Mouth is oblique and the lower jaw longer than the upper. The dorsal fins are clearly separated, unlike yellow bass which are joined at the base. The caudal is forked. There are generally two patches of teeth on tongue. The measure from 10 to 56 inches in lenght and weigh from 1 to over 59 pounds.
Stripers prefer open, clear water and spawn in spring over shallow, rocky areas.
They are opportunistic feeders that will eat dead or live fish, but prefer threadfin shad. They feed in schools, creating a boiling-water effect. They can be caught on shad, anchovies, cut bait, spoons, plugs, jibs, cankbaits and streamer flies. Their meat is white, firm, flaky and excellent. The head is large and long.