The striped bass is native to most of the East Coast, ranging from the lower St. Lawrence River in Canada to northern Florida, and along portions of the Gulf of Mexico. Several characteristics distinguish the striped bass. The most noticeable include a large mouth with jaws extending backward to below the eye, two prominent spines on the gill covers, a bluish to dark olive upper body and silver belly, and seven or eight narrow stripes extending lengthwise from the back of the head to the base of the tail.

Striped bass are rarely found more than several miles from the shoreline and are usually caught in river mouths; in small, shallow bays and estuaries; and along rocky shorelines and sandy beaches. The striped bass is a schooling species, moving about in small groups during the first two years of life, and thereafter feeding and migrating in large schools.

Interesting facts about striped bass:

• In 1670, Plymouth Colony established a free school with income from coastal striped bass fisheries. Thus, one of the first public schools in America was supported by this highly valued resource.

• Striped bass can live up to 40 years and can reach weights greater than 100 pounds.

• Females reach significantly greater sizes than do males.

• During the 1970s and early 1980s, striped bass were severely depleted due to overfishing and pollution. Through management plans and regulations put in place by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), stock rose from an estimated 5 million in 1982 to more than 70 million in 2004.

• In 2003, the ASMFC passed Amendment 6 to produce regulations that maximize the overall benefits of the available striped bass resource.

• Atlantic striped bass are now at record levels as a result of effective fishery management and strong conservation actions.

• Striped bass are rated a “Best Choice” fish by Monterey Bay.