Transition to Summer Striper Patterns

It happens every year: as we transition from spring to summer we must transition our fishing style and approach. Spring is usually a glorious time for striped bass fisherman. In an attempt to fatten up after a spectacular migration, striped bass often go into a gluttonous feeding binge, which can result in amazing striped bass fishing. In the spring, stripers will often move into the river systems that host a herring run, and feast heavily on the herring that are making their way to and from their freshwater spawning grounds (another spectacular migration). Spring is also the time when you can witness epic blitzes in places like the Cape Cod Canal, where herring and mackerel often shoot up onto the bank trying to escape hungry stripers - choosing to die of suffocation rather than in the belly of a hungry striper.

I usually start to transition from the rivers to the rocky, oceanfront shores around mid to late June, when water temps here start to reach 60 degrees. This does not mean bass can’t be caught in rivers as the herring fall out, but traffic on the rivers on the North Shore of MA increases as schools get out, and access begins to get tougher, making the rocks a better choice. Also, around this time, lobsters will shed their shells, making one of the striper’s favorite meals even more desirable. Areas with lobster pots within casting range are usually good this time of year, even if fishing around the pots is trickier.

As June turns into July, it is wise to seek out deep water close to shore if you’re a surfcaster. There are a few spots that I fish that have depths of 15 feet or more one step off the rock I stand on. This makes for great bass habitat, but it also makes fishing very dangerous. I would advise wearing a wetsuit or bathing suit/surf top combo, and studded footwear is a must. As air temperatures continue to warm, a bathing suit and t-shirt may be suitable, but you risk getting eaten alive by bugs and cut by barnacles.

Scope out some rocky spots and plan to fish them as we transition into a summer pattern. If there are lobster pots close to shore you’re in the right place - this means there is plenty for stripers to eat, and it also ensures the water is deep enough for a lobster boat to access, meaning it is plenty deep for striped bass. In addition to lobster there should be a variety of bottom fish, from flounder to pollack, as well as mackerel, pogies, and herring around these rocky outcroppings. Watch the weather and the surf closely as fishing these areas can be dangerous.

A variety of methods will work, but I prefer using bucktails and swimming plugs like the Redfin. Using pencil poppers and spooks can draw some fish off the bottom around dawn and dusk. Put in your time, change up your tactics, and enjoy some great summer-style fishing as temperatures rise.

Rocky outcroppings with deep water nearby will hold stripers all summer long.

These areas can be very dangerous, so make safety your priority.

This chunky striper was taken on a 1oz bucktail from a rocky area on the N. Shore of MA.