Overview
Iconic predator of the American Atlantic coast, very combative and sought after.
Identification
Prominent lateral lineDark stripes along flanksStreamlined body shapeWide mouthTwo dorsal finsForked tailSmall scalesProminent gill covers
- Body
- Streamlined, robust body with a well-marked lateral line.
- Colouration
- Silvery color with dark horizontal stripes along the sides.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Absent/not noticeable
- Growth
- Fast growth in the early years, then slows down.
Taxonomy
- Family
- Moronidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Morone americanaMorone chrysopsMorone mississippiensisDicentrarchus labraxScomberomorus cavalla
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- coast, estuaries
- Preferred bottom
- sand, rock
- Geographic distribution
- Atlantic coasts of North America, from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada.
- Micro-habitat
- Prefers coastal areas and river mouths, often found under bridges or near structures.
Often found near submerged structures offering shelter and hunting opportunities.
Presence by sea area
Na Costa Est NordPeak
Na Costa Est CentroPeak
Na Costa Est SudPeak
Na Costa Ovest NordPeak
Na Costa Ovest CentroPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- small fish, crustaceans, mollusks
- Secondary prey
- aquatic insects, cephalopods, amphibians
- Occasional prey
- algae, small invertebrates
- Feeding behaviour
- Active predator, hunts in schools, uses keen eyesight to spot prey.
- Natural predators
- sharks, seabirds, seals
Adjusts its diet based on local prey availability.
Behaviour
- Activity
- diurnal
- Social behaviour
- small_groups
- Aggressiveness
- medium
- Migration
- Seasonal migrations along the coast for spawning.
- Seasonal behaviour
- Moves to coastal areas for breeding in spring and summer.
- Juveniles
- Juveniles tend to stay in brackish waters until maturity.
- Adults
- Adults often form small groups while hunting.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- April, May, June
- Spawning depth
- between 30 and 200 feet
- Eggs
- Pelagic eggs that float until hatching.
- Larval stage
- Larvae float with currents until they mature.
- Sexual maturity
- 4-6 years
When to catch Striped bass
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
Dayalba, tramonto
Nightnotte, tarda sera
This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Fishing activity decreases in winter, when conditions are less favourable.
Ideal conditions
Atmospheric pressure
Low
Exceptionally active, attacks on surface.
Medium
Good activity, follows baitfish.
High
Less aggressive, moves deeper.
Barometric trend
Water temperature
10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C
Preferred tide: moving
Where to catch it
Best spots
estuarine zonesrocky beachespiersriver mouths
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
spinningtrollingsurfcastingfishing from piers
Other applicable
SpinningSurfcastingLive BaitingSpinning LeggeroSpinning MedioSurfcasting MedioSurfcasting PesanteSurfcasting NotturnoBeach FishingBeach LedgeringBolentinoBolentino LeggeroBolentino MedioPesca A Mosca In MarePoppingRock FishingShore JiggingSpinning NotturnoSpinning PesanteSpinning VeloceStreamerSurfcasting LeggeroTraina Costiera
Recommended baits
lureslive baitwormscut bait
Baits by pressure
Low
Bucktail jigJig head + softbaitMinnow affondanteNeedlefish / Aguglia artificialePaddle tail softbaitShad softbaitTube lure
Medium
Anguilla vivaCefalo vivoGambero vivoTrancio di sardinaAringa vivaEsca viva (generica)Gambero morto / Gambero
High
Verme di sangueEsca naturale (generica)ArenicolaVerme americanoVerme coreano
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Strong and resilient, tends to make long runs.
- Handling
- Use gloves, support the body well to avoid injuries.
- Release
- Release carefully, ensuring it's well oxygenated.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- The IGFA all-tackle world record for Striped Bass is 81 pounds 14 oz, caught in 1982 at the Connecticut River, USA. In Europe, although the species is not native, introduced specimens in Lake Bolsena have reached significant weights.
- In the kitchen
- Used to make soups and grilled dishes.
- Cultural notes
- Symbol of strength and endurance, popular in sport fishing.
- Historical notes
- Rich fishing history, essential for Atlantic coastal communities.
