Over the previous two weeks, the Northeast skilled its first deep freeze of the winter. Blizzard circumstances had some boats in Chesapeake Bay frozen on the dock, whereas additional north in New England, anglers cheered for sub-freezing temperatures to take away us from a state of fishing limbo. In locations like western Massachusetts, northern Connecticut, and Upstate New York, skim ice changed into secure ice, and anglers rallied on the prospect of ice fishing for trout, panfish, pike, and bass. Nonetheless, Captain Cam Faria of Cambo Charters in Massachusetts can’t hold his thoughts off striped bass. He determined that, ought to the celebrities align, he was going to try ice fishing for stripers.
Catching striped bass via the ice is nothing new, though lately, circumstances have tended to be too gentle to lock up the brackish backwaters through which our seven-striped mates winter over. Together with his native honey gap now secure to fish, Faria stated he approached the outing like another ice fishing journey—outfitted with tip-ups and crappie jigs.
Regardless of this chance being more and more uncommon, subsequent week’s frigid forecast might trigger extra river programs and estuaries within the Northeast to ice over. We’re lows within the teenagers and even single digits within the striper’s northern winter vary.
Excessive warning—much more so than ice fishing on freshwater ponds—ought to be taken in case you are to try ice fishing for stripers. Assessment these 10 ice fishing security suggestions earlier than you go, and bear in mind to pack obligatory security gear like cleated footwear, ice picks, and inflatable PFDs to be ready for the worst case state of affairs. Above all else, use the buddy system; ask a good friend to hitch you, it shouldn’t take a lot convincing.
Additionally, make certain verify your state’s striped bass fishing rules earlier than you go.
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