Bay Rats & Buoys Podcast Ep. 25 – Striped Bass Are Here & Our First Annual Invitational Is On!

In this week’s episode of Bay Rats & Buoys, Captain Gaige and First Mate Kory are back with big news and even bigger plans as we roll into the 2025 season! The first striped bass of the year has been officially landed — shoutout to Charles, who kicked things off in true Bay Rats fashion by hooking a striper on a blackfish jig tipped with a green crab. But he didn’t stop there. He tied on a white Tsunami swim bait and stuck an over-slot bass not long after. The bass are officially here — and they’re chewing!



We’re hyped to announce our First Annual Striped Bass Invitational, going down Sunday, June 22, 2025. It’s going to be an all-out throwdown on the water, and we couldn’t be more stoked. Huge thanks to Whalestale for sponsoring the event — and even bigger congrats to them on opening their brand-new location in the Hamptons. Having a local favorite like Whalestale on board means a lot to us and the whole fishing community.


Also in this episode, we’ve uncovered the boat and are deep into planning some exciting offshore excursions to launch the 2025 charter season in style. Opening day for striped bass is April 15, so now’s the time to get prepped.


And before you splash that boat, here’s a little friendly advice from your neighborhood tow captain: sign up for Sea Tow now. It’s always better to have it and not need it than to need it and drift with no Plan B.


Subscribe on YouTube, follow us for updates, and stay tuned — we’ve got a wild season ahead. Let’s go!

https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Long Island’s Hottest New Striped Bass Fishing Tournament | Bay Rats & Buoys 1st Annual Striped Bass Invitational

Calling all anglers, fishermen, and boating enthusiasts this is the striped bass fishing event you’ve been waiting for.

On Sunday, June 22, 2025, the waters of Huntington Bay, New York will ignite with the energy of the Bay Rats & Buoys 1st Annual Striped Bass Invitational — a shotgun-style, catch-and-release striped bass tournament that’s all about competition, conservation, and community.

This premier striped bass fishing tournament is unlike any other in Long Island, bringing together the best inshore anglers, saltwater fishermen, and boating crews from all over the North Shore of Long Island. This is your chance to test your skills, win big, and contribute to striped bass conservation through the Gray FishTag Research Program.


Every striped bass caught will be tagged and released, giving anglers the opportunity to participate in vital scientific research while enjoying a competitive, high-energy tournament. We’re on a mission to tag the most striped bass in one day, and we want YOU to be part of it.


Why You Should Register:

• $250 per boat entry

• Cash payouts and high-end fishing gear prizes

• Sponsor giveaways for the first 25 boats registered

• Exclusive tournament swag bucket

• Network with local captains, charter boats, and passionate fishermen

• Support striped bass conservation and marine science


Whether you’re a local striped bass fishing pro, weekend warrior, or someone who just loves fishing Long Island Sound, this is your moment to shine.


REGISTER NOW at StripedBassInvitational.com and lock in your chance to compete in Long Island’s most exciting new striped bass tournament.


Stay tuned for the Captain’s Meeting date, time, and location, and don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this video with your fishing crew.

https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Bay Rats & Buoys Announces First Annual Striped Bass Invitational – Episode 23 | Fishing Podcast


Attention all anglers, captains, and tournament fishermen! Captain Gaige is thrilled to announce the First Annual Striped Bass Invitational—the hottest new striped bass fishing tournament on Long Island! Mark your calendars for June 22, 2025, and register now at StripedBassInvitational.com. The first 25 boats to sign up will receive an exclusive Bay Rats & Buoys Tournament Bucket packed with premium sponsor giveaways.


In this fishing podcast, we’re also gearing up for spring fishing season! The boat gets uncovered and tuned up this weekend for the big splashdown in Huntington Harbor. Plus, we’re featuring the game-changing CLiX Fueling System, straight from the NY Boat Show—the perfect fix for messy fuel overflows at the Wyncote fuel dock.


Boaters, take note! This year, the boating safety course is mandatory, and Captain Gaige recommends a USCG Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check to ensure you’re compliant.


Spring charters are booking fast—don’t miss out on early-season striped bass fishing while the waters are still quiet!

Register for the tournament now! StripedBassInvitational.com

https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/