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Evolutionary Relationships: The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is the largest member of the Family Moronidae ("The Temperate Basses") and is easily recognized by its overall silver hue overlain by black stripes. They occur in coastal waters of the eastern US. The striped bass are ancestrally marine, but contemporary sea-run (i.e., live in the ocean but breed in freshwater) and resident freshwater populations are common. The striped bass is evolutionarily a true bass, unlike the largemouth bass.
Distribution: There are two major migrations of striped bass along the northeastern U.S. The north shore of New York City and Long Island provide habitat for striped bass born in the Hudson River. In contrast, a majority of the striped bass found on the south shore of New York City and Long Island derive from Chesapeake Bay. At one time, about 90% of the Atlantic stock of sea-run striped bass came from the Chesapeake. Remaining populations are scattered about rivers, estuaries, and tributaries across the northeast coastline, but their populations are substantially smaller. The striped bass have also been introduced in the west coast of the US, but those populations have not seen the success and popularity of their native counterparts on the east coast.
Feeding Habits: The striped bass is an opportunistic feeder. They are a voracious predator of various species of vertebrates (e.g., fishes) and invertebrates (e.g., squid, crustaceans, molluscs, worms).
Reproductive Biology: In late winter, most striped bass populations migrate back to their home freshwater rivers and tributaries to mark the end of their Fall migration. In contrast, the Chesapeake stock overwinters in offshore waters but migrate up into the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay in the Spring when it is time to breed. Breeding occurs in late April to June. Female striped bass first spawn between ages of 4 to 8 years. Males reach sexual maturity at ages 2 or 3. Almost all fish over 30lbs are female since males rarely live longer than 10 years. The largest striped bass ever recorded was caught with a net off North Carolina and weighed a mammoth 125lbs!
US Fishing Interest: EXTREMELY HIGH
Along the eastern seaboard, striped bass fishing has entranced anglers for decades. Millions of dollars are spent each year on striped bass-related merchandise and fishing tackle. One of the most expensive spinning reels available in today’s fishing market is designed specifically for surf fishing striped bass. Many anglers have dedicated their entire lives pursuing a trophy striper often to the abandonment of chasing other gamefish among other things.
What is it about the striped bass that makes it the ideal gamefish? The table quality of the striped bass is superb. It also has quite the aesthetic appeal. However, the main reason why this fish is so popular is probably because it frequents shallow, inshore waters, making it accessible to anglers from the shore. In fact, the world record striped bass (78lbs 8oz) was caught off a jetty by a surf fisherman in Atlantic City, NJ. From Maine down to North Carolina, millions of anglers cast out lures (called “plugs” by NY locals) or bait (called “chunks” by NY locals) trying to catch migrating stripers. When the spring or fall migration is in full swing, it is not uncommon for surf fishermen to prepare themselves for an extreme streak of fishing at any cost. D. J. Muller, author of The Surfcaster’s Guide to the Striper Coast eloquently describes this pursuit as follows:
"Surfcasting for striped bass is an experience rich in emotions, special places and unique people. Depending upon how well you know one of them, surfcasters are a special breed of fishermen; sometimes hard to get to know, seemingly half crazy in their quest, exceptionally dedicated and extremely clannish. They face special challenges, but also reap memorable rewards that most mere mortal never get to see, feel or brag about. The entire experience of surfcasting is one to be nursed and cherished for many years, and passed on to the next generation. Toss into the mix a combination of loyal friendships, solitude, a spellbinding ocean, a small army of unforgettable characters, and an absolutely amazing gamefish, and you have all the ingredients for an incredible lifelong fishing journey." (pg. 15)
World Record:
Al McReynolds with his world record striped bass of 78lb 8oz:
The story of the biggest striped bass ever to be caught by man is the most popular big fish story of our time, and it is also nothing short of controversial.
The battle in the water: A 36-year old Al McReynolds, a beach patrolman working the Atlantic City beaches, stood off a rock jetty on September 21, 1982. It was then that the record-breaking striped bass met the black back 5 ½” silver minnow that would become its last meal. McReynolds told reporters that it took four hours to fight this fish in the middle of a vicious Nor'easter storm. Despite his exhausted state, he was still able to grasp the behemoth cow bass through the gills to mark the end of the battle. Luckily, a fishing friend was with him that night to help lift McReynolds with his trophy fish back to safety.
The battle out of the water: The catch brought only a moment of fame and fortune for McReynolds. If he knew of the infamy that this fish would bring, he said that would have cut the line and let the fish go. As consequences of his newfound fame, he lost ties with close family members and completely stopped speaking to the very friend who rescued him from the crashing waves that one perilous evening. Reportedly, upon attaining prize money for this fish, he gave much of it away to needy strangers, friends, and family without seeking recognition or reimbursement. Much of the next few years would be marked by bouts with angry fishermen and routine gossip over the credibility of his fish story. McReynolds and his family currently reside in Beverly, Massachusetts. His sons are decorated striped bass tournament winners with one son once crowned American fisherman sportsman of the year.
Historical Impact:
- Today, fishing for striped bass has produced a cultural phenomena peppered with custom-designed rods, reels, lures, clothing, and even four-wheel drive beach vehicles.
- Before the 1980’s, striped bass were so numerous such that size restrictions or bag limits were nonexistent. However, when the striped bass fishery was almost on the brink of extinction in the early 80's, the government enacted the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act in 1984. This moratorium was a rare but welcomed success. The Hudson River and Chesapeake Bay populations of sea-run striped bass rebounded most successfully in recent years.
- From http://www.fws.gov/chesapeakebay/Striper.htm:
“Since colonial days, East Coast fishermen have delighted in the striped bass, a migratory fish known for its size and fighting ability. Striped bass have long been an important commercial and game fish from North Carolina to Maine. During the 1970s and 1980s, striped bass declined alarmingly, especially in the Chesapeake, once the spawning and nursery ground for nearly 90 percent of the Atlantic population. From a record commercial catch of 14.7 million pounds in 1973, the harvest dropped to 1.7 million pounds just 10 years later. Sport fishermen reported an equally severe drop in their harvest. This decline translated into a loss of about 7,000 jobs and $220 million in 1980. Causes for the decline were numerous and interwoven. They included overfishing, pollution and the degradation or loss of habitat. Recently, due to improved management techniques, a hatchery program and increased public awareness, the striper population has improved.”
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ATLANTIC STRIPED BASS CONSERVATION ACT
16 U.S.C. § 1851 note, October 31, 1984, as amended 1986, 1988, 1991 and 1993.
Overview. This Act recognizes the commercial and recreational importance of Atlantic striped bass and establishes a consistent management scheme for its conservation. Coastal states that fail to adhere to the required management plan are subject to a striped bass fishing moratorium enforced by the federal government. The Act also requires an annual survey of striped bass fisheries in the coastal states.
Findings/Policy. Congress found: Atlantic striped bass have historic importance and economic benefit to the Atlantic coastal states and the nation; certain stocks of Atlantic striped bass are severely reduced in number due to increased fishing pressure, pollution, loss and alteration of habitat, and inadequate fishery conservation practices; because no single governmental entity has full management authority for the fish, state regulation has been inconsistent and intermittent, resulting in harm to their long-term maintenance; effective interjurisdictional species conservation and management is in the national interest. The purpose of the Act is to support and encourage the development, implementation and enforcement of effective interstate conservation and management of the Atlantic striped bass. § 1851 note (§ 2).
Selected Definitions. Coastal States: Pennsylvania; states bordering the Atlantic north of South Carolina; District of Columbia; Potomac River Fisheries Commission. Commission: Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Plan: Interstate Fisheries Management Plan for Striped Bass prepared by the Commission, dated October 1, 1981 and all amendments related to striped bass fishing. Secretaries: Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of the Interior. § 1851 note (§ 3).
Plan Compliance and Moratorium. The Commission must determine at least annually whether each coastal state has adopted all regulatory measures necessary to implement the Plan, and whether each coastal state's enforcement of the Plan is satisfactory. The Commission must notify the Secretaries of any negative determination. If the Secretaries jointly determine that a coastal state is not in compliance with the Plan, they must declare a moratorium on fishing for Atlantic striped bass within the coastal waters of that state.
During a moratorium, it is unlawful to: catch, take or harvest Atlantic striped bass, or attempt to do so, within the restricted area; land or attempt to land Atlantic striped bass taken in violation of the moratorium; land lawfully harvested Atlantic striped bass within the boundaries of a coastal state under moratorium; fail to return to the water Atlantic striped bass to which the moratorium applies that are caught incidental to commercial or recreational harvesting. Violation of these prohibitions is subject to civil penalty imposed by the Secretaries. Vessels used in violation, along with fish taken, are subject to forfeiture to the federal government.
The Secretaries are responsible for enforcing moratoriums declared under this Act. By agreement, to enforce the Act the Secretaries may use personnel and facilities of federal agencies and coastal state agencies, and enforcement authorities provided in the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act. § 1851 note (§§ 4 and 5).
Annual Survey. The Secretaries must conduct a comprehensive annual survey of the Atlantic striped bass fisheries. The survey, to be published in the Federal Register, must include a compilation and assessment of the recreational and commercial landings of the species in the coastal states. § 1851 note (§ 6).
Appropriations Authorized. Congress authorized appropriations necessary to carry out the Act for fiscal years 1986-1994. The Secretaries may use appropriated funds to support financially the Commission's functions under this Act. § 1851 note (§ 7).
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References and Further Reading:
Muller, D. J. 2007. The Surfcaster's Guide to the Striper Coast. Burford Books: USA.
Murdy, E. O., Birdsong, R. S., and Musick, J. A. 1997. Fishes of the Chesapeake Bay. Smithsonian Institution Press: Washington.
Chesapeake Bay Program website: http://www.chesapeakebay.net/Info/striped_bass.cfm
Striper’s 247 website: http://www.stripers247.com/index.html
Noreast Fishing Newsletter website: http://www.noreast.com
See also: http://ppark728.blogspot.com/2011/01/species-bio-striped-bass-morone.html |
