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Striped Bass

Morone saxatilis

An anadromous coastal predator also stocked in some freshwater reservoirs. This guide covers field identification, habitat, bait choices, fishing notes, and local rule reminders.

Saltwater
Striped Bass reference image
Ryan Hagerty/USFWS, public-domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

  • Silver body with dark horizontal stripes.
  • Two separate dorsal fins.
  • Deep body and strong tail.

Habitat

surf, estuaries, tidal rivers, rips, reefs, and stocked reservoirs

Bait notes

bucktails, plugs, soft plastics, live eels, bunker, and clams

Behavior

schools around baitfish, tide movement, current seams, and structure

Caution

Marine size, season, bag, and reporting rules can change; verify official local regulations.

Fishing notes

rules vary by coast, river, and stock status; check current regulations