Neptune City Striped Bass Fishing with Peter

The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), commonly known as Atlantic Striped Bass, Stripers, or Linesider, belongs to the order Perciformes and family Moronidae. This popular gamefish is easily distinguished by seven to eight dark horizontal stripes running along its silvery sides, with coloration varying from light green and olive to brown and black on the back, transitioning to a shimmering white belly. In Neptune City waters this October, these hard-fighting fish provide excellent inshore fishing opportunities.

Striped Bass Overview

Striped bass are among the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic coast, prized for their aggressive strikes, powerful runs, and acrobatic fights. These anadromous fish spend most of their adult lives in saltwater but return to freshwater rivers to spawn. Their robust, torpedo-shaped bodies and strong swimming ability make them formidable opponents for anglers using both light and heavy tackle.

Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution

Striped bass inhabit coastal waters from Maine to North Carolina, with significant populations in the Chesapeake Bay and Hudson River systems. They prefer nearshore waters, estuaries, and river mouths where baitfish concentrate. Around Neptune City, striped bass utilize the productive waters of the New York Bight, feeding along structure, drop-offs, and areas where currents create feeding opportunities.

Striped Bass Size and Weight

Striped bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length, with weights from 10 to 81 pounds. Fish under 28 inches are often called "schoolies," while bass over 35 inches are considered "keepers" in most areas. Trophy striped bass exceeding 50 pounds are caught annually, with the world record standing at 81.88 pounds.

Striped Bass Diet and Behavior

Striped bass are opportunistic predators feeding on a variety of baitfish including menhaden, herring, anchovies, and eels. They also consume crabs, worms, and squid. These fish are most active during dawn and dusk periods, though they can be caught throughout the day. They often feed in schools, creating exciting fishing opportunities when located.

Striped Bass Spawning Season

Striped bass spawn in freshwater rivers during spring months when water temperatures reach 55-65°F. After spawning, adult fish return to saltwater where they spend the majority of their lives. Young striped bass remain in estuarine waters for their first few years before joining the coastal migratory population.

Striped Bass Fishing Techniques

Effective striped bass techniques include live-lining with bunker, eels, or herring, jigging with bucktails or diamond jigs, and trolling with umbrella rigs or tube-and-worm combinations. Topwater fishing with poppers and swimmers produces explosive strikes during feeding periods. In October around Neptune City, anglers find success using fresh bunker chunks, live eels, and heavy jigs worked near structure and drop-offs.

Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?

Striped bass are excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat and mild flavor. The fish is versatile for cooking methods including grilling, baking, broiling, and frying. Striped bass is high in protein and contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. However, larger fish may contain higher mercury levels, so consumption guidelines should be followed, especially for pregnant women and children.

Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best bait for striped bass?

A: Live or fresh bunker (menhaden) is considered the top bait for striped bass, followed by live eels, herring, and bloodworms. Artificial lures like bucktails, swimbaits, and topwater plugs are also highly effective.

Q: Where can I find striped bass near Neptune City?

A: Striped bass are found in nearshore waters around structure, drop-offs, and areas with strong currents. Popular spots include the Shrewsbury Rocks, local wrecks, and areas where baitfish concentrate along the Jersey coast.

Q: Is striped bass good to eat?

A: Yes, striped bass is excellent eating with firm, white meat and mild flavor. It's high in protein and omega-3s, though larger fish should be consumed in moderation due to potential mercury content.

Q: When is the best time to catch striped bass?

A: Fall months from September through November provide excellent striped bass fishing as fish migrate south along the coast. Early morning and evening hours are typically most productive, though fish can be caught throughout the day.