Stripers on the Coast

It is almost time for the northeast coastal surf fishermen to absent from normal activities for extended periods of time. Striped bass should begin running any day now. Numbers are already being reported! From North Florida to Maine and all points in between, in daylight and in dark, the fishing beaches will be lined with surf fishermen looking for that huge lineside.

Striped bass, sometimes called rock fish south of New York and New Jersey, make two migrations a year. The first is to their spawning areas far upstream in coastal rivers. Some travel as far as 100 miles upstream to spawn. The second migration is the summer move to more northern climes.

This second migration is what the New England, New York and New Jersey surf fishermen wait for every year. Numerous surf fishing clubs in the Northeast specialize in nothing but stripers. Clubs such as Farragut Striper Club and Jersey Coast Angler's Association provide news and tips to their members.

Heavy tackle and large lures are the order of the day. Live bait in the form of eels is the preferred bait in many areas. Our Striper page can help you with links to sites with tips and information on fishing for these, the largest members of the true bass family.

Dave Lawrence shows us two nice fish caught during June off of Long Island. How about you? Have you got some bragging pictures for me to post on our Braggin Board? Send them in!!