I grew up fishing on the Chesapeake Bay, where we fished for striped Bass. That was about the only species that we fished.
Many times, people ask, “are striped bass good to eat”? Even though I live in southeast N.C., where stripers are an afterthought, Striped Bass (aka Rockfish) are still one of my favorite fish to eat. Striped Bass are excellent table fare and can be cooked in many ways.
I will share my opinion on Striped Bass taste compared to other popular fish, how to cook them, how to catch them, where you can expect to find them, and my three favorite recipes.
Keep reading to learn about Striped Bass taste and if they are good to eat.
Striped Bass Taste
Compared to other popular fish, Striped Bass have a rich, meaty flavor that is incredibly mild and delicious. They are firm in texture but not dry or tough. This makes them an excellent option for all cooking methods and dishes, from grilling to roasting to frying.
I prefer to eat striped Bass fried inside tacos or an entree with a side of vegetables. Below I will share my advice on how to cook Striper and my go-to recipes for eating striped Bass.
How to Cook Striped Bass
There are many ways to cook striped Bass, depending on your preferences and the occasion. Some of my favorites include grilling over a fire, roasting in the oven with herbs, or pan-searing in a skillet. Striped Bass can also be poached or baked for more delicate dishes.
Striped Bass Recipes
To get started cooking striped Bass, try my simple grilled Striped Bass recipe:
Grilled Striper Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 striped bass fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Set the fillets on the grill, and cook for about 5 minutes per side until cooked through.
3. Serve immediately with your favorite sides or seasonings, like lemon wedges or fresh herbs.
Fried Rockfish Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 rockfish fillets, cleaned and cut into serving sizes
Instructions:
1. Combine the flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
2. In a separate shallow dish, beat the egg and milk together.
3. Dip each piece of Rockfish in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then back in the flour mixture. Make sure it’s well coated.
4. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add the rockfish fillets and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Roasted Striped Bass Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 striped bass fillets, halved lengthwise
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
2. Lay the striped bass fillets on the baking sheet, and brush with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Roast for about 10 minutes until the fish is cooked and flakes easily with a fork. Serve immediately with your favorite sides or seasonings, like lemon wedges or fresh herbs.
What do Striped Bass Eat
If you’re interested in catching your own striped Bass, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. First, you’ll need the right bait and tackle – for instance, live bait like bloodworms, worms, minnows, eels, or nightcrawlers are my picks for striped bass bait.
Once you’ve gathered your fishing gear fishing gear, find an area where striped Bass is known to feed, like weed beds or tide rips. Cast your line near the bottom and slowly reel it in until you feel a bite.
Finally, check local regulations on striped bass fishing before heading out on your fishing trip – different states and regions may have different rules about when, where, and how to catch these fish.
Where to Fish For Striped Bass
Striped Bass can be found in many areas and ecosystems, from coastal waters to freshwater lakes and rivers. Stripers are anadromous fish that spawn in freshwater and then migrate into saltwater. Stripers can be found all along east coast tributaries and bays that feed into the Atlantic Ocean.
Some of the best areas to fish for striped bass include:
- Cape Cod
- The Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries
- The Delaware Bay and its tributaries
- The Hudson River
- The Roanoke River
- Oregon Inlet/Cape Hatteras
- Long Island Sound
- San Fransisco Bay
If you’re new to fishing for striped Bass and want some help getting started, consider joining a local fishing club or hiring a guide who can show you the ropes.
Freshwater Striped Bass
In 1941, when building the Santee Cooper reservoir in South Carolina, something went awry, and striped Bass ended up landlocked. Striped Bass typically breed in freshwater but spend their adult lives in saltwater.
It was found that the striped Bass could do well in freshwater reservoirs that are cool in summer, have enough oxygen, and contain adequate forage; in particular, a large population of threadfin shad. Since then, striped Bass have been successfully stocked in various reservoirs across the central part of America.
Today, it’s estimated that about two million freshwater stripers live in landlocked populations across the U.S., and these fish have become a vital sport fishery in many states.
The following lakes in the eastern United States have large populations of freshwater striped Bass:
- Santee Cooper, South Carolina
- Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
- Lake Naomi, North Carolina
- Lake Monticello, Virginia
- Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas
- Lake Texoma, Oklahoma
Freshwater Striped bass has also been stocked in several other lakes and reservoirs across the country, including Lake Mead and Lake Powell in the western U.S. That said, wild striped Bass has a much better taste than freshwater stripers.
Common Questions Related to Striped Bass
What is a Striped Bass or Striper?
Striped Bass, also known as Striper or Rockfish, is a fish native to the Atlantic Coast and found in coastal waters and rivers. These fish are renowned for their size, flavor, and abundance – they can grow up to several feet long, with large populations often reaching the hundreds of thousands.
Is Striped Bass a Healthy Fish to Eat?
Yes, striped Bass does have nutritional benefits. Both freshwater striped Bass and Atlantic striped Bass are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to add more fish to their diet. Plus, its mild flavor makes it easy to cook in a variety of ways, from grilling and to roast to
Is striped Bass high in mercury?
Striped Bass contains mercury, and you should consult your doctor before you eat striped Bass if you are pregnant or nursing, as too much mercury can harm the developing fetus or infant. That said, for most people, striped Bass is a perfectly safe and healthy fish choice that is low in mercury and rich in nutrients like protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
The more dangerous chemical known as PCBs has been found in striped Bass, especially more mature fish and ones spawned further north, specifically the Hudson River.
What is the biggest striped Bass ever caught?
In August of 2011, the world-record striped Bass in Connecticut waters. The Striper weighed in at 81.88 pounds, which is just slightly heavier than the previous record of 78.8 pounds from 1982
How long does a striped bass live?
While the lifespan of striped Bass varies depending on their environment and other factors, they are known to live for up to 30 years in the wild. However, stripers hatched in hatcheries tend to be smaller and shorter-lived than those born in the wild.
Can striped Bass live in freshwater?
While most striped Bass live in saltwater and migrate into freshwater to spawn, some can thrive in both environments. For instance, the Sacramento River contains a population of freshwater striped Bass that has adapted to live in fresh and saltwater over time. However, these fish are still considered anadromous and return to saltwater once they mature.
Wrapping Up
Whether an avid angler or just a casual fish eater, striped Bass is an excellent and flavorful addition to any meal. From grilled and roasted fillets to savory soups and stews, striped bass fish can be cooked in various ways to suit your tastes. So the next time you’re wondering, “are striped bass good to eat” why not give striped Bass a try? Whether you fish for them or pick some up at the market, these fish will become a favorite in no time.
For more guidance on deciding a fish makes good table fare, check out the pages below:
