Trip Summary If you're an avid angler in the Northeast, then you know that striped bass, also known as "stripers," are one of the most popular gamefish in the region. These hard-fighting fish can be caught in a variety of ways, making them a favorite among both fly and conventional anglers. In this post, we'll discuss some tips and tactics for catching stripers in the Northeast. Time your trip: Timing is everything when it comes to striped bass fishing. In the Northeast, these fish migrate from their wintering grounds in the south during the spring, moving up the coast to their spawning grounds in the Chesapeake Bay and Hudson River. Peak fishing season in the Northeast usually starts around May and runs through October. Find the right location: Stripers can be found in a variety of locations, including bays, estuaries, rivers, and along the coastline. Look for areas with good water flow, structure, and baitfish. Bridges, jetties, and rocky shorelines are all good places to start your search. Use the right gear: For conventional anglers, Light to medium spinning or baitcasting gear is typically used to target stripers. Fly anglers can use 8 to 10 weight rods with floating or intermediate sinking lines. Choose the right bait: Stripers are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of baitfish. Live bait such as eels, bunker, and herring are all popular choices. Lures such as topwater plugs, jigs, and soft plastics can also be effective. Use the right technique: When fishing with live bait, use a fishfinder rig or Carolina rig with a 3 to 5 oz weight. Cast out and let the bait drift with the current. For lures, vary your retrieve speed and depth until you find what the fish are responding to. Practice catch and release: Striped bass populations have been under pressure in recent years due to overfishing and environmental factors. Make sure to release fish quickly and handle them carefully to minimize stress and injury. As of now these fish are in deep channels coming into the shallower waters for thermal warmth and active feeding.