Striped bass, Morone saxatilis, are sought-after sport fish known for their adaptable feeding habits. These generalist predators consume a wide variety of prey. Understanding their diet offers insight into their ecological role and provides valuable knowledge for successful angling. Their dietary flexibility allows them to thrive across diverse environments, from freshwater rivers to the open ocean.
Primary Prey Species
Striped bass consume a diverse array of organisms, primarily baitfish. Atlantic menhaden, often called bunker, are a significant food source due to their schooling behavior, making them a key prey item for larger stripers. Other important baitfish include herring species like alewives and blueback herring, sand eels (also known as sand lance), anchovies, and mackerel. These schooling fish are frequently targeted by striped bass.
Beyond finfish, striped bass also feed on crustaceans, including various crabs, shrimp, and lobsters. Crustaceans can form a substantial part of their diet, especially in specific habitats or when fish prey is less abundant. Mollusks, particularly squid, are another common food item. Marine worms also contribute to their diet, particularly for younger fish and in estuarine environments.
Dietary Influences and Adaptations
The diet of striped bass changes significantly based on environmental and biological factors. Habitat plays a role, as fish in inshore estuaries may encounter different prey than those in offshore waters or along rocky coastlines. For instance, striped bass in estuarine salt marshes frequently consume mummichogs, bay anchovies, and various crabs, while those in rocky areas might target lobsters and other larger crustaceans. Freshwater populations primarily consume shad, panfish, and even crayfish.
A striped bass’s life stage also dictates its diet. Newly hatched larvae begin by feeding on zooplankton, such as water fleas and tiny copepods. As they grow into juveniles, their diet shifts to include insect larvae, small crustaceans like amphipods and mysid shrimp, and small fish. Adult striped bass become primarily piscivorous, consuming a wide range of fish species, but continue to supplement their diet with crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. Seasonal availability of prey is another influence, as striped bass often follow the migrations of abundant baitfish like menhaden or herring, leading to shifts in their primary food sources.
Feeding Strategies and Angling Relevance
Striped bass employ various hunting strategies to capture their diverse prey, which informs effective angling techniques. They are opportunistic predators. One common strategy involves schooling to corner baitfish, creating what is often referred to as a “bait ball.” Anglers can capitalize on this behavior by using topwater lures or soft plastic swimbaits that imitate distressed baitfish near the surface.
Striped bass also ambush prey from structured areas like rocky outcrops, bridge pilings, or submerged ledges. In these scenarios, jigs or weighted soft plastics worked near the bottom or around structure can be highly effective, mimicking prey hiding in crevices or along the seafloor. Bottom feeding is another tactic, where stripers root out crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. This behavior suggests the use of natural baits like crabs, clams, or worms, or artificial lures designed to be fished on the bottom. Understanding these feeding patterns, including peak activity during dawn, dusk, or low-light conditions, helps anglers select appropriate baits and techniques.