The new world record striped bass was caught on the night of August 4, 2011
The new world record striped bass was caught on the night of August 4, 2011 in Connecticut waters. The striper was boated by Greg Myerson and weighed in at 81.88 pounds, which edges out the previous record of 78.8 pounds caught in 1982.
Myerson caught his huge striper drifting a live eel near a submerged boulder, near the Outer Southwest Reef off the coast of Westbrook, Connecticut. His striper measured 54 inches in length.
Greg Myerson said he’s sorry to take the striped bass world-record from Atlantic City, but he is happy to have it in Westbrook, Connecticut.
How Greg Myerson Catches Big Stripers
To catch big stripers Greg fishes in deep water and where there is structure, such as big boulders or rock piles, that large stripers can use to ambush their prey.
He uses what he calls a Three Way Rig, as shown on the right. This rig uses a three way swivel with a large bank sinker attached right at one leg with a duo-lock snap. On a second leg he attaches a 5 foot long leader and hook. The line is attached to the third leg. On the hook he attaches a live eel, the bigger the better.
He sets up drifts that take his rig right past structure that he has previously located using his fish finder or depth finder, and which he has marked on his GPS. He says that big stripers hang close to the bottom, so you have to keep your drifting bait down deep.
Greg fishes mostly at night for the big ones. He prefers the first quarter moon, where neither the light or tides are excessive. However Greg caught his world record striped bass on the outgoing tide with a half-moon high in the sky at sunset.
Author: michael mcstay
Michael McStay serves as the Senior Editor and CEO of NockedUp, a platform dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts in Massachusetts. An avid fisherman, hunter, and hiker, he has a deep passion for the outdoors and values the importance of sharing knowledge and information related to Massachusetts' natural environment. If you have any thrilling outdoor news to share, or if you would like to provide feedback or suggest story ideas, we encourage you to contact us via text at 339-309-8721 (Join NockedUp Massachusetts Outdoors—it's free and simple! Stay in the loop and never miss another post or update).