For striped bass fishermen in the Northeast, there’s really no such thing as an off season. Once stripers return to their wintering grounds near major spring spawning locations, our schedules become filled with tackle tinkering, servicing gear, and attending shows and expositions to restock depleted plug bags, pick up a new pair of bibs, or replace a broken rod. But why wait until the depths of winter to start preparing for the spring migration?
(Note: On The Water is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.)
Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp Non-Offset Baitholder Circle Hook
This hook provides anglers with a regulation-compliant inline circle hook with two bait slits on the shank for holding soft baits like clams and seaworms in place and leaving the hook point and gap clear for finding the corner of a striper’s jaw. $9 (per pack of 20)
Canyon Runner Virtual Captain Inshore Plus Map
Serving as a digital co-captain, this system gives anglers the ability to track other member and pro-staff boats. It includes weather warnings and avoidance alerts, a fishing log database, and real-time AIS tracking of the longline and dragger fleets, while providing updated water temperatures and the ability to view over 10,000 mapped wrecks and fishing locations. $299
Columbia PFG Force XII ODX Jacket and Bib
The high collar, adjustable hood, watertight neoprene comfort cuffs, and PU-coated front zipper on this foul-weather jacket provide unmatched protection against wind-driven rain and sea spray. When paired with the bib, anglers can enjoy full-body coverage and light warmth through the elements. Jacket $250 / Bib $250
Grundens Striped Bass Long-Sleeve Tech Tee
Featuring custom striped bass art on the back, this lightweight, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and breathable top includes UPF 50 sun protection and HeiQ built-in odor control. $45
Costa Grand Catalina
These sunglasses revive a classic Costa frame from the late 1980s, featuring modern updates for enhanced comfort and performance. Featuring removable side shields, vented nose pads, sweat-management channels, and spring hinges for versatility on and off the water. Starting at $225
AFTCO Titan Landing Net
Built in the USA with aircraft-grade aluminum and a durable machined yoke, this extendable net features a locking handle, adjusts from 30 to 55 inches for different situations, and has a hand-sewn hoop fitted with latex-infused knotless netting that’s easy on the fish. Available in 21- and 24-inch hoop sizes. Starting at $350
Penn Slammer IV
With an IPX6 sealed body and spool, the newly redesigned Slammer features all-new brass CNC gear technology, an 8+1 stainless steel bearing system, and a Hydrophobic Line Roller Bearing to make it a workhorse of a reel for catching striped bass. Starting at $310
OTW Signature Striper Hoodie (Storm Blue)
Made from a comfortable blend of cotton and polyester, this hoodie sports On The Water’s classic striper logo and a fleece-lined drawstring hood for warmth. $69
Danco Premio Offshore Pliers
Machined from 100% titanium with a matte finish and fitted with the Super Halo Hinge for smooth performance, these heavy-duty pliers feature replaceable cobalt-titanium side cutters that handle braid, mono, fluoro, and even light wire. $250
Columbia PFG Pro Sport Boot
These comfort-forward fishing boots feature a durable, vulcanized rubber upper and Columbia’s Techlite+ material, which provides lightweight cushioning from heel to toe, while the Omni-Grip outsole generates traction on slick surfaces. $100
Shimano Tranx 300B
This heavy-duty baitcaster is built on a solid, ultra-rigid aluminum design that provides the reel with strength and cranking power for casting big baits and fighting big fish, from freshwater pike and muskie to large stripers in the salt. $350
Rapala X-Rap Long Cast
Built to soar through high winds and dive to the strike zone in heavy chop and strong current, this saltwater jerkbait swims in an erratic slashing motion with a twitch-and-pause retrieve and boasts an enticing flutter on the drop. Its heavy-duty VMC inline single hooks make for quick, hassle-free releases. $20.49
Framed “Surf Schoolie” Fine Art Print
Gaze at the beauty of a fresh surf-caught schoolie all winter long by hanging Mark Mueller’s original art in your home. Reproduced from an original acrylic painting and framed in satin black with a silver inset that echoes the scale pattern of the striper. $350 (15” x 26”)
Quantum Zeal Surf Rods
Engineered with Quantum’s proprietary HSX24 ton carbon fiber blanks, these rods offer an ideal combination of strength and sensitivity. Stainless steel guides with zirconia inserts deliver lightweight, corrosion-resistant durability for smooth casting and retrieval in the surf. Starting at $140
Available in 8- to 12-foot models.
Grundens Vector Wader
According to Grundens, the Vector Wader was designed for anglers who spend 200+ days a year on the water, with a focus on durability. That’s exactly what the surfcaster wants, a wader that can be counted on to stay dry for multiple seasons of chasing surf stripers. $500
YETI Rambler Travel Bottle
The Leakproof Commuter Cap locks in every drop while hiking over rocks or bouncing down the trail to the beach. Double-wall vacuum insulation locks in the temps all day, and the 360-degree cap lets you sip from every angle. 12 oz. $28 / 16 oz. $32
Tak Waterman Shell Jacket
After years of design, testing, and refining, Northeast-based fishing and surf brand TAK Waterman introduced this surfcasting top. Made from a recycled stretch shell with 20K waterproof / 10K breathable protection, making it a four-season jacket for the surf, kayak, and boat.
Grundens Turbulence Hybrid Hoodie
An outer shell made from recycled stretch polyester acts as a water-repellent windbreaker, while G-Loft stretch insulation regulates body temperature on this surf-ready hooded sweatshirt. $230
Turtle Cove Tackle Jig Vault
This holster is specifically designed to keep a jar of Fat Cow bucktail trailers secure and accessible on your wading belt without any dangling straps or noisy Velcro. Starting at $30
Z-Belts Surfcaster’s Wetsuit Pants
These wetsuit pants are purpose-built for surf fishermen with 3mm neoprene, stair fabric reinforcements in high-wear areas, thick knee pads, and a fly. $130
OutCast Lures Presentation Gift Box Set
Present your surf fishing partner(s) with a collection of OutCast or Yellow Star lures in style. Each gift box is cloth bound and includes a removable foam lining, which keeps the plugs nestled in place and free of hook tangles or superficial scratches — at least until they stick a few big bass. Starting at $65.95
Z-Belts Ultralight 2-Tube Plug Bag
Two-layer Dacron sailcloth construction makes this two-tube plug bag a great choice for deep-wading or wetsuiting surf fishermen. It has an integrated utility belt on both sides that is designed to carry a Boga grip, pliers, dive knife, or attachable single-tube pouch. Along with two built-in mesh leader wallets, there are 4 bucktail jig sleeves and a rear interior storage pouch among other useful features. Starting at $165
VMC Inline Single 4X Strong Hooks
In the interest of reducing release mortality, replace the trebles on your striper plugs with these chemically-sharpened single hooks. Each hook is constructed with layers of an ultra-thin, corrosion-resistant black nickel finish and boasts a wide gap for secure penetration in the big, rubbery maws of striped bass.
Seaguar Inshore Fluorocarbon Leader
This fast-sinking, low memory fluorocarbon is Seaguar’s most abrasion-resistant leader material, which makes it an excellent choice for jetty casters or wetsuiting in boulder fields. Its low-stretch properties lead to more firm, secure hooksets so you can put the brakes on big fish in tight, rocky areas. Starting at $17
Okuma Tesoro 4000XA
Built for strength and durability without sacrificing smoothness, the Tesoro 4000XA spinning reel features an IPX-7 full-body waterproof design, helping the reel maintain its smooth operation even in the face of occasional splashes or accidental submersion. $370
Old Town Sportsman ePDL+ 120 PRO
This kayak features exceptional rod and tackle management solutions, a double-U hull design for stand-up stability, and the ePDL system allows anglers to pedal manually, with power assist, or engage fully motorized cruise control. $6,000
Lithium battery and charger included.
Fenwick Eagle Inshore Spinning Rod
Crafted from a 24/30-ton graphite blend for sensitivity, crisp action, and lasting durability, these rods feature soft-touch reel seats for direct blank contact, tailored foregrips for enhanced feel, and stainless-steel guides with zirconia inserts for smooth performance. Starting at $110
Z-Man DieZel KickerZ
The twin tails flutter and kick, whether straight retrieved or jigged, creating a different yet realistic swimming action that imitates everything from a scuttling crab to a panicked peanut bunker. $7
G. Loomis IMX Pro Green
Designed to be lightweight, sensitive, and durable, this rod features G. Loomis’ TaperTec technology to create a stronger rod with fine-tuned actions. Features like Fuji K-frame guides and durable Alconite inserts enhance casting distance. Starting at $400
Available in spinning and casting models.
Afuera Coffee Morning Gratitude Light Roast
Fuel up for a day of fishing with this rich, nutty, sustainably sourced roast that is grown at the base of the Santa Ana Volcano in El Salvador. Five percent of all sales are donated to organizations dedicated to protecting the outdoors. $27
Turtlebox Gen 3 Speaker
This outdoor speaker is buoyant, drop-, crush-, and dust-proof, and waterproof to IP-67 standards. It features stainless steel tie downs, boasts 25-plus hours of battery life, and in Party Mode, it pairs with other Turtlebox speakers. $430
Toit Split Ring Pliers Kit
The ceramic-polymer finish on these aluminum pliers adds corrosion, chemical and UV resistance—perfect for saltwater conditions—and includes nine heat-treated stainless steel inserts, all of which are housed in a durable case that is fitted with EVA foam to keep everything secure from boat to work bench. $170