Striped Bass in East Hampton & Montauk: The Iconic East End Catch

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) are the most legendary and sought-after game fish in the waters off East Hampton and Montauk. Known for their powerful runs, aggressive strikes, and impressive size, stripers are a staple of the local fishing culture. Whether surfcasting from the rocky shores of Montauk Point or chasing schools by boat, landing a striped bass is a badge of honor for any East End angler.

How We Catch Them

Striped bass are opportunistic predators and can be caught using a variety of techniques:

• Surfcasting with topwater plugs, bucktail jigs, and soft plastics, especially during the famous fall blitzes when stripers push baitfish close to shore.

• Live Bait Fishing using eels, bunker (menhaden), or mackerel, particularly at night when big stripers feed aggressively.

• Trolling with tube and worm rigs, bunker spoons, or Mojo rigs to cover large areas and locate schools of fish.

• Fly Fishing with sand eel and bunker imitations, offering a thrilling challenge for experienced anglers.

The waters around Montauk are known for their world-class striped bass fishing, particularly in the rips off Montauk Point, where strong currents concentrate bait and create prime feeding grounds.

Migration Patterns

Striped bass are a migratory species that travel along the Atlantic Coast. They move into the waters around East Hampton and Montauk in spring, feeding heavily through the summer before staging for their fall migration south. The peak fishing season runs from May through November, with the fall run offering some of the most intense action of the year as stripers fatten up before heading south.

The Striped Bass Fishery

Striped bass are tightly regulated to protect their population, with size and slot limits, seasonal closures, and catch-and-release practices playing a key role in conservation efforts. Many Montauk anglers practice catch and release, especially for larger breeding fish, ensuring the health of the fishery for future generations.

Stripers are prized for their firm, white meat, making them a favorite for grilling, baking, and pan-searing. However, due to conservation concerns, many anglers opt to release their catch or keep only what they need.

Striped bass fishing is more than a sport in Montauk—it’s a tradition. Whether battling a trophy-sized fish from the surf or jigging in a boat among the rips, catching a striped bass off the East End is an unforgettable experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season.