inshore

Striped Bass

Morone saxatilis

Saltwater migration in NC/SC sounds + rivers, fall/winter primarily. Live eels at night around bridges + jetties; chunked menhaden on tide. Mostly catch-release south of VA.

Preferred water temp50–72°F

Preferred depth3–80 ft

Holds oninlets, rivers, structure

In our regions

South Carolina CoastGeorgia CoastNorth Carolina (Outer Banks + Cape Lookout)

Regulations

⚠️ BETA: best-effort current as of May 31, 2026. Confirm with the linked FWC / NOAA source before keeping a fish.

Showing 3 of 3 regulations

NC_ATLANTIC

North Carolina — State waters (0–3 nm) · NCDMF

Currently CLOSED (seasonal)Seasonal

Bag limit: 1 / angler / day
Slot: 28″–31″ TL (total length)

ASMFC slot 28-31" TL, 1/angler/day. Coastal ocean waters; Roanoke River + Albemarle Sound have separate inland rules.

NC DMF (ASMFC compliance).

GA_ATLANTIC

Georgia — State waters (0–3 nm) · GA DNR

Catch & releaseCatch & release only

Catch & release only in saltwater (different inland/freshwater rules).

Georgia DNR.

SC_ATLANTIC

South Carolina — State waters (0–3 nm) · SCDNR

Catch & releaseCatch & release only

Catch & release only in SC saltwater. Some freshwater impoundment rules differ.

SC DNR.