‍ ‍STRIPED BASS

stri-ped bass /ˌstraɪpt ˈbæs/

• Migrating north to chase bait these fish need to keep up with the energy it takes to swim up the east coast.

• Found either in massive pods, or alone- there is almost no in between. Finding one is great, but finding a group is fish can be an experience of a lifetime

For more info on the species we catch here, check out our SPECIES page.

[make SPECIES^ link to species page]

‍ ‍AUGUST-SEPTEMBER

Migrating fish arrive from early Summer to Early Fall, hungry from their long journey.

Unlike traditional blind-casting in deep channels, this location features expansive grass and sand flats. Anglers sight-cast to these eager eaters in a mere 1-4 feet of water. The fish move into these clear shallows in order to devour shrimp, crab, baby lobster, and baitfish.

Our head guide, Captain Ben Whalley, works with TCH owner Joshua Schwartz to consider the tides in planning our dates each year. The massive tidal swings of this bay is what really dictates the movement of Striped Bass, too! Low or dropping tides are the best window to fish the flats, and during higher tides, anglers will move along the rocky ledges of the picturesque New England coastline, and into deeper channels.

If it’s not already on your radar, it needs to be. Sight-casting to tailing stripers in skinny water - PUT ME IN, COACH!

Check out our BROCHURE for more details on our Casco Bay, Maine program.

For current availability, visit our TRIP CALENDAR.

Travel Creel Hospitality has joined forces with Captain Ben Whalley and his crew of local Guides to bring you an incredibly unique Stripah Adventure. Fly directly into Portland Maine where we will pick you up and shuttle you to our Craftsmen style Lodge for the week. Lobsters, Oysters, Flounder, Peeky-toe Crab, and many other delicious ocean critters reside in Casco Bay. Chef Joshua will be working with local fish mongers to bring these delicacies to the table every night. He has sourced local meats, cheeses and produce to keep your dining experience a true taste of New England. Rise to the most breathtaking sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean. Its a short drive to the boat launch where Ben and his boys will be ready with skinny water skiffs to explore the shallows in search of Striped Bass chasing the migration of baitfish, shrimp, and crab.

Click HERE to check out our web brochure for more on our Maine program!

Fly fishing is more than a hobby, or sport, it’s an experience. Protecting and preserving the world’s fisheries is an integral component of destination fly fishing.

Nothing brings our Creel Crew more joy than operating our business - taking us to the most incredible corners of our great planet with amazing people. Our resources are finite, but our environment should be forever.

Striped Bass is one of the most highly sought-after gamefish on America’s East Coast. Just the recreational side of the fishery (that’s us!) contributes more than $13 billion to the COASTAL ECONOMY and provides work for more than 100,000 locals.

How does trophy hunting gamefish contribute to the downfall of a species? Well, when fish in that category are exclusively mature, egg-bearing females. Removing these fish from the population reduces the overall count SIGNIFICANTLY.

‍ ‍ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS

Global temperature changes, pollution of our air and waterways, major changes to the region has contributed to environmental conditions that aren’t conducive to this species needs.

In fact, some of these factors have led invasive species, such as the Blue Catfish, to move into some of the warmer waters to the South (Chesapeake Bay watershed down to North Carolina’s coastline). This species, in particular, thrives in brackish, dirty water. Actively seeking out Striped Bass that are less than a year old, the Blue Catfish land a significant impact on the number of fish that mature into reproductive years. By sheer numerical output of eggs, Striped Bass will beat out Blue Catfish 20 to 1.

Unfortunately, the number of eggs they produce doesn’t lead to higher Striped Bass survival rates to maturity. Unlike their prey, male Blue Catfish build nests for the female to lay her eggs, and then bounce. Males FIERCELY guard their offspring.

The number of eggs produced by a female Striped Bass is directly correlated to their size, and maturity.

‍ ‍HOW DO WE HELP?

Book a trip. No, seriously!

We’ve chosen to work with Captain Ben Whalley, who has not just gathered the most knowledgable team of guides in Casco Bay - but is also a true champion of conservation efforts for this species and fishery.

When Joshua first visited as a just-for-fun DIY travel fly fishing trip, Maine wasn’t even on his radar as a bucket list destination. Especially growing up on the East Coast (Long Island, NY/Bucks County, PA), and attending culinary school in Vermont (New England Culinary Institute).

But after experiencing it, Joshua was hooked. Not only because of his experience on the water, but because it was one he didn’t even know he wanted before! Our Casco Bay, Maine Striped Bass program is intentionally and thoughtfully curated, so that your dollars are infused right back into the local, coastal economy.

‍ ‍KEEP LEARNING!

Here’s a few resources we recommend if you’d like more info on the immense efforts that have been implemented to conserve this species for our future generations:

• (ASA) American Saltwater Association - Striped Bass

• NOAA Fisheries - Atlantic Striped Bass

• U.S. Fish & Wildlife - Striped Bass Conservation Act