Striped Bass Season is Finally Here! | Bay Rats & Buoys Episode 26 | Saltwater Fishing Podcast

Welcome to Episode 26 of Bay Rats & Buoys – the ultimate striped bass fishing podcast for saltwater anglers, charter captains, and hardcore fishermen!

Striped bass season is officially back, and we’re fired up to kick things off! In this week’s episode, Captain Gaige shares what to use this spring to target migrating striped bass, plus essential early-season boating tips. Whether you’re surfcasting, trolling, jigging, or using live bait, this saltwater fishing podcast delivers everything you need to know to catch striped bass this spring.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: We’re proud to welcome J & M Seafood of East Northport as the Grand Prize Sponsor for our 1st Annual Bay Rats & Buoys Striped Bass Invitational on Sunday, June 22, 2025! Thank you, Matt, for supporting the saltwater fishing community.

With only 5 days left until launch, we’re cleaning, tuning, and prepping the boat for a season of chasing striped bass along the coast. Don’t forget – cold water temps are still dangerous, so Captain Gaige reminds all boaters to practice safety. Now’s also the perfect time to update your fishing and navigation apps before launching at the marina.

Topics Covered:

• How to catch striped bass in spring

• Striped bass fishing gear & techniques

• Saltwater fishing tips for cold water

• Spring boating safety and tech prep

• Upcoming striped bass tournament info

Subscribe now for weekly episodes on striped bass fishing, saltwater tactics, and boating life. Tight lines and see you in Season 2—coming straight from the boat!

#StripedBassFishing #HowToCatchStripedBass #SaltwaterFishing #FishingPodcast #BayRatsAndBuoys #SpringFishing #CharterCaptain #FishingTips #BoatingSafety #StripedBassSeason

https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

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/

BREAKING NEWS: Bay Rats & Buoys 1st Annual Striped Bass Invitational!



Mark your calendars—it’s official! Bay Rats & Buoys Episode 22 is packed with exciting news for all fishing and boating enthusiasts. Captain Gaige is making a huge announcement about our 1st Annual Striped Bass Invitational happening Sunday, June 22, 2025! If you’re a striped bass angler that fishes the Long Island Sound this is the fishing tournament you don’t want to miss.



⚓ What’s in this episode?

• Exclusive Details: While we’re keeping some surprises under wraps until the official logo and website launch in a few days, we’re giving you a sneak peek at what’s coming!

• Tournament Hype: The BIGGEST striped bass tournament in the area is about to change the game—get ready to test your skills and compete for bragging rights!

• Spring Fishing Countdown: The boat is coming out of hibernation next weekend, just in time for striped bass season opener on April 15—only 33 days away.


Stay tuned for more tournament details in our next video and on social media. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications so you don’t miss any updates!


Drop a comment below—who’s ready to compete in the Bay Rats & Buoys Striped Bass Invitational? Are you fishing the 2025 striped bass season opener on April 15? Let’s hear it!

https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Who Else is Prepping Their Boat and Gear Now? | Just 40 Days Until Striped Bass Opening Day | Bay Rats & Buoys Podcast Ep. 21

The countdown is on—just 40 days until striped bass season opens on April 15! If you’re as fired up as we are to hit the water, this episode of Bay Rats & Buoys is for you. We’re talking all things boat prep, gear setup, and early-season strategies to get ready for spring striped bass fishing. From checking safety equipment to rigging rods and picking the best baits, now’s the time to get dialed in before the first cast of the season.

A special thank you to Bob Wilson for allowing us to podcast in the gym for this year’s Fishing Show. Plus, we recorded a special 9-minute segment at the Ward Melville High School Fishing Club Expo on March 1st, where we caught up with Jeremiah, president of the Patriots Fishing Club. Hear what this awesome high school program is doing to grow the next generation of anglers and support the fishing community. Huge thanks to everyone who stopped by—Frank, Manny, Kevin, and all our loyal listeners!

Whether you’re a striped bass fanatic, weekend warrior, or just love being on the water, this episode has something for you. Subscribe to Bay Rats & Buoys for weekly fishing talk, boat maintenance tips, and salty stories from captains and hardcore anglers.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

✔️ Prepping the boat & gear for spring striped bass season

✔️ Why early-season prep gives you an edge on opening day

✔️ Exclusive segment from the Ward Melville Fishing Expo

✔️ How high school fishing clubs are shaping the future of fishing



Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your fishing crew! Tight lines, and we’ll see you out there soon!

https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Bay Rats & Buoys Podcast Ep. 20 | 47 Days to Striped Bass Season + Ward Melville HS Fishing Expo!

We’re officially 47 days away from the opening of striped bass season on April 15th, and this week’s Bay Rats & Buoys podcast is packed with fishing talk, upcoming events, and must-have gear!

Join us this Saturday, March 1st, at the Ward Melville High School Fishing Club Expo & Fundraiser! We’ll be at Booth #35—stop by to grab a free sticker, scan the QR code to subscribe to our YouTube channel, and enter our exclusive contest for a chance to win some awesome prizes!

In this episode, Captain Gaige breaks down:

What we do to catch striped bass to start the season on April 15th!

The top vendors and fishing gear he’s excited to check out at Saturday’s show

What new tackle and technology he’s investing in for 2025

A wild blackfish (tog) trip on Teddy’s boat featuring a Seakeeper in 5-6ft bay waves

Huge thanks to George and Teddy for the awesome shirts they hooked us up with for Sand City Charters & Bay Rats and Buoys!

We want to hear from you!

What gear are you looking to buy at the show?

Who are your favorite vendors?

Drop a comment below, and don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help grow the podcast!

Subscribe now and hit the bell for updates on upcoming episodes!

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @BayRatsAndBuoys

Book your 2025 fishing trip now with Sand City Charters!

#FishingPodcast #StripedBassSeason #FishingGear #TautogFishing #Seakeeper #FishingShow #FishingExpo #FishingLife #SaltwaterFishing #LongIslandFishing #SandCityCharters #BayRatsAndBuoys

https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Biggest Fishing Show Just 9 Days Away | How I Support Local Businesses | Bay Rats & Buoys Ep. 19

The Ward Melville HS Fishing Show & Fundraiser is just 9 days away on March 1, 2025, and we’re gearing up for an incredible event! In this episode of Bay Rats & Buoys, Captain Gaige shares how we support local fishing businesses, network with fellow anglers, and get ready for the upcoming striped bass fishing season which kicks off in just 54 days on April 15, 2025!

We’ll be set up at Booth 35 in the gym, talking all things fishing, boating, and gear. If you’re an angler, charter captain, or just love fishing expos and boat shows, you don’t want to miss this! Plus, if you need mooring or dock services in the Northport or Huntington area, Captain Gaige recommends Volpi Marine for top-notch service.

This episode is packed with everything you need to know about the biggest Long Island fishing show, supporting local tackle shops, and getting dialed in for the 2025 striped bass run!

Subscribe for more fishing podcast episodes

Follow for updates on fishing gear, boat shows, and striped bass season

See you at the Ward Melville Fishing Show!

https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/