Bay State Tackle Blog

Atlantic Striped Bass Bait Forecast Striped bass follow the groceries. If you know where the bait is, you know where the bass will be. Here’s what the major forage species are doing this season and how that sets up the bite. Menhaden (Bunker / Pogies) Status: Strong, dense schools from NJ to MAForecast: Excellent Bunker remain the backbone of the spring run. Early reports show tight, healthy pods hugging the beaches, which usually means: Big fish shadowing the schools Blitz potential on calm mornings Consistent action around inlets and river mouths If bunker stay shallow, expect multiple waves of trophy‑class...

Atlantic Striped Bass Forecast The 2026 season is shaping up to be a classic East Coast striper year: strong early pushes, solid biomass in the mid‑Atlantic, and a lot of fish staging offshore waiting for the right temperature breaks. Here’s what to expect as the season unfolds. The Big Driver: Water Temperature Striped bass movement is tied tightly to sea‑surface temperature. The magic window is: 48–55°F for the first big push 55–62°F for peak feeding and migration 65°F+ sends fish north or deep This year’s temps are lining up for an early, steady migration, especially in the mid‑Atlantic. Region‑by‑Region Forecast...

The all-time largest saltwater fish catches were made using a mix of live bait, trolling lures, and artificial jigs. Below are the record catches for each species, the lures or bait used, and the story behind each legendary fish. Great White Shark – 2,664 lbs Angler: Alfred Dean (1959, Ceduna, Australia) Lure/Bait: Whole porpoise Narrative: Dean used a heavy-duty rod and reel setup with a porpoise as bait. The shark was landed in under an hour, showcasing the raw power of the gear and angler. This remains the heaviest saltwater fish ever caught on rod and reel. Note: No artificial...

I asked ChatGPT what are the top fishing lures being sold online. Here is what came up.Top Selling6" Multi-Jointed Striped Bass Lure   Features 3 Segment Striped Bass Lure Swim Bait: Slow Sinking, Shallow Running Bass Lure with 3D eyes, super sharp hooks and internal rattle. Bait slithers when reeled and mimics a dying fish when jerked like a jerk bait. Can also be used for trolling behind a boat going between 2-4 miles per hour. $13.99 Top SellingBomber Lures Long A Slender Minnow Jerkbait Fishing Lure   Features Great for surf or boating fishing Saltwater Grade hardware withstand the...

Atlantic Coast Striped Bass Fishing Regulations for 2026: Status Quo Holds Amid Population Concerns Despite mounting concerns over population decline, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) has opted to maintain existing striped bass fishing regulations for the 2026 season. The 2026 striped bass fishing season along the Atlantic coast will proceed under the same rules as previous years, following the ASMFC’s October 2025 vote to uphold the current management framework. This decision came after proposals to reduce recreational and commercial removals by 12% were ultimately rejected On The Water Chesapeake Bay Foundation.⚖️ What “Status Quo” Means for Anglers Anglers...