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Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Striped Bass are Maryland's official state fish and the most important commercial and recreational species in the state.

These anadromous fish serve as a primary species with the Chesapeake Bay serving as the primary spawning and nursery area for 70-90% of the Atlantic coast striped bass population.

Scientific Name: Morone saxatilis

Also known as Rockfish

Physical Characteristics:
  • These anadromous fish are silvery with seven to eight dark, continuous horizontal stripes along their sides, growing up to 60 inches and living up to 30 years.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • The Chesapeake Bay serves as the primary spawning and nursery area for 70-90% of the Atlantic coast striped bass population.

Key Locations

  • Popular locations include the Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay tributaries, Susquehanna Flats, and areas around the Bay Bridge piers, Thomas Point, Sharps Island Light, and Baltimore Light.
  • Maryland also maintains landlocked populations in Liberty, Piney Run, Triadelphia, and Rocky Gorge Reservoirs.

Specific Spots

  • Target structure like oyster reefs, bridge pilings, and channel edges.

Striped Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Striped Bass in Maryland?

Live-lining spot, soft plastics and paddletails, surge tubes and spoons, topwater lures like poppers.

What flies work for Striped Bass in Maryland?

Fly patterns like Surf Candy, Estaz Minnow, Mickey Finn, Seaducer, Glass Minnow, and Ray's Fly - squid patterns are particularly effective during spring runs.

When is the best time to fish for Striped Bass in Maryland?

January-February is catch and release only in Chesapeake Bay waters; March offers limited catch and release areas; April 1-May 15 is completely closed; May 16-December 10 allows harvest (with a July 16-31 closure); December 11-31 returns to catch and release only. Atlantic Ocean waters allow year-round fishing.

How do you catch Striped Bass in Maryland?

Effective techniques include live-lining spot, jigging with soft plastics and paddletails, trolling surge tubes and spoons, and casting topwater lures like poppers. Target structure like oyster reefs, bridge pilings, and channel edges, and follow bait concentrations and bird activity for surface feeding.

What do Striped Bass eat?

Striped bass are opportunistic predators feeding on a variety of prey including menhaden, anchovies, worms, squid, crabs, mussels, and various baitfish. Their diet composition varies with age, size, habitat, and season.

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Maryland licenses and regulations

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