STRIPED BASS Are HERE! Flutter Spoon Bite Heating Up + Fishing League April Winners Announced | Bay Rats Ep.80
May 7, 2026This week we’re showing off some new fishing gear, talking local fishing reports, water conditions, bait movement, and what anglers are catching right now in the Long Island Sound, along the South Shore, and down the Jersey Coast. The bass are feeding, bluefish are beginning to pop up, and fluke season is getting rolling — making this one of the best times of the year to get on the water!
The Fishing League leaderboard is changing weekly with lead changes happening fast in multiple divisions. If you’ve been thinking about joining, NOW is the time to enter your team because the May Featured Species is STRIPED BASS! The best part? Every month is a fresh chance to win! Even if you start late, you can still jump right into the action and compete for monthly prizes while your points continue stacking all season long toward the overall championship.
And here’s where things get even more interesting — anglers also get to submit ONE Open Species fish each month. That means if you’re out catching bluefish, fluke, weakfish, or other eligible species, you can use those fish strategically to jump ahead on the leaderboard in your region. The competition is heating up across every division including Open, Captain/Pro, Family & Youth, Shore Team, and Solo Shore Angler divisions.
We’re also getting fired up for the 2nd Annual Bay Rats & Buoys Striped Bass Invitational happening June 27th & 28th! Last year’s event successfully tagged 65 striped bass for conservation and research, and this year we’re aiming even higher! This unique catch-and-release tournament combines conservation with competition and huge payouts, including a $2,500 first-place cash prize. Expect an epic weekend of fishing, tagging, great people, and serious striped bass action. Head over to Striped Bass Invitational now to register your team before spots fill up!
Plus, this episode is packed with shout-outs, league updates, fishing intel, and plenty of laughs from life on the water. Tune in now and join the fastest-growing fishing community in the tri-state area!