Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
A powerful, migratory fish found along the Atlantic coast. Known for its strong runs and large size.
Taste profile
Rich, flavorful meat with a firm texture. Larger fish can have a stronger flavor.
How to cook it
Grilled
Thick fillets are perfect for grilling.
Broiled
A simple method that highlights the fish's natural flavor.
Smoked
Smoked striped bass is a delicacy.
Tips to catch one
- ✔In saltwater, troll with large plugs or spoons, or cast lures into schools of baitfish.
- ✔In freshwater, use live bait like shad or herring.
- ✔Look for them near structure like bridges, jetties, and rock piles.
Keep it fresh: bleed, spike & ice
🔪 Spike (Ike Jime)
Insert a spike into the brain cavity just behind and above the eye. The fish will shudder briefly then go still — this signals a clean kill that prevents stress hormones from degrading the flesh.
🩸 Bleed
After spiking, cut one or both gill arches at the gill plate junction. Hold the fish head-down in water for 2–3 minutes. Well-bled fish have whiter, cleaner-tasting fillets with a longer shelf life.
🧊 Ice
Place bled fish in an ice slurry (2 parts ice to 1 part seawater). The slurry cools 5× faster than dry ice alone. Keep the drain plug cracked and aim for core temp below 35 °F within 30 minutes.
Striped Bass — specific tips
Bleed aggressively — stripers carry a lot of blood. Cut both gill arches and let the fish pump out in water for 3+ minutes. Gut and remove the bloodline strip along the lateral line. Ice in slurry. These are big fish so pre-chill your cooler.
Size & bag limits by state
| State | Size limit | Bag limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | ≥ 18" | 2 per day | Landlocked populations in reservoirs; no ocean fishery |
| Connecticut | ≥ 28" | 1 per day | Slot limit 28"-31" |
| Maine | ≥ 28" | 1 per day | Slot limit 28"-31" |
| Maryland | ≥ 19" | 1 per day | Chesapeake Bay: 19"-24" slot; ocean 28"-31" |
| Massachusetts | ≥ 28" | 1 per day | Slot limit 28"-31" (2024 ASMFC rules) |
| New Jersey | ≥ 28" | 1 per day | Slot limit 28"-31" |
| New York | ≥ 28" | 1 per day | Slot limit 28"-31" |
| North Carolina | ≥ 27" | 1 per day | — |
| Rhode Island | ≥ 28" | 1 per day | Slot limit 28"-31" |
| Virginia | ≥ 20" | 1 per day | Chesapeake: 20"-25"; coastal 28"-31" |