

You may need a hook retriever tool. Sometimes those fish swallowed the hook and it’s a little hard to get out without some help so a hook retriever is a great idea to have with you in your tacklebox. If you do not have one you can consider bringing a Flatnose screwdriver with a V cut into the tip of it. This may work as well to get those hooks out from deep down in the fish.

There is a type of float called a PALSA. They pinch on where your hook is and help it to float up off of the bottom. This keeps it out of the reach of crabs and other crustaceans that want to eat your bait before the fish get to it.

Bring some jigs and a rubber eel or worm. You never know when you’re going to need some jigs and some plastic baits. It’s a good idea to keep many sizes and flavors in your tacklebox.

If you are fishing for striped bass, you’re going to need some poppers or top water lures. Especially if you’re fishing for bass when they are feeding off of the top in boils. Keep several top water baits handy especially ones that mimic the feeder fish that your stripers are feeding on. In my state they feed off of shad so gold or silver colored top waters are a good idea.

If you are fishing fast-moving water or deep water you will want to bring with you some pyramid stinkers. Somewhere between 1 ounce to 3 ounces is best. This is where you’re snap swivels come in handy. If you are using a 1 ounce sinker and it is not enough to keep your bait in one spot you may need to switch up to a heavier sinker and having a snap swivel makes it easy to switch them out. But you need to have them in your tacklebox in the first place for that to work so we put them on The list.

Spider stinkers are another trick if you are in fast-moving water. They are like a pyramid sinker only they have legs made of wire that stick out and help to hold them down by them getting stuck in the rocks and sand as they hit the bottom. In fast-moving water they really do a nice job. Put some of these in your tackle box because if you don’t need them now you may need them in the future.

Of course a tackle box would not be complete without artificial bait and lures. There are so many kinds we will not get into them so much here however, many of our articles on this blog cover them in depth you can do a search at the top of the blog and find which articles talk about different kinds of lures but for now let’s just say that you need some in your tacklebox. 

Put some bobbers in your tackle box as well in case the fish are feeding from the top you can use them to keep your bait up high. A little trick that we use in the west are the sliding clear bobbers that hold water. You can fill them mostly full of water and they will have a lot of weight for your cast but they will have enough air in them to float. If you don’t want them to float you can fill them completely with water and they will sink like a sinker, taking your bait down with them.

I always like to carry some cramp on weights or some split shot with me in case I need to add weight on the fly. The needle nose pliers will come in handy here as well to pinch on those split shot and save your teeth.

A portable depth finder is a handy thing to have. Now days they make them to fit on the end of your spare fishing pole. You can cast them out to where your bait is and find out what’s going on down there below. Kind of high tech and nice?

Don’t forget to bring a Compass. If you are out on foot hiking those inlets and you get lost a compass may come in handy to help you find your way back. It’s always a good idea to know which direction you’re going especially when you’re lost.

 Now we’re getting into the really important things. Bring sunblock. If you are the only one that remembered you may be the savior of many other people on the fishing trip. The water can be brutal reflecting the suns rays up at you again after they have already hit you once. Putting on sunblock will keep you much happier than going home looking like a lobster believe me.

Bring a hat, keeping the sun off of your head especially in the summertime and blocking some of the suns rays off of your face will keep you a much happier fisherman.

While you’re at it put some sunglasses in your tacklebox. It’s always nice to have an extra pair in case someone else needs them. Having an extra pair in your tacklebox can save your eyes from Strain that is unnecessary in case you forget to bring your good ones at least you’ll have a back up pair and if you do bring your own you will have a back up pair for somebody else

Insect repellent is a good idea to have with you because when those mosquitoes come out it can be brutal. Keeping most of them away from you will make for a much nicer trip so put some in your tacklebox.

Some fish attractant sent maybe the one thing that makes your trip a lot more fun. We once fished on the lake where nobody was catching anything until we started using the scent and then we all cought fish. Everyone else on the lake was looking at us like what in the heck are you doing? They never did figure it out and we looked like geniuses.

Bring a small flashlight in your tacklebox in case you end up staying out late. It definitely could mean the difference between a good time and a more difficult time.

Take a Ziploc bag with some toilet paper in it in your taco 🌮box. I’m telling you, it could save your whole trip.

Bring some superglue. If you break a part of your real or your fishing pole or one of your lures you could be back in action quickly with some good superglue. It’s small but it works great. Here’s a tip, if you get a cut squeeze it together with some superglue and you are back in action.

 While we’re on that topic, you might as well put some duct tape in your tackle box as well. I don’t think I need to go into depth on why. It fixes everything.

 Here’s a pro tip for you, bring a hot glue stick and an extra rod tip. How many times has somebody broken off the tip of the road with no way to fix it?

If you are fishing on the shore taking a fishing rod holder in your tacklebox can make things a lot nicer for you.

Bring a facemask for mosquitoes. We buy the paint strainers at Lowe’s and they work great.

You can get a thin rain poncho at the dollar store and put it in your tacklebox. There are times when the rain starts and you have no way to get out of it unless you stop fishing. If you have one or two of these in your tacklebox it may save the day.

Put a lighter in your tacklebox.

You can get some bells to clip on the end of your fishing pole if you are fishing from the shore. This makes it nice because you do not have to stare at the end of your fishing pole all the time. There are bells with an led light as well for night fishing.

And last but not least, a multi tool. This kind of covers everything just in case. Some multi tools have needle nose on them, there is a knife there, screwdrivers in case you need them to tighten some up on your fishing rod for real. Etc.

So there you go this is the list that I came up with. If there is something that has been left off please let me know and I can add it to the list. As you will note our list has a few empty spaces at the end for just such an occasion because I’m sure there is something that’s missing. Happy trails and tight lines

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Maine is known for its many lighthouses, majestic mountains, Acadia National Park, and much more. But today, we are going to focus on striped bass fishing in Maine. We will review some hot spots, rules and regulations, and best lures/bait to us in this area. If you are ready, then let us take a trip through Maine.

There are many great locations to fish for striped bass in Maine, Here are some recommended places.

• Parsons Beach – Kennebunk
• Colony Beach – Kennebunkport
• Little River – Biddeford
• Hills Beach – Biddeford
• Pine Point Beach – Scarborough
• Clay Pits Road Boat Launch – Scarborough
• Eastern Trail – Scarborough
• Higgins Beach – Scarborough
• Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse – South Portland
• Mackworth Island – Falmouth
• Cousins Island – Yarmouth

Fishing Regulations for Maine

Why don’t we go ahead and the rules and regulations out of the way first? Then we can focus on the fun part of our trip. 

  1. fishing for striped bass is open all year round in Maine. From January 1st until December 31st (though there are PRIME fishing months in between)

  2. catch and keep – 1 fish per day, per person at a minimum of 28 inches in length

  3. sale is prohibited and fish must remain fully intact and whole

  4. no gaffing (using a pole with a sharp hook on the end to stab fish and lift them into the boat) of striped bass

  5. fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older to fish or to transport fish from inland waters

What Bait to use fishing in Maine

As in a lot of places, stripers will bite on many types of live bait and lures. Herring, eels and marine worms are widely used live bait, but the best is mackerel. Lead headed jigs, spoons, and deep-diving plugs are the most recommended lures, but as always, it depends on the area and time of day that you are hunting down the striped bass. In Maine, the stripers like to hang out around rocky shores, shallow bays, surf line of beaches, and coastal rivers. 

When should I fish for striped bass in maine?

The optimum time frame for striped bass in Maine is from mid-May to early October. We are going to review the top 5 places to catch the striped bass during this time period. Parking and access along the coast can be a bear, so we have a couple of tips for that as well. But before you go, do check and see what the parking is. Some are free, some are limited and some will charge a small fee for parking. These spots are perfect for those of you who are new to Maine or new to the sport of striper fishing. 

Places to fish for striped bass in Maine

Parsons Beach located in Kennebunk:

This is a private beach but allows public access. Parking is free but very limited, so get there early. In this area, you have Mousam River, Back Creek, Little River, and a couple of other prime spots for fishing. Offering great fishing along the beach, there are 2 jetties that are very popular. One is along the west side of the river, near Gooch’s Beach and the other is on the side. This is a gorgeous place to fish with plenty of room for a large number of fishermen. In this particular area, live mackerel work the best especially if you are out on a boat. 

Get a FREE Printable tackle box checklist HERE

Colony Beach in Kennebunkport:

Also called Arundel Beach at the mouth of Kennebunk River. The best target zone is the outgoing tide at the mouth of the river. Where there are sand and rocks, you will generally find striped bass. Even in June, the temperatures are still in the low 50’s, making the striper less active and hanging out on the bottom of the ocean/river. The early morning or when the sun is setting with an outgoing tide is prime time in this area. Live bait is your best bet during the daytime hours, lures are prime for early mornings and at sunset. If you are new to the sport or new to the area, you may want to consider a fishing guide in the Kennebunkport area. They can and will teach you everything you need to know about striped bass fishing and the best spots to catch the big one. 

Little River in Biddeford:

Overflowing with fish at the mouth of this river at the turning tide, more so if it hits at sunset or sunrise. Unfortunately, the one downside of this area is resident parking permits. Just do a little checking around, the bait and tackle shops can lead you in the right direction for parking and access to the river. One of the ways is via the river at Timber Point. Included in the Biddeford area is the also popular Saco River. This area provides a lot of shore access, 2 boat ramps, and tons of parking. With this area being as large as it is, fishing tours/guides are also recommended if you are new. Otherwise, grab your pole and your bait and pick a spot, any spot. 

Hills Beach also located in the Biddeford area:

Your best bet for parking is to arrive early in the morning. Search along Hills Beach Road and look for parking signs. There is a college right up the road, but please do not try to park in their lot! Try your luck where the rocks meet the sand.

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July is when the striped bass tend to move towards the beaches in this area. Smaller stripers will be around rivers and of course, the bigger striped bass will be in the deeper water (so you will need a boat). One thing to remember in most areas in Biddeford; locals do not like to share the ‘gems’.  They searched long and hard for these prime spots and do not take kindly to them being over-ran with newcomers or tourists. 

Pine Point Beach in Scarborough:

in this area, you will have a few different platforms to choose from;

  1. the mouth of Nonesuch

  2. sandbar below the tide

  3. the stone jetty at the turning tide

The mouth of Nonesuch runs through the 3,000 acres of Scarborough Marsh. The baitfish are abundant in this area as well as the birds. So, catch that live bait before the birds eat it all for breakfast! If you have a boat, head out early (5 a.m.) to catch plenty of live bait such as mackerels, so you can be back at Prouts Neck for high tide around 8:30 a.m… Stripers love to follow mackerel schools, so if you see large schools you are bound to see and even catch some striped bass. 

Before we end our striped bass fishing trip in Maine, I am going to leave you with a few other hot spots to chase down and catch the elusive stripers. 

  1. Clay Pits Road Boat Launch – Scarborough

  2. Eastern Trail – Scarborough

  3. Higgins Beach – Scarborough

  4. Spring Point Lodge Lighthouse – South Portland

  5. Mackworth Island – Falmouth

  6. Cousins Island – Yarmouth

Make sure to do a little research on parking in each area and ease of access. These 11 spots are just a handful of areas for striped bass in Maine. If you are new to the sport, to the Maine area (or any other state for that matter), check into hiring a fishing guide. Yes, it is going to cost a little more during your vacation or weekend get-a-way, but it is well worth the money. You will learn a tone of information, tips, and tricks. The bonus to a fishing guide; you are almost guaranteed to catch at least 1 fish per person that is on the tour with you. Most of these guys are natives and grew up in the areas that they are guiding, so it is a no brainer to have one of them teach you and show you around. Happy Fishing!!!! 

Montauk Point: whether you are in a boat or fishing from the large rocks on the shore, there is an abundance of striped bass to wrangle. Using large live eel or big soft lures doesn’t seem to matter. Watch for flocks of birds as they will tip you off to where there is a large school of stripers. Striped bass also feeds on herring, squid, and mackerel. The optimum water temperature for catching a striper in Montauk is 55-65 degrees. If it is any colder than that, you are only going to find them on the bottom of the water and not very active or hungry. Prime months for the striped bass in this area is September and October. This is when New York has the elite striped bass and bluefish blitz. You can also catch the stripers between April and June, before the scorching summer heat hits.

In Montauk, you can reel in a striped bass between 10 to over 50 pounds with the average size being 15-30 pounds. Rules and regulations state that you can only keep 1 striped bass per day at a minimum of 28 inches long. Some of the recommended techniques according to a professional charter service:

1. trolling, using Powershot jigs, snakes or umbrella rigs will get you a trophy catch

2. live eels are a regular and preferred way, especially at sunset or at night, but you can use them during the day as well

3. live bait fishing for porgies. After you catch the limit of porgies, you use the porgie to catch the monster stripers in this area

Avid fishermen and locals say that the lighthouse is a very popular fishing spot. The parking lot becomes a fish camp in the fall. The lighthouse is at the extreme tip of South Fork. This is where the striper spill from the waterways. You have to be extremely careful and cautious in this area as the rocks are slick and the current can get very strong. it will knock you down and pull you under before you know what happened. If you want to get your picture in the local bait and tackle shops, then you need to hunt down and catch a striper that is at least 40 pounds. Most anglers use a 10-foot rod, which allows them to send a lure way out into the surf. 

FREE Printable tackle box checklist HERE

Most fishermen in this area also choose to use a 20-pound test line. Because of the rough current and all of the rocks, most surf casters opt to wear chest waders. Some other gear that you may consider, for your safety; creepers (sandals with metal studs, for gripping the slippery rocks), wet suits, and helmets. Helmets protect you so that if you get pulled under the water your head is protected should you hit a rock. You can ask around at the tackle shops and get any more advice on the gear to wear or to have handy when you fish in this area. 

Some of the most crucial lures to use at Montauk Point; pencil poppers, bucktails, standard poppers, and metal lures. Light-colored lures work best during the day and the dark-colored lures work best at night. Sounds strange, I know, but that is what locals and professionals say works best. Most of the bait and tackle shops in the area can give you tips, tricks, advice, and up to the minute fishing reports at any time of the day. If you are a beginner, the locals suggest keeping the bait simple and starting out slowly. 

Regulations are as follows:

1. on the Hudson River, 1 striped bass per day at a minimum of 18-28 inches long

2. in marine waters, south of George Washington Bridge, 1 striper a day at a minimum 28 inches long. 

3. don’t forget the fishing license. Your annual license for residents, age 16-69, is going to cost $25. If you are a non-resident, the annual license will be $50. You can also choose to have a license for just 7 days, which is going to be $12 for a resident and $28 if you are a non-resident. A 1-day fishing license will be a respective $5 or $10. 

Now that we have covered the legal aspect of fishing in New York, let’s pick up where we left off with the tips, tricks, and excitement of catching the striped bass at Montauk. A couple of exciting places along Montauk to go striper fishing is Turtle Cove, which is located on the north side of the lighthouse. On the southside, we have the popular spot of False Bar. Both places offer an abundance of striped bass (and bluefish). As long as it is not midday and overly hot, they will feed continually, day and night. So, if you are up for it, be prepared to fish 24/7 because the fish don’t wait for you to finish your meal before they start theirs.

Some of the other popular places around Montauk for striper fishing:

1. North Bar

2. Evan’s Rock

3. Browns

4. Jones Reef

5. Caswells

Inlets are a good target in these areas for anglers. Whether there are jetties or not, these are major thoroughfares for a lot of bait and fish that are moving between the bays, ocean, and harbor. 

A few, last-minute tips for fishing in Montauk and then an event that we have saved for last. Local and professional anglers recommend the northside of the lighthouse and Ditch Plains for beginners or first-timers to this area. Anglers native to the area can not stress enough; “never go out on the rocks without “creepers” or Korkers. Korkers are spiked rubber soles that are attached to the bottom of the boots. If you do not have them, please stay on the sandy beaches as the rocks are very slippery. As mentioned before, it is also advised to have waders and maybe even a helmet, for the first-timers. 

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For 10 weeks, from September through the end of October, Montauk hosts an invitation-only striped bass tournament. This tournament has been running for 30 years. It was originally named Montauk Locals Tournament. The name was changed to Montauk Surfmasters in 2010. For the best and savviest fishermen, this is one of the most elusive tournaments. 

The divisions for this tournament are as follows:

1. Waders

2. Women

3. Wet Suit

4. kids/youth

In addition, there is a catch and release division for kids. This allows kids who want to participate but are new to the sport, to catch a striper, take a picture and then release the fish.  Basically, this is a photo contest for the kids, while still allowing them to have fun and participate. 

So, now that you have all of the ins and outs of Montauk and where the best places are to catch the striped bass, along with rules and regulations, safety, and best lures. Let’s get our bags packed and get out there for one heck of a good time!

We are going to take a trip to Massachusetts, to discover the best places to catch the striped bass. We will look at the fishing rules and regulations as well. You will know everything you need to, to snag a striper, once you reach the end of our trip. 

The rules and regulations in Massachusetts:

1. anyone 16 or older needs a fishing permit

2. the permit fee is $10 whether you are a resident or non-resident

3. there is no charge for a license if you are 60+ years old

4. Massachusetts residents can fish in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut with their fishing license

5. the limit is 1 fish per day at a minimum of 28 inches long

6. it is illegal to keep a striper on a line or chain in the water to keep it alive. You are also not allowed to keep it in a holding car or live well.

7. the striper MUST be whole (body, head, and tail kept intact) with only evisceration allowed. 

Some of the fishing Hot Spots in Massachusetts

Now that we have covered all of the rules and regulations for the striped bass in Massachusetts, we are going to move on to the fun part, where to catch the striper. There are many hot spots on both the North and South shores, and also along the Connecticut River. We will explore a little later, but on the North shore, a couple of the best spots are Boston Harbor, Governors Flats, and Deer Island. On the South shore, Martha’s Vineyard, South Cape Beach, and Sandy Neck. 

FREE Printable tackle box checklist HERE

In Massachusettes many anglers fish from shore using baitfish. Some fishermen will use soft plastic lures or baitfish-imitating crankbaits. Of course, trolling in open water is a quicker way to find the striped bass, but it isn’t always about quick and easy. Some anglers love the challenge of locating and catching from the shoreline. The striper is normally found in shallow bays, along the rocky shoreline, and river mouths. Striped bass is prevalent in Massachusettes from May through November. Many anglers in the area consider the striper the best game fish. 

Best time to fish in Massachusetts

As it is everywhere, the best times to snag the elusive striper is before dusk and dawn. If you are going to fish from shore with lures or bait, make sure to choose an area with a good current. Some anglers prefer a medium to a heavy pole using a 12-20 pound test line. While others swear by a 10-12 foot pole (surf rod & reel) using 30-40 pound test line. It is all in what you are comfortable using and what you can afford. There is no right or wrong pole, reel or test line. It is more about the time of day, the location, and the lure/bait that is being used. 

So, lets now begin our tour around Massachusetts and give you a little bit more information on some of the hotspots for catching the elusive and feisty striped bass. 

Boston Harbor

Boston Harbor: this is a natural estuary of Massachusetts Bay. Estuaries are the perfect hiding spot for the striper. Porgies are in abundance and they are great to use as bait to catch the prized trophy striped bass. They are found in the inner harbor area. You can also use live bait or use lures, especially for trolling. Striper seems to like the large soft plastic lures the best in this area. The water is clean and clear with a ton of small places to catch striped bass, such as Deer Island. A little more challenging than other areas because of all of the boat traffic in the Harbor. Be prepared to snag fish as big as 30-35 pounds and 42 inches long. Reel in slow, let the striper wear itself out, and be patient. There is a lot of action and challenge fishing on the Boston Harbor. 

Deer Island

Deer Island: located in Winthrop, on the Northern edge of Boston Harbor. The best spot for striper is Great Faun Bar. If you are on a boat, locate the deeper areas, often found in the middle of the bar. You can also fish for the striped bass on the Deer Island Fish Pier. It is 210 feet long and 12 feet wide. Besides porgies, other live bait that is successful: mackerel, pollock, eels, and seaworms. One other spot to catch the striper in this area is on the shore of Merrimack River, which is on Deer Island. The best time to catch the striped bass in this area is late May to early June. A very popular spot, when the stripers are running is the Rocks Village Bridge. 

Governors Flats

Governors Flats: also part of the Boston Harbor, in Suffolk County this is a spectacular Island of 105 acres, but they say that the island disappeared under Logan Aire port in 1946. On a map, Governors Island Flats, Governors Island, and Apple Island are all within a mile or 2 of each other. Make sure, that no matter where you to choose to fish on the North Shore, the school of porgies can lead to your striped bass catch of the day. 

We are going to now move our tour to South shores and delve a little deeper into a couple of amazing hotspots for the striped bass. 

Martha’s Vinard

Martha’s Vineyard: home to the Martha’s Vineyard striped bass and bluefish derby, off of the Massachusetts coast. It is 100 square miles off of the coast of Cape Cod. Stripers like to hang out at the Squibnocket and Aquinnah. You do need to use caution, as there are treacherous shallows in this area. Striped bass also likes to stick together along Devils Bridge. For bait in this area; live eels, flies, and plugs cast among the stones can draw generous strikes from the stripers. You can also try drifting or deep-jigging using bucktails or diamond jigs. 

South Cape Beach

South Cape Beach: this area is best for bottom fishing and cast fishing. Depending on how far you want to walk, you have a lot of options to fish. You can park at Mashpee Town Beach and cast right off of the lot on the beach. If you head east, from the parking lot, along the beach there is another area called State Beach. Further east, behind the golf course, you will find many small rips that attract the striper. If you choose to go South from the parking lot, you will see the entrance to Waquat Bay. This is a good-sized harbor and bay that boaters love for catching striped bass.

Sandy Neck

Sandy Neck: located in the town of Barnstable, this is a great swimming spot during those hot summer months. But if you walk, in either direction, you will find prime fishing spots just a few hundred feet away. Fishing at Sandy Neck Beach is best done after dark in the summer, or in the fall during daylight with a northeast breeze. If you do not mind the walk, at the end of Sandy Neck is a spot called Beach Point, but the jaunt is about 7 miles. You will have prime striped bass fishing in this area if you fish from the darker water with gravel and weed patches. 

Hey FISHMONGER – make sure to check out my FISHING RESOURCES page.

Conclusion

This ends our tour of hot spots in Massachusetts, to catch the striped bass. I hope we have given you enough valuable information to get started on your weekend getaway or your summer vacation. Now, go grab your gear, your friends, your family and head out for some trophy striped bass fishing in Massachusetts. Remember if you have never been there, don’t forget to grab a map so you can find all of the wonderful tourist attractions and make sure when you get your fishing permit, grab a rules and regulations booklet as well. This will give you all of the information that you need to fish legally in Massachusetts and it will also give you some insight on some of the other hot spots to fish. 

Striped bass are one of the most popular game species in the United States. Striped bass, also known locally as linesiders or “stripers” have become a staple in the fishing world for their jumping habits, contributing to the popular tactic of “jump fishing.”

This type of angling is where a fisherman will sight fish for schools of them breaking in certain areas of their lake or reservoir. In the low light of the late evening or the early hours of the morning, stripers are known to boil to the top of the water. But why do Striped bass jump in the first place?

Striped Bass, are known to jump out of the water while hunting their prey. If their next meal is swimming in schools near the surface of the water, they will swim up and launch themselves toward it, even breaking and jumping over the surface of the water.

Since the 19th century, Striped bass fishing has been both a freshwater and saltwater favorite for a number of fishermen across the United States, including both the East and West coasts, larger reservoirs and lakes, and in river systems spanning throughout the country.

Once mature, these fish average out between 20 and 40lbs, with some weighing in the triple digits. The largest striped bass ever recorded, caught in a fisherman’s net 1896, weighed in at 124lbs. The largest striper ever landed by an angler, however, was caught in 2011. The 81.88lb monster was successfully landed by Greg Myerson, who currently still holds the World Record to this day. The fish measured 54in in length when Myerson pulled it from the waters of Westbrook, Connecticut nearly eight years ago.

But he didn’t catch this trophy by jump fishing, because as most people could recon, world-record sized trophy fish don’t just jump out of the water, unlike their smaller counterparts. 

FREE Printable tackle box checklist HERE

When feeding, striped bass are known to choose one desired food and stick with it. Based on the conditions of the water and the time of year, these selective fish will search for specific prey on which to feed. For example, they’ll communicate to one another what looks good to eat and they have been known to reject anything else, making the search for stripers even more difficult.

Stripers, however, are also known to jump out of the water while hunting their prey. If their next meal is swimming in schools near the surface of the water, they will swim up and launch themselves toward it, even breaking and jumping over the surface of the water. This has proven true for topwater fishing, as Striped bass can locate their prey (namely Shad, Anchovies, etc) on the surface of the water, and launching themselves toward the surface to take it is an instinctual to them.

Schools of striper will do this from time to time, depending on the location of the feeding area and what the temperature is like outside. In the summer months, the area nearest the dam of a lake or reservoir can be a great area to watch for jump fishing, while the estuaries and smaller offshoot branches of the lake can be better for the winter and fall months. When in doubt, ask the locals where the water is breaking and what kind of bait has been working in their area.

For many fishermen, the question of whether or not striped bass even jump in the first place is still up in the air (no pun intended but always appreciated.)

Zooplankton: What are they, and how do stripers feed on them?

Zooplankton, a word derived from ancient Greek meaning “animal” and “wanderer,” are microscopic organisms found throughout most bodies of water, both freshwater and saltwater, around the globe. These bodies contain many different species of Zooplankton and other smaller prey, which are consumed by Shad and other bait species and are then, in turn, consumed by striped bass. Notable fishermen have discovered a tactic for striper fishing playing on that same food chain, however it also greatly improves the success of fishing for stripers at night. 

Zooplankton and smaller bait fish are known to be attracted to bright lights, leading anglers to develop waterproof LED systems which, when dropped below the surface, lure the bait fish toward the light.

Once schools of these fish start gathering around the lights, stripers come up from the depths of the cool water below and feed on their prey. This method of striper fishing has been largely effective since it first became popular in the late 90s and early 2000s, and can be used when fishing from a boat or from the shore. The general consensus of the striper fishing community is that green LEDs are most effective in attracting bait and plankton, while other types of underwater lights can be used for a variety of species. Simple Crappie lights can be made with everyday items such as car headlights and Styrofoam, and can be quite effective depending on the weather conditions and the species population in your area.

Hydro Glow is a reputable brand for deepwater stripers, however it’s a safe bet to compare brands and see what works best for yourself. Just to name a few:

1. For first-timers, the TIMMRAIN 1200 LM fishing light is critically-acclaimed and relatively inexpensive. At $17.99 on Amazon, it’s a great buy for those new to the striper game or who just want to test the waters without breaking the bank. This item currently has the highest rating among 17 reviews on Amazon, and has been given four and a half stars.
2. Amazon’s choice, however, takes second place in the ratings, also with four and a half stars between 102 reviewers. The Linkstyle 12V 1000 LM bait finder light is also an LED light, which can be effective down to about 20 feet below the surface. This item is equipped with an eye ring at the bottom in order to connect a weight when submerging. Although it’s equipped with 200 less lumens than the TIMMRAIN, this light makes up for it in depth capabilities, which beat out the TIMMRAIN by a hair.
3. As stated before, the Hydro Glow GreenHydro is a high-output LED light that has gained attention for its effectiveness in attracting hordes of baitfish in the path of its green glow. The Hydro Glow radiates 4000 LM beneath the surface, making it an effective tool for charter captains and average Joes alike.

Aside from using the glow of the light to attract prey at night, striper fishing during the day is a whole different can of worms. You may be asking “Hey man, what good is it to have glow lights if I’m fishing for stripers during the day?” Well, whether you’re searching for jumping striped bass for looking for an early 4:30p.m. dinner buffet, always follow the birds (maybe they’re serving striper.)

Hey FISHMONGER – make sure to check out my FISHING RESOURCES page.

I digress. During the day, when using your glow lights is pointless, the seagulls and birds dive-bombing the surface are also great indicators for schools of baitfish and where they like to hang out.

Whether fishing from a boat or from the shore, the direction in which the birds are circling and touching down will give you a good idea of where to drop your hook. This method of fishing has been used for thousands of years, and it still remains tried and true to this day. Watching the wildlife around you helps to develop a keen sense of what to expect, and will allow any great outdoorsman or woman to pinpoint just what they’re looking for.

Stripers are evasive, smart creatures and should be treated with respect. Using these tips and suggestions can help you in your own adventures in the outdoors.