INK - Fishing the "Squid Hatch" For Striped Bass

In early summer off Cape Cod, squid become present in massive numbers as they travel over shallow offshore rips after their seasonal spawn. Following them are hoards of striped bass looking to take advantage of the squid in this vulnerable state. Crazed with the prospect of an easy meal, the stripers enter a state of frenzy. Swinging and stripping a topwater squid fly through the current during this natural phenomenon is one of the most exciting ways to target stripers in the North East, and something that Simms Pro Capt. Jaime Boyle looks forward to every year. Here, the Simms crew enjoys a day near Martha's Vineyard watching catapulting fish fight over their flies, not something anyone will soon forget. Photos by Darcy Bacha and Rex Messing.