An anadromous (sea-and-river) game fish that defines East Coast saltwater angling. Once collapsed in the 1980s, bass were brought back by a coastal moratorium — now under stress again from overfishing and climate-driven river issues.

Also called: Striper, Linesider, Rockfish

Native status: Native; major Atlantic coast game and commercial species

§ Quick facts

SizeAverage 60–100 cm (2–3 ft); record 200 cm (78 in)
WeightAverage 5–14 kg (10–30 lb); world record 37 kg (81 lb 14 oz)
Lifespan10–30 years
OrderPerciformes
FamilyMoronidae

§ Encyclopedia

The striped bass, also called the Atlantic striped bass, striper, linesider, rock, or rockfish, is an anadromous perciform fish of the family Moronidae found primarily along the Atlantic coast of North America. It has also been widely introduced into inland recreational fisheries across the United States. Striped bass found in the Gulf of Mexico are a separate strain referred to as Gulf Coast striped bass.

Source: Wikipedia — Striped bass Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Silvery sides with 7–8 dark horizontal stripes; greenish back.

Similar species. White Bass (smaller, freshwater only). White Perch (smaller, no stripes).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Carnivorous: fish, crustaceans, squid. Major predator of menhaden and small herrings.

Behavior. Anadromous — spawns in tidal rivers in spring, lives in coastal waters as adult. Forms massive seasonal migrations along East Coast.

§ Range

Atlantic coast from Canada to Florida; introduced to Pacific and large reservoirs

§ Habitat

Estuaries (spawning), nearshore Atlantic (foraging)

§ Threats

Overfishing on stressed Chesapeake spawning stock, recreational mortality, climate-driven oxygen-poor "dead zones" in nursery estuaries.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the striped bass is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Practice catch-and-release with circle hooks. Support strict slot limits. Reduce nutrient runoff to spawning rivers.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries
  • American Sportfishing Association
  • The Pew Charitable Trusts
  • IUCN Red List 2014