Common names: Striper, Schoolie, Bass

General:  Belonging to the family Percichthydae, the striped bass is a relative of groupers and other sea basses.  Its' amazing life cycle urges the fish to migrate from fresh water estuaries to the depths of the open ocean and back. Rivaling the epic journey of salmon, striped bass travel up and down the eastern sea board from the Mid-Atlantic states to the southern shores of Canada.  Voracious feeders, consuming any thing from small invertebrates to fish almost 2/3 of their size, striped bass are important  predators in both marine and aquatic habitats . Although one of the largest bass recorded was 6ft long and 125lbs ( without its' head!), most adult striped bass weigh from 2-20lbs and from 15-36 inches long.  Its' distribution, predatory nature, size, and fighting ability when hooked, make the striped bass one of the most sought after game fish. 

Water Temperature:  Range 40°F to 80°F.  Best for angling 45°F- 65°F

Season:  MIDDLEBANK II  targets bass in April through early summer and again from October into December.

CT Regulations: For length, creel limits, and open seasons of  CT's marine game fish, visit the CT DEP Fisheries Division. The captain and crew of  MIDDLEBANK II  ask all anglers to practice responsible fishing methods and stress the importance of conservation. Although anglers aboard  MIDDLEBANK II  will be informed of the latest regulations concerning the targeted species, it is the anglers obligation to know and abide by all CT marine fisheries laws.  

Method:   MIDDLEBANK II  employs several techniques in targeting striped bass.  Chunking, bottom fishing with fresh cut bait, Worming, drift fishing while live lining sandworms, and Jigging, diamond jigging over schooling fish, are all used during the season. Although the  technique used may vary from one month to another, striped bass feed more actively at night because of this,  MIDDLEBANK II targets striped bass during the evening. Diamond jigging, the exception to the rule, is left for the day during the fall migration.

Bait: Sandworms or bunker (provided) 

Recommended Tackle:  Rod & reels are available for rent and tackle can be purchased aboard  MIDDLEBANK II however, for those wishing to bring their own, here is a list of the RIGHT STUFF. 

• Conventional gear 20lb-40lb class 
• Chunking: 8/0 offset circle hooks snelled to 80lb clear mono leader
• Worming: 3x3-worm rigs in sizes 2/0-4/0, 
• Jigging: Diamond jigs from A17-A67 & multi color teaser flies. 
•  4oz-8oz  bank sinkers

Nothing beats a striped bass, plan your trip today!