Inshore Striped Bass Fishing in New Jersey Waters

The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), commonly known as Atlantic Striped Bass, Stripers, or Linesider, belongs to the order Perciformes and family Moronidae. This iconic gamefish features seven to eight distinctive horizontal stripes running along its silvery sides, with coloration ranging from light green and olive to brown and black on top, complemented by a shimmering white belly. In Atlantic City waters this July, these powerful predators have been actively feeding in nearshore areas, providing excellent charter fishing opportunities.

Striped Bass Overview

Striped bass represent one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic Coast, prized for their fighting ability, size potential, and excellent table fare. These anadromous fish spend most of their adult lives in saltwater but return to freshwater rivers to spawn, creating seasonal migration patterns that Atlantic City anglers have learned to exploit. Their robust, torpedo-shaped bodies can reach impressive sizes, with the current world record exceeding 80 pounds.

Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution

Striped bass inhabit coastal waters from Maine to North Carolina, with significant populations found in the Chesapeake Bay, Hudson River, and Delaware Bay systems. Around Atlantic City and Brigantine, they frequent nearshore waters, jetties, bridge structures, and inlet mouths where strong currents concentrate baitfish. These fish prefer water temperatures between 55-68°F and are commonly found at depths ranging from surface waters to 40 feet.

Striped Bass Size and Weight

Atlantic striped bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length, with weights spanning 10 to 81 pounds for mature fish. Schoolie bass under 28 inches are common catches, while keeper-sized fish over 28 inches provide the most exciting battles. Trophy stripers exceeding 40 pounds are possible but rare, making any fish over 30 pounds a memorable catch for most anglers.

Striped Bass Diet and Behavior

Striped bass are opportunistic predators that feed primarily on herring, menhaden, anchovies, eels, crabs, and various baitfish species. They hunt most actively during dawn and dusk periods, though feeding can occur throughout the day when conditions are favorable. These fish often travel in schools, particularly smaller individuals, while larger specimens may be more solitary in their hunting patterns.

Striped Bass Spawning Season

Spawning occurs in freshwater rivers and tributaries during spring months when water temperatures reach 55-65°F. Female stripers can produce millions of eggs, which drift downstream and hatch within 2-3 days. After spawning, adult fish return to saltwater feeding areas, with many migrating north along the coast during summer months before returning south in fall.

Striped Bass Fishing Techniques

Successful striped bass fishing employs various techniques including live bait fishing with eels, herring, or bunker, jigging with bucktails or soft plastics, and trolling with umbrella rigs or tube lures. Casting topwater plugs during dawn and dusk can produce explosive surface strikes. In July around Atlantic City, anglers find success working jetties, inlet mouths, and nearshore structure where baitfish concentrate during tide changes.

Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?

Striped bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat that's mild in flavor and versatile in preparation. The fish is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to many other marine species. Popular cooking methods include grilling, baking, broiling, and pan-searing, with the meat holding up well to various seasonings and sauces.

Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best bait for striped bass?

A: Live eels, bunker (menhaden), and herring are top choices, though soft plastic jigs, bucktails, and topwater plugs also produce excellent results depending on conditions and time of day.

Q: Where can I find striped bass near Atlantic City?

A: Focus on jetties, inlet mouths, bridge structures, and nearshore waters where baitfish concentrate. The Absecon Inlet, Steel Pier area, and various back bay locations all hold fish during different tide phases.

Q: Is striped bass good to eat?

A: Yes, striped bass is considered excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's mild in flavor and high in protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Q: When is the best time to catch striped bass?

A: Dawn and dusk typically provide the most active feeding periods, though stripers can be caught throughout the day. Summer months offer consistent action in Atlantic City waters.