As we wrap up another year of fishing through 4 seasons in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, we’re already looking ahead at what’s in store for 2024; but not without sharing some of our most viewed web stories of the year.
2023 saw tarpon on Cape Cod, whales accidentally inhaling a striper or two, and more changes to striped bass regulations along the Atlantic coast. Thanks to all of you, our valued readers, these 10 articles were some of our most-viewed web stories this year.
Fishing News
Humpback Whale Spits Up Striped Bass in New Jersey
In a video posted to Instagram by Christor Lukasiewicz (@christorluke), a feeding humpback whale is seen spitting out a few striped bass after it bit off more than it could chew (or swallow, for that matter).
Tarpon Caught & Released on Cape Cod
In the second week of August, Cape Cod local, Hans Brings, was shark fishing on a south-facing beach when in the middle of the night, he encountered an unsuspected catch: a 5-foot-long tarpon in the surf.
Brings’ friend, who is not a fisherman, recorded a brief video to document the catch, but their greatest concern was releasing the fish in good condition. After Brings laid next to it in the wash for a rough measurement, he revived the fish and it fish kicked off into the night.
Saltwater Stories
Rules of the Surf
In this story, Tom Kokalas shares the unwritten rules of surfcasting to help anglers continue to learn and grow, no matter their age or experience level.
Have the Best Fall Run Ever
Veteran NJ surfcaster, Shell E. Caris, shares his tips on how to have the best fall run ever when striped bass pin adult and peanut bunker to the beach.
Striper Myths
Several myths persist about striped bass, despite being one of the most heavily researched fish in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. In this article from On The Water’s 2023 Angler’s Almanac, we tackle what is fact and what is fiction.
Catch Doormat Fluke with Snapper Bluefish
Using live bait to catch fluke is nothing new; but scaling up your baits can help you land a true trophy summer flounder during the dog days of summer, when snapper bluefish are around in greater numbers.
Striper Migration Map – April 14, 2023
Between New York’s season opener on 4/15, and the timely arrival of the first migratory stripers on Martha’s Vineyard, excitement for the spring migration of striped bass peaked during the week of April 14, 2023.
Freshwater Stories
Five Essential Spinners for Trout
Inline spinners have been a tried-and-true trout lure since 1938, when French engineer Andre Meulnart of Mepps released the first of its kind. Since then, they’ve gone largely unchanged, but different types of spinner blades excel in different environments. This guide to fishing spinners for trout breaks down their history, anatomy and usage.
Largemouth Bass by the Calendar
The seasonal patterns of largemouth bass are dictated by water temperatures, spawning desires and presence of forage. This year-round guide breaks down where to find bass by the season, and the techniques and tackle used to catch them.
Lifestyle
Growing Old Gracefully with a Fishing Rod in Hand
In this story, Kent Manno dives into why fishing is so beneficial for seniors, and reflects on how the sport (and our experiences on the water) contribute to maintaining good physical and mental health throughout the later stages of life.
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Our Most Popular Videos of 2023
Matt Haeffner grew up on Long Island, NY, where he fished on party boats, his kayak, and the South Shore & North Fork beaches for bluefish, striped bass, fluke, and more. With a decade of experience as a kayak instructor, fishing retail specialist, and editor, he is well-versed in the tackle and techniques that apply to the Northeast’s fisheries. For 12 months a year, he enjoys surfcasting, wading, and kayak fishing on Cape Cod, MA, and beyond.