An Introduction to Striped Bass Fishing

The striped bass is almost always referred to as the "striper." Like largemouth bass fishing, striped bass fishing has caught on to become one of the most popular sports and leisure activities in North America. In fact, in some places like Cape Code, it is one of the most popular forms of angling.

Although bass can be found in many different places throughout the North American continent, the striped bass primarily lives on the Eastern Seaboard, ranging from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Southern Georgia. Part of the reason why striped bass fishing is more popular in Northeastern states and Mid-Atlantic states, rather than Southeastern states, is because the optimal spawning temperature is somewhere in the mid-range for bass. Generally, striped bass will spawn when the water is between 59 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If it gets significantly higher than that, the quality of the eggs can be compromised by the high water temperatures. This means that striper have to migrate to deeper and cooler waters when the temperature of the water beings to rise.

In the Spring, striped bass fishing becomes even more popular in the Northeastern United States, as striper migrate up the Eastern Seaboard to spawn to waters of optimal temperature. Usually, the female will lead and several males will follow - the goal, of course, is to spawn further North.

In the Fall, again, as water temperatures cool off, striper re-emerge from colder, deeper water to appear on the Eastern Seaboard, which means that striped bass fishing once again becomes popular.

No matter where you live or what season it happens to be, striped bass fishing is almost guaranteed to be an interesting endeavor, as striper is one of the largest variations of bass - and is known for putting up a fierce fight against anglers.