Explore the ultimate guide to striper fishing, journeying from the bountiful waters of the Chesapeake Bay to the scenic shores of Martha’s Vineyard. Discover premier striper fishing destinations along the East Coast. Learn expert tips, and angling techniques to be successful in that big catch.

Table of Contents

• Spawning Habits:
• Weather conditions:
• When to Fish:
• Beach Striper fishing:
• Types of Bait:
• Striper Fishing in Virginia
  • Best fishing
  • Smith Mountain Lake
    • Smith Mountain Lake Striper Fishing Regulations:
  • Staunton River:
    • Regulations: Staunton River up to Leesville Dam
• Striper Fishing in Maryland
  • Places to go Striper fishing in Maryland
  • Maryland Striper Fishing Regulations:
    • Chesapeake Bay and Tidal tributaries(excluding the Susquehanna Flats, Lower Susquehanna River and Northeast River)
    • Susquehanna Flats, Lower Susquehanna River and Northeast River
    • Atlantic Ocean, COASTAL BAYS and THEIR TRIBUTARIES
    • Nontidal
  • It is Illegal:
• Striper Fishing in Delaware
  • Delaware Striped Bass Spawning Season
  • Places to go Striper fishing in Delaware include:
  • Free Fishing Days
  • Delaware striped bass regulations
• Striper Fishing in New Jersey
  • Places to go striper fishing in NJ include:
  • Striped Bass bonus program;
  • Individual Angler Mandatory Reporting Requirements
• Striper Fishing in New York
  • New York – Long Island get your license;
  • NY salt water striper fishing regulations:
  • Tidal Hudson River striper fishing regulations:
  • 2024 Free Fishing Days Schedule:
  • Best places to go striper fishing in NY are:
• Striper Fishing in Connecticut
  • Connecticut striper fishing regulations:
  • Places to go striper fishing in Connecticut:
• Striper Fishing in Rhode Island
  • Rhode Island striper fishing regulations:
  • Best places to go striper fishing in Rhode Island include:
• Striper Fishing in Massachusetts
  • Massachusetts striper fishing regulations:
  • Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby:
  • Other places to go striper fishing in Massachusetts are:
• Other Striper fishing contests and tournaments

Scientific name = Morone saxatilis – other names = rockfish, striper.

Spawning Habits:

Spawning Habits – Every spring anadromous stripers move from the ocean and Chesapeake Bay to spawn in freshwater tidal rivers. Stripers migrate up tributary rivers to spawn, often below dams obstructions or blocked tributaries. When water temperatures are from 55° to 60°F, the females deposit their semi-buoyant eggs in the current. They are fertilized as they are being released, and they stay afloat until the fry hatch out.

Weather conditions:

The weather conditions effect the spawning habits of the striped bass in a few ways. If the weather is warmer and consistent it will accelerate the spawning season. If the weather is colder and fluctuating it will delay the spawning season.

Rainy weather for striper fishing is a blessing. the waters are higher, and faster. This makes the waters a bit foggy or dirty, allowing the striped bass to ambush its prey by waiting below rapids, or under overhanging banks. Baitfish are swept down stream to the waiting striper.

Hot sunny days are better fished in the deeper waters where the water is a bit cooler, or under cover in the shade. the water hear can be several degrees cooler, and have more oxygen than the warmer water in the sun.

When to Fish:

The best hours of the day for striper fishing are early mornings, or in the evenings right after sunset. There is about two hours of increased activity during both times. The dimmer lighting allows the striped bass to better see and hunt their prey.

Beach Striper fishing:

Striper fishing from shore on a beach can be challenging. You want to know as much as possible about the seabed or river bed. The location of sand bars, drop offs, deep troughs, or rocky bottoms. Striper fishing during the incoming tide at low tide, fish the deeper water of a drop off. Striper fishing the outer side, wave side of a sand bar toward the deeper water is best during an outgoing tide. Striper fishing during outgoing tides is best done in the deep trough between the shore and the sand bars. This has been the most productive areas and tides. During high tide fish the rocky bottom areas of the shore line.

Types of Bait:

Types of bait used for striper fishing include live bait, and artificial lures. The best is always fresh live bait. Live baits include:

• Atlantic Menhaden (Bunker), a forage fish of the species of shad.
• Alewife (herring), a species of shad.
• Eels (Anguilla rostrata), a ray-finned fish.
• Mackerel, a common name for a number of different species of pelagic fish.
• Clams, must be broken up, or crushed. Striped bass can not break the shells. good for chumming.
• Squid, hard to find live, can be purchased frozen. The smaller size is best 2 to 6 inch.
• Worms, night crawlers for freshwater striped bass, and bloodworms or sandworms for saltwater striped bass. Other fish also love worms so not every catch will be a tasty striped bass.

Artificial lures include:

• Topwater Lures, good in low light conditions, early mornings or evenings. An example would be a rapala.
• Soft plastic, use ones that resemble and imitate real bait that striped bass would normally eat. such as eels, crabs, shrimp, and small fish.
• Spoons, best cast and reeled in quickly. Striped bass are attracted to the shine and movement of these fast baits.
• Jigs, these baits sink under the surface and make a lot of movement as they are reeled in. Some also make noise. An example of one that striped bass love are yellow bucktail lead heads.

Striper Fishing in Virginia

Get your license here @ https://dwr.virginia.gov/licenses/

Best fishing

Lakes = Smith Mountain, Buggs Island, Anna, Claytor, Gaston, Leesville and Western Branch.

Rivers = Staunton/Roanoke and all tidal rivers.

Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake has gained national attention for its striped bass fishery. Striped bass have been stocked in the reservoir since the construction of the dam in 1963. Limited spawning habitat for striped bass prevents successful natural reproduction. Stocking is required to maintain the fishery unlike other species such as bass, crappie, catfish, and shad.

Striped bass are distributed throughout the lake during most of the year but are concentrated in lower lake areas during the summer and early fall months. Coves and the upper reaches of the reservoir are typically not very productive for striped bass during the summer and early fall months so anglers should concentrate their efforts on the lower main lake beginning in June. Striped bass are very mobile and may change locations continuously depending on forage availability, water temperatures, and spawning.

Catch your own live bait: Use a cast net to catch live bait (Gizzard Shad, Threadfin Shad, and Alewife fish) from the lake. In the early months of Spring use Gizzard Shad to catch those large Striped bass. After the spawning period the use of large Gizzard Shad are the best choice. The best time of day to catch shad is a few hours before dark. Shad do not feed while spawning so a cast net works best. In the warmer months of summer striped bass prefer the Alewife fish. These are easy to catch after dark hours using a light from a dock or pier and casting a net until it hits the bottom.

Anglers should take note that many of the striped bass released during the summer months will not survive! Anglers should not practice catch and release for striped bass during the summer months.

Smith Mountain Lake Striper Fishing Regulations:

• June 1 – October 31
  • 2 per day
  • no length limit
• November 1 – May 31
  • 2 per day
  • 30 inch – 40 inch protective slot limit (all striped bass caught between 30 and 40 inches must be immediately released unharmed. Fish under 30 inches and over40 inches may be kept.

Smith Mountain Lake has many public and private boat ramps, marinas, lodging facilities, and campgrounds. In addition, Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Franklin County Park, Oak Grove public access facility, Scruggs public access facility, and Penhook public access facility each have handicapped-accessible fishing piers. For additional information on lodging, marinas, and other attractions check out the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce or the Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center.

Staunton River:

The Staunton River is an 81-mile segment of the Roanoke River, the Staunton River begins at Leesville Dam and continues to the confluence with John H. Kerr Reservoir. The Staunton River is located in south-central Virginia and forms the boundaries of Campbell, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Charlotte counties.

Regulations: Staunton River up to Leesville Dam

• June 1 – September 30
  • 4 per day
  • No length limit
• October 1 – May 31
  • 2 per day
  • No Striped bass less than 20 inches or greater than 26 inches ma be kept.

Anglers should go to https://dwr.virginia.gov/ to check for regulations for each specific body of water they intend to fish.

Striper Fishing in Maryland

Get your license here: @ https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/service_fishing_license.aspx

Places to go Striper fishing in Maryland

The Chesapeake Bay: is a major spawning location for striped bass. Adult striped bass spawn in March, April and May in the Bay’s tributaries, Juvenile striped bass can remain in the bay from two five years. The best striped bass fishing in the Bay occurs during the early spring season from late May to early July. When the water temps warm the adults head toward cooler waters, while the juveniles head to deeper waters in the Bay.

Susquehanna River: The Susquehanna River, particularly the lower portion near its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay, is renowned for its striped bass fishing. It is the Northernmost major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. The best striped bass fishing is the lower section below the Conowingo Dam. This is known as Susquehanna Flats, a vast area of shallow grass beds near the mouth of the river that spans 9,000 acres. The flats depth changes abruptly from 40 ft. to less than 5ft. The flats have 10 – 20 foot channels running on either side, with narrow ditches interwoven through them. Most of the flats are sand and mud and is very shallow.

Potomac River: The Potomac River, which forms part of the border between Maryland and Virginia, offers good fishing for striped bass. The river’s tidal waters, especially around areas like the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and the mouth of the river, are popular spots for catching stripers. There are also a number of charters offered on the Potomac with some that extend into the Bay. Striped bass fishing on the river is excellent from May to December.

Patuxent River: The Patuxent River, is another tributary of the Chesapeake Bay that offers great striper fishing.

Choptank River: The Choptank River, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is another productive striper fishing destination. Anglers can find stripers in the river’s deeper channels, and near tidal flats. Other rivers on Maryland’s Eastern Shore include the Chester River: The Chester River, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is known for its striper fishing, and the Nanticoke River: The Nanticoke River, also on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, provides opportunities for striper fishing.

Maryland Striper Fishing Regulations:

Chesapeake Bay and Tidal tributaries
(excluding the Susquehanna Flats, Lower Susquehanna River and Northeast River)

JAN. 1–FEB. 29	All Maryland Chesapeake Bay waters and the Potomac River are open to catch and release fishing only	No harvest	Catch and release only	Directed catch and release of striped bass in the Potomac requires barbless hooks. Eels may not be used as bait.
MAR. 1–MAR. 31	Chesapeake Bay from the Brewerton Channel to the Virginia line including Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds.	No harvest	Stinger (trailing) hooks are prohibited. Barbless hooks are required when trolling. Non-offset circle hooks or J hooks with a gap of less than ½ inch are required when using natural bait. No more than 6 lines may be employed while trolling regardless of the number of anglers on board.	Spawning rivers and the Upper Bay spawning area are off limits until June 1 to striped bass fishing. Eels may not be used as bait. See maps at: dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/sb_reg_maps.aspx
APR. 1–APR. 30	All areas closed to striped bass fishing.	CLOSED		No catch and release fishing. Attempting to catch striped bass is illegal during this time period.
MAY 1–MAY 15				No Regulations at time of publishing this post. You can go to https://www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/striped-bass for updates.
MAY 16–MAY 31				No Regulations at time of publishing this post. You can go to https://www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/striped-bass for updates.
JUNE 1–JULY 15				No Regulations at time of publishing this post. You can go to https://www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/striped-bass for updates.
JULY 16–JULY 31				No Regulations at time of publishing this post. You can go to https://www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/striped-bass for updates.
AUGUST 1–DECEMBER 10				No Regulations at time of publishing this post. You can go to https://www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/striped-bass for updates.
DEC. 11–DEC. 31				No Regulations at time of publishing this post. You can go to https://www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/striped-bass for updates.

Susquehanna Flats, Lower Susquehanna River and Northeast River

JAN. 1– FEB. 29	All waters are open to catch and release fishing only	No harvest	Catch and release only	Eels may not be used as bait.
MAR. 1–MAR. 31	Susquehanna Flats, upstream of a line from Sandy Point to Turkey Point and the Susquehanna River downstream from a line connecting the Susquehanna State Park boat ramp at Lapidum (defined by Lat. 39°35.86′ N and Long. 76°07.67′ W) to Twin Rocks (defined by Lat. 39°36.17′ N and Long. 76°07.56′ W) to Tomes Wharf in Port Deposit (defined by Lat. 39°36.23′ N and Long. 76°06.99′ W); and the Northeast River. Note: The “Tomes Wharf” coordinate is closest to Lee’s Landing Dock Bar.	Catch and Release only	Stinger hooks are prohibited. Barbless hooks are required when trolling. Non-offset circle or J hooks with less than ½ inch gap are required when using bait. No more than six lines per boat are allowed when trolling. Eels may not be used as bait.
APR. 1–MAY 15	Susquehanna Flats closed to striped bass fishing	Closed	No catch and release fishing. Attempting to catch striped bass is illegal during this time period.
MAY 16–MAY 31	No Regulations at time of publishing this post. You can go to https://www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/striped-bass for updates.
JUNE 1–JULY 15
JULY 16–JULY 31
AUGUST 1–DECEMBER 10
DEC. 11–DEC. 31

Atlantic Ocean, COASTAL BAYS and THEIR TRIBUTARIES

JAN. 1–DEC. 31

No area restrictions in state waters

1 fish per person per day, 28–31 inches

Striped bass may not be caught, harassed or possessed in the Exclusive Economic Zone, which stretches from 3–200 miles off the coast.

Must always use non-offset circle hooks when using fish, crabs or worms as bait or processed baits (treble hooks are prohibited) when targeting striped bass.

Nontidal

RESERVOIRS	All nontidal reservoirs, lakes, and ponds.	18 inch minimum size; 2 fish per person per day—only one of those fish may be larger than 30 inches		Open Year Round
NONTIDAL RIVERS AND STREAMS	Closed at all times

Striped bass may not be caught, harassed or possessed in the Exclusive Economic Zone, which stretches from 3–200 miles off the coast.

It is Illegal:

• To possess any cut up or filleted striped bass at any time aboard any boat on the tidal waters of Maryland. Striped bass must be landed whole.
• To use more than two hooks or two sets of hooks for each rod or line. Artificial lures or plugs with multiple hooks are considered 1 set of hooks.
• To use eels as bait while fishing for striped bass with hook and line from Dec. 11–May 15, inclusive, in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries.
• To cull striped bass.
• To possess striped bass while fishing in the Chesapeake Bay or its tidal tributaries from midnight to 5 a.m.
• To remove a striped bass from the water with a gaff or a cast net.
• To take or shoot striped bass with a spear gun and spear in the tidal waters of the state.
• To fish for striped bass by any means or practice catch-and-release of striped bass in designated spawning areas from March 1–May 31.
• To intentionally snag a striped bass.

Striper Fishing in Delaware

Delaware – Get your license here; https://epermitting.dnrec.delaware.gov/dnrec-home/login/personal

Delaware Striped Bass Spawning Season

The spawning season for striped bass in Delaware is from April 1st and continues through May 31st, of each calendar year. From the Nanticoke River or its tributaries, the Delaware River and its tributaries, or the C & D Canal or its tributaries. Catch and release only during this season; no harvest is allowed.

Places to go Striper fishing in Delaware include:

1. Delaware Bay: Known for its abundant striped bass population, Delaware Bay is a prime destination for anglers. You can fish from shore or charter a boat for an offshore adventure.
2. Indian River Inlet: Located within Delaware Seashore State Park, Indian River Inlet is another great spot for catching striped bass. The inlet provides easy access for shore fishing, and there are also opportunities for boat fishing.
3. Cape Henlopen State Park: This park offers access to both the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, providing diverse fishing opportunities for striped bass. The fishing pier and shoreline are popular spots for anglers.
4. Rehoboth Bay: Rehoboth Bay and its surrounding areas offer excellent striped bass fishing. Anglers can fish from shore, kayak, or boat.

Free Fishing Days

Delaware’s National Fishing and Boating Week, June 1-9, 2024, Delaware offers up June 1st and 2nd as free fishing days when anyone may fish in Delaware’s waters without a fishing license. Anglers age 16 and older must still obtain a free FIN number to participate in the free fishing days.

Delaware striped bass regulations

Fresh water – non tidal striped bass hybrid = all year, 15 inches, limit 2 per day.

Saltwater – tidal striped bass = TBD (Refer to the electronic version of Delaware’s fishing guide at www.fw.delaware.gov, for updated regulatory changes as they occur).

Striper Fishing in New Jersey

For license information for NJ go to – https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/marine/saltwater-registry/

New Jersey’s current recreational striped bass regulations in all state waters are as follows:

• One fish 28″ to 31″

Places to go striper fishing in NJ include:

1. Shoreline Beaches: New Jersey’s coastline offers numerous beaches where anglers can catch striped bass. Beach fishing can be productive, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Some popular beaches for striped bass fishing include Island Beach State Park, Long Beach Island, and Cape May.
2. Barnegat Bay: Barnegat Bay and its tributaries provide excellent opportunities for striped bass fishing, particularly during the spring and fall seasons. Anglers target striped bass using a variety of techniques including casting lures, drift fishing, and trolling with drift fishing being the more productive method.
3. Delaware Bayshore: The Delaware Bayshore offers productive striped bass fishing, particularly during the spring migration when striped bass move through the bay on their way to spawning grounds. Anglers can fish from shore, piers, or boats in areas such as Fortescue, Maurice River, and the mouth of the bay.
4. Inlets and Jetties: Inlets and jetties along the New Jersey coast are prime locations for catching striped bass, especially during tidal changes. Anglers target striped bass using bait, lures, and live baitfish near structure such as rocks and pilings. Some popular inlets for striped bass fishing include Manasquan Inlet, Barnegat Inlet, and Cape May Inlet.

Striped Bass bonus program;

With a bonus permit, anglers can keep one fish at 24 inches to less than 28 inches from May 15 through December 31, 2024.  Reporting a bonus catch within 24 hours is mandatory. Please note the order of fish harvested does not matter (Bonus fish can be the 1^st or 2^nd fish).

The 2024 Striped Bass Bonus Program will open on May 15, 2024. Please use the application link https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/marine/sbbp-application/ to apply.

Effective May 15, 2024, the SBBP regulations are as follows:

• One fish per permit at 24″ to less than 28″
• May 15, 2024 – December 31, 2024

Individual Angler Mandatory Reporting Requirements

1) Harvest Reporting

If a Bonus fish is harvested, the SBBP Permit must be securely attached to the fish through the mouth and gill immediately upon capture and prior to transportation. Harvest reporting is mandatory within 24 hours of harvest and must be reported online at https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/marine/sbbp-harvest-report/ or by leaving a message at 609-748-2074.

Reporting harvest online allows NJFW to issue an additional permit, if requested, in the shortest amount of time. Required reporting information includes name, permit #, phone number, date of harvest, and fish length.

After NJFW receives a harvest report, the participant may be issued an additional permit up to the discretion of NJFW. Individuals may be eligible for multiple permits throughout the season, upon availability.

Striper Fishing in New York

New York – Long Island get your license;

https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/sporting-and-use/sporting/fishing-license

Enroll in the Marine Fishing Registry, it’s mandatory but free;

https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/sporting-and-use/sporting/decals

NY salt water striper fishing regulations:

Hudson River North of the George Washington Bridge:

April 1st – Nov 30th, possession limit 1 per day, slot size 18 inch – 28 inch

Marine waters Hudson River South of the George Washington Bridge, and the Delaware River:

April 15th – Dec 15th, possession limit 1 per day, slot size 28 inch – 31 inch

Tidal Hudson River striper fishing regulations:

Hudson River North of the George Washington Bridge to the first impassable barrier;

April 1st – Nov 30th, possession limit 1 per day, slot size 18 inch – 28 inch

2024 Free Fishing Days Schedule:

• February 17-18 (President’s Day Weekend)
• June 29-30
• September 28 (National Hunting and Fishing Day)
• November 11 (Veterans Day)
• Kids under 16 are always free

Best places to go striper fishing in NY are:

New York offers several fantastic spots for striper fishing, each with its own nuances and best practices. Here are some top locations, along with recommended times of day and bait:

1. Montauk Point: Located at the eastern tip of Long Island, Montauk is renowned for its excellent striper fishing. During the day, focus on deeper waters. Recommended bait includes live eels, bunker chunks, or large plugs.
2. Shinnecock Inlet: Situated on the south shore of Long Island, Shinnecock Inlet is another prime striper fishing spot. The incoming and outgoing tides are particularly productive here. Dawn and dusk are usually the most active times. For bait, try live or chunked bunker, as well as bucktails or soft plastics.
3. Jamaica Bay: Located near Queens, Jamaica Bay offers excellent striper fishing opportunities, especially in the spring and fall. Early mornings and evenings tend to be the most productive, particularly around structure such as bridges and jetties. For bait, consider using bunker chunks, live eels, or top water lures.
4. Hudson River: The Hudson River is a vast estuary that provides habitat for a variety of fish species, including striped bass. Striped bass will travel as far North, some 168 miles, to the Federal Dam in Troy. Striper fishing near structures like piers, docks, and rocky areas can yield good results. Dawn and dusk are prime times, especially during the warmer months. Bait options include bloodworms, clams, and chunked bunker.
5. South Shore Beaches: Numerous beaches along the south shore of Long Island offer excellent striper fishing opportunities. Striper fishing during the incoming tide tends to be most productive. For bait, try chunked bunker, sandworms, or fresh clams.

Striper Fishing in Connecticut

Connecticut – Get your license here;

https://portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/general-information/fisheries-licenses-and-permits

Connecticut striper fishing regulations:

Fresh water: Season is year round, possession limit is 1 per day, slot size is 28 inch – 31 inch

Salt water: Season is year round, possession limit is 1 per day, slot size is 28 inch – 31 inch

Places to go striper fishing in Connecticut:

Connecticut offers several fantastic locations for striper fishing, both from shore and boat. Here are some of the best places and the recommended baits for each: In most places for boat fishing live bait such as bunker or eel are recommended.

1. Long Island Sound: This is perhaps the most popular spot for striper fishing in Connecticut. From boat or shore, you can catch striped bass here. If you’re striper fishing from shore, try using chunk bait like bunker or squid.
2. Thames River: The Thames River, especially around the Groton-New London area, is another hotspot for striped bass. From shore, try using top water lures like poppers or swimming plugs during low light conditions.
3. Housatonic River: The Housatonic River is known for its excellent striper fishing opportunities, particularly around the Milford and Stratford areas. From shore, try casting soft plastic swimbaits or using chunk bait.
4. Norwalk Islands: These islands offer great fishing grounds for striped bass. For boat fishing live eel works great especially around the rocky areas and channels. From shore, casting bucktail jigs or using chunk bait can yield good results.
5. Falkner Island: Located off the coast of Guilford, Falkner Island is another prime location for striper fishing. For boat fishing, live eels or bunker are recommended, especially around the reefs and drop-offs. From shore, casting surface plugs or using chunk bait can attract stripers.
6. Connecticut River: Located at the Saybrook Point (West) and Blackhall Point (East). The longest river in New England, stretching through 4 states, is one of the best places in Connecticut for striper fishing. Trophy stripe bass from 30 – 60 inches are common in the Hartford area of the Connecticut River from May – July. Blueback herring and alewives shad are the best baits to use.

Striper Fishing in Rhode Island

Rhode Island – Get your license here: https://rio.ri.gov/

Rhode Island striper fishing regulations:

Salt water: Season is year round, possession limit is 1 per day, slot size is 28 inch – 31 inch

Fresh water: Season is year round, possession limit is 1 per day, slot size is 28 inch – 31 inch Striped Bass although a regulated marine species, are often caught in some freshwater rivers of the state recreationally. In these instances, marine regulations will apply.

Best places to go striper fishing in Rhode Island include:

Rhode Island offers some fantastic striper fishing spots! Here are some of the best places to go striper fishing in Rhode Island:

1. Block Island: Known for its abundant striped bass population, Block Island offers excellent fishing opportunities both from shore and by boat. Popular spots include North Light, Southeast Light, and the Mohegan Bluffs.
2. Narragansett Bay: The Bay is a prime location for striper fishing, with plenty of shoreline access and opportunities for boat fishing. Look for areas around Newport, Jamestown, and Providence for good catches.
3. Watch Hill: This scenic area near the southwestern tip of Rhode Island offers great surfcasting opportunities for striped bass. The rocky coastline and sandy beaches provide varied fishing experiences.
4. Sakonnet Point: Located on the eastern side of Rhode Island, Sakonnet Point offers good striper fishing from both shore and boat. The rocky shoreline and nearby reefs attract striped bass.
5. Newport Harbor: Newport Harbor provides sheltered waters for fishing, with plenty of structure and depth changes that attract striped bass. Fish around the harbor entrances, rocky shores, and bridges for good catches.
6. Brenton Reef: Situated off the coast of Newport, Brenton Reef is known for its productive fishing grounds. Anglers can target striped bass along the reef’s edges and nearby drop-offs.
7. Weekapaug Breachway: This breachway¹ offers excellent fishing opportunities for striped bass, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Fish from the jetties or try your luck from a boat in the breachway itself.

Striper Fishing in Massachusetts

Massachusetts – Get your license here: https://massfishhunt.mass.gov/

Massachusetts striper fishing regulations:

Salt water: Season is year round, possession limit is 1 per day, slot size is 28 inch – 31 inch. It is illegal to discard a dead legal sized striped bass.

Massachusetts – and Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby:

The Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby is an iconic fishing tournament that takes place annually on Martha’s Vineyard. Most will have to take the Ferry from either Falmouth Harbor, Woods Hole, or Hyannis Harbor to get to the Island. If traveling by car you will have to depart from Woods Hole.

• Location: Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, USA.
• Duration: The derby typically runs for several weeks, often from mid-September to mid-October, coinciding with the fall migration of striped bass and bluefish along the East Coast.
• History: The Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby has a rich history, dating back to 1946. It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious fishing tournaments in the United States.
• Participants: Anglers of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned professionals, participate in the derby. The event attracts both locals and visitors from across the country who come to Martha’s Vineyard to compete and enjoy the island’s renowned fishing opportunities.
• Categories: The derby typically features various categories for both striped bass and bluefish, including prizes for the largest fish by weight in different divisions, such as boat, shore, and junior angler divisions.
• Community Event: The derby is not only a fishing competition but also a community event that brings together fishing enthusiasts, families, and supporters of conservation efforts. It promotes camaraderie among anglers and fosters a sense of stewardship for the island’s marine resources.
• Conservation Efforts: The Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby emphasizes responsible fishing practices and conservation efforts. Anglers are encouraged to release fish unharmed whenever possible, and the derby supports marine conservation initiatives and fisheries research.
• Celebrations: The derby concludes with an awards ceremony and celebration, where winners are recognized for their achievements. It’s a festive occasion that highlights the island’s fishing heritage and the camaraderie among anglers.

Participating in the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby is not only about competing for prizes but also about enjoying the thrill of fishing in one of the most picturesque and renowned angling destinations on the East Coast.

Other places to go striper fishing in Massachusetts are:

1. Cape Cod Canal: The Cape Cod Canal is renowned for its striped bass fishing. Anglers flock to this location due to the strong currents, which create prime feeding grounds for striped bass. Fishermen can access the canal from various points along its length, including access points in Bourne and Sandwich.
2. Martha’s Vineyard: Martha’s Vineyard offers a variety of striper fishing opportunities, including surfcasting from its beaches, fishing from jetties and piers, and boat fishing around the island. Popular spots include Menemsha Beach, Wasque Point, and the Gay Head Cliffs.
3. Cape Cod Bay: Cape Cod Bay provides excellent striper fishing opportunities, particularly during the spring and fall migrations. Anglers can target striped bass around structure such as sandbars, shoals, and rocky outcrops. Barnstable Harbor, Wellfleet Harbor, and Provincetown are all productive areas within Cape Cod Bay.
4. Buzzards Bay: Buzzards Bay offers diverse fishing opportunities for striped bass, with numerous coves, inlets, and rocky shorelines to explore. Westport, Mattapoisett, and Marion are popular towns along Buzzards Bay known for their fishing opportunities.
5. Nantucket Sound: Nantucket Sound is another productive area for striper fishing, with a variety of habitats to explore, including sandy flats, rocky shores, and submerged structure. Bass River, Hyannis Harbor, and Waquoit Bay are all productive spots within Nantucket Sound.
6. Plum Island: Located on the North Shore of Massachusetts, Plum Island offers excellent surfcasting opportunities for striped bass. Anglers can fish from the beach or explore the nearby jetties and sandbars for striped bass.
7. Boston Harbor: Boston Harbor provides urban anglers with opportunities to catch striped bass within sight of the city skyline. Anglers can fish from shore at locations such as Deer Island, Castle Island, and Spectacle Island, or explore the harbor by boat.

Other Striper fishing contests and tournaments

Several states along the East Coast host striped bass fishing contests or tournaments. Here’s a list of states known for organizing such events:

1. New York: With its extensive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, New York hosts numerous striped bass fishing tournaments along Long Island, including Montauk and the waters around New York City. Check out https://www.stripercup.com/ for New York’s Striper Fest 2024.
2. New Jersey: Known for its productive striped bass fisheries, New Jersey hosts various tournaments along its coastline, including inshore and offshore events.
3. Delaware: Delaware’s waters, including the Delaware Bay and Atlantic coastline, are popular for striped bass fishing tournaments, especially during the spring and fall migrations.
4. Maryland: Maryland hosts several striped bass tournaments, particularly in areas like the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, including the Potomac River and Susquehanna Flats.
5. Virginia: Virginia’s coastal waters, including the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic coastline, offer prime opportunities for striped bass fishing tournaments.
6. North Carolina: Known for its Outer Banks and productive inshore and offshore fisheries, North Carolina hosts various striped bass tournaments along its coastline.
7. South Carolina: While not as common as in some other states, South Carolina’s coastal waters, including areas like Charleston and Georgetown, occasionally host striped bass tournaments.

These tournaments often attract anglers from across the region and beyond, offering opportunities for competition and camaraderie among fishing enthusiasts. Keep an eye on local fishing organizations, charter companies, and online fishing forums for announcements and details about upcoming tournaments in these states.

Explore more tricks, tips, and insights about great American outdoor activities at https://americanwildoutdoors.com/blog or leave a comment for future post ideas or subjects at https://americanwildoutdoors.com/contact

Before you go striper fishing in any destination, make sure to check fishing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses or permits. Additionally, local bait shops and fishing charters can provide valuable information and assistance for a successful fishing trip.

1. A breachway is the shore along a channel, or the whole area around the place where a channel meets the ocean. The Rhode Island coastline has many breachways on its map. Today’s permanent breachways have rock jetties that line the sides of the channel to protect against erosion or closing of the waterway. The water channels usually lead to salt water ponds. Wikipedia ↩︎