Posted by Schaefer's Canal House on 12/10/2014
to
Marina
Although the current wintery climes won’t allow for a
fishing trip, it is not too difficult to envision the perfect striping fishing
trip when the Spring arrives. As a
matter a fact, starting to plan now might make the short or mini-vacation on
the water absolutely perfect when the time arrives and will remain quite
memorable for years to come. Spring is
the best time to fish for Striper, especially when they migrate.
Whether they are called Rockfish, Linesiders, Striped Bass,
True Bass or simply Striper, the fish is the most sought after shoreline
species on the East coast from New York to the Carolinas, and especially in the
Chesapeake Bay, around Maryland. Known
as Morone saxatilis in the world of
fish science, anglers become especially attached to striper fishing because of
the fight and the delicious flavor. In
addition, because the Striper stays relatively close to the shore, it can be
fished from any platform: shoreline,
wading, kayak or canoe, local pier, or by boat –part of the great allure is the
diverse opportunities in fishing for the striper.
Stripers are particularly active and prolific in the
Chesapeake Bay and at Schaefer’s Canal House Restaurant & Marina one can
dock their boat overnight and enjoy local culture – food, drinks, dancing, and
music after or before the excursion. In
addition we will have everything in stock for your boating needs. This area, especially around Maryland teems
with Striper activity, to the extent that there is a commercial limit on
harvest giving the personal angler or sportsman the benefit of a healthy
population to fish for. Good places to
fish the Chesapeake are from Cove Point to Annapolis to the Susquehanna River
–where some monsters have been found lurking in the deeper trenches.
The Striper tends to migrate along the shore or coastline
and breed in the rivers or estuaries during the spring. The fish has 7-8 dark stripes and has a gray,
steely blue, or olive-colored back with a white belly. Their feeding regimen consists of small bait
fish, clams, and eels and for larger ones – even trout and flounder. Males can reach up to 45 inches in length,
while females can extend up to 70.
Typically a 30 lb. Striper caught near the beginning of migration, can
weigh up to 50 lbs. a few months later.
After spawning is the best time to fish for Striper as evidence above,
they are voracious eaters during the pre-spawn.
The world record is documented at around 79 pounds, yet undocumented
reports indicate the largest at up to 125 lbs.
