Striped Bass are undoubtedly the most popular gamefish that visit our waters each year. Commonly referred to simply as "stripers", these fish are also called rockfish in the southern states, especially in the Chesapeake Bay area. Whatever you call them, they are strong fish that have excited and challenged thousands of Vineyard anglers over the years.

Stripers arrive in our waters in spring, often by mid-April. May sees good fishing with plenty of smaller fish, often called "schoolies' due to their habits of schooling together, especially at this time of year. Early summer brings larger fish to our waters. Stripers are the last fish to leave our waters in the fall, often staying around until the end of November.

Striped bass can be identified by their beautiful and dramatic stripes, in addition to a generally silvery coloration. Fish taken on the outer beaches often show a faintly purplish sheen. Stripers frequent many types of habitats, from open beaches, estuaries, and reefs, to rips and points of land. Wherever you find them, you will find fishermen eager to do battle with their favorite gamefish. The striper can grow to quite a large size - 40 pound fish are not uncommon, but not as prevalent as they once were in our waters. Fish up to 50 pounds are taken each year, both from shore and by boat by a handful of lucky anglers. Fish of 60 and 70 pounds have been taken in years past by anglers fishing the Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands, just a few short miles to the north of Martha's Vineyard.

The Vineyard is famous for it's surfcasting for striped bass, and popular areas include the long ocean beaches on the south side of the island, as well as those on Chappaquiddick. These areas are the best bets for those who enjoy bottom fishing with bait, a method which can produce some large fish, especially in the fall. Light tackle and fly anglers concentrate on beaches, points, and inlets on the North side of Martha's Vineyard, which enjoy the relatively calm waters of Vineyard sound.

Popular techniques for stripers include spinning or casting tackle rigged with live eels or a wide variety of artificials including plugs and metal lures. Many anglers troll the sandy reefs of Middle Ground for stripers during the summer. Even fly anglers can take some very nice fish, and the Vineyard is a popular destination for those who like to chase stripers with the long rod. Herring flies, snake flies, deceivers, and lots of other patterns will take striped bass at the right time. It should also be noted that night fishing is very popular among Vineyard anglers, as the largest fish are often taken long after the sun has gone down.

Martha's Vineyard is hallowed ground for striped bass fishermen. If you've never been to the island, we hope you'll give us a call or drop us a line and let us help you plan your first trip to our waters. If you have been here, you know how good the striped bass fishing can be. We invite all anglers to stop by Larry's for the latest info on where and when to find our favorite gamefish, the striped bass.