Striped Bass

The hunt for striped bass around Port Jefferson, New York, is a classic Northeast experience. Long Island Sound and the surrounding waters provide excellent habitat for these migratory fish. Spring and fall are prime times, as stripers follow the baitfish migrations. Focus on areas with strong currents, such as the mouths of harbors and inlets, as well as rocky shorelines and points. Bunker (menhaden) is a key forage fish, so look for signs of bunker schools and you're likely to find stripers nearby. Live-lining bunker is a popular and effective technique, but casting large swimming plugs or bucktails can also produce results. A local's secret: The backside of Crane Neck Point is a known striper hotspot, but be mindful of the strong currents. Also, check the local tide charts, as stripers often feed aggressively during tide changes. Long Island stripers can be notoriously finicky, so experiment with different presentations until you find what they're biting on.