Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) are a prized catch for anglers along the Atlantic Coast of North America. Known for their powerful fight and delicious taste, these fish are found from the Gulf of St. Lawrence down to Florida. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, fishing for striped bass offers an exciting experience filled with opportunities for adventure. This article will explore the best practices for targeting striped bass, the ideal locations, techniques, and the best times of year to fish for them. ### Understanding Striped Bass Striped bass are anadromous fish, meaning they migrate between saltwater and freshwater. They are known for their distinctive horizontal stripes and can grow to impressive sizes, often exceeding 50 pounds. These fish are opportunistic feeders, preying on a variety of baitfish, including menhaden, herring, and shad. Understanding their behavior and feeding patterns is crucial for successfully catching them.

Best Locations to Fish for Striped Bass 1. Coastal Waters: Striped bass can be found in coastal waters, particularly near inlets, jetties, and rocky shorelines. These areas are prime feeding grounds as they attract baitfish. 2. Estuaries and Rivers: During their spawning season, striped bass migrate into estuaries and rivers. Popular locations include the Hudson River, Chesapeake Bay, and the Delaware River. These areas provide a mix of saltwater and freshwater, creating a rich habitat. 3. Offshore Structures: Fishing near underwater structures, such as reefs, wrecks, and ledges, can yield great results. These structures provide shelter and attract baitfish, making them hotspots for striped bass.
 
Best Techniques for Catching Striped Bass 1. Trolling: Trolling is a popular method for covering large areas and finding schools of striped bass. Use a combination of lures and live bait while moving at a slow speed. Ideal lures include umbrella rigs, spoons, and diving plugs. 2. Surf Fishing: For those who enjoy shore fishing, surf fishing can be productive, especially during the spring and fall. Use heavy tackle and bait such as cut bunker, clams, or eels to target bass from the beach. 3. Casting: Casting lures from a boat or shore is another effective technique. Use topwater lures during low light conditions, such as dawn or dusk, to entice aggressive strikes. Soft plastics and metal jigs can also be effective. 4. Live Bait Fishing: Using live bait, such as menhaden or eels, can be particularly effective, especially in estuarine waters. Rig the bait on a circle hook to ensure a better hook-up rate.
 
Best Times to Fish for Striped Bass - Spring: As striped bass migrate north to spawn, spring (April to June) is one of the best times to fish. They are often found in estuaries and rivers, making them accessible to shore anglers. - Summer: In summer (June to August), striped bass move into deeper waters to escape the heat. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish, as they come closer to the surface to feed. - Fall: Fall (September to November) marks the return migration of striped bass. They are often found in large schools, making this an excellent time for both boat and shore fishing. - Winter: In colder months, fishing for striped bass is less active, but opportunities still exist in warmer waters or during unseasonably mild weather.

Conservation and Regulations Striped bass populations have faced challenges due to overfishing and habitat loss. It is essential for anglers to adhere to local regulations, including size and bag limits. Participating in catch and release practices can help preserve this iconic species for future generations.
 
Conclusion Fishing for striped bass in the Atlantic is a thrilling experience that offers excitement and the chance to connect with nature. By understanding their behavior, choosing the right locations, employing effective techniques, and respecting regulations, anglers can enjoy successful outings while contributing to the conservation of this remarkable fish. Whether you’re casting from the shore or trolling offshore, the pursuit of striped bass promises unforgettable memories on the water.

​During the pandemic, many workers transitioned to remote work, leading to a shift in housing demand toward rural and suburban areas. Locations such as Florida, North Carolina, and Texas saw increased demand, with some mid-sized cities even being dubbed "Zoom towns" due to the influx of remote workers. As a result, home values in these areas grew.

With companies now implementing return-to-work policies, real estate markets may face significant changes. Even hybrid work models requiring employees to come in once a week could lead to increased demand for housing closer to office locations. For some workers, this may mean relocating back to urban areas, potentially incurring costly moves. One recent survey reported that 10 percent of home sellers were forced to sell due to return-to-work mandates. Workers would rather move back to the city than lose their jobs and livelihood, even if it means selling their home at a loss or accepting higher mortgage rates.

In response, homebuyer preferences might shift, with workers opting for homes within walking or biking distance from work to reduce commuting times. Those moving back to the city may also need to downsize and the demand for office space may drop, leading to a greater demand for open floor plans.

Urban property values could rise as return-to-work policies boost housing demand in areas with large employers. On the other hand, rural and suburban areas may see a corresponding drop in home values due to recent move-ins returning to the city for in-person work.

​In the changing workspace environment, traditional office spaces have undergone significant transformation to meet tenants' evolving needs and demands. Workplaces face the rise of remote work, especially post-pandemic.

According to statistics, the number of office staff who worked full-time from home significantly increased post-pandemic. The shift to remote work led to massive underutilization of office space. As organizations welcome back staff into a full-time office or hybrid arrangement, office real estate investors must develop strategies to make their spaces attractive and competitive.

Including workplace relaxation spaces allows staff to take a break from the physical and mental demands associated with workspaces. A quiet corner in the office, meditation room, or games room allows staff to take a break and recharge. Modern office spaces are also focusing on good lighting, as it has a major impact on employee well-being and productivity. Proper lighting improves alertness, which ultimately lowers workplace errors.

Some expect that sustainability practices will dominate future workspaces among staff. Some office workers want to perform their duties in a conducive environment that embraces sustainability. Common sustainability practices, including the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar, the addition of plants and landscaping designs, and proper waste reduction and management practices, such as recycling, promote staff engagement at work.

​When it comes to real estate investment, if you want to succeed, it helps to accurately identify emerging markets with strong potential for growth. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, understanding the key indicators that signal a rising residential real estate market can help you make better decisions on where and how to invest.

Population growth can be a positive indicator. Areas steadily increasing in population, particularly among young professionals and families, means that demand for housing will inevitably rise. You should also pay attention to cities that consistently appear on "best places to live" lists. These areas are likely to attract new residents and boost housing demand, which can lead to price appreciation. You should also look for markets where housing prices are relatively affordable compared to local incomes and nearby cities. Affordable areas that are showing signs of growth may offer significant potential for appreciation over time.

A healthy real estate market runs on a strong local economy. Look for areas with diverse and expanding industries, low unemployment rates, and rising household incomes. Keep an eye out for company announcements regarding plans for new offices or factories or relocating headquarters. Such developments attract workers, thereby increasing demand for housing. Cities with emerging tech hubs, healthcare centers, or large infrastructure projects are particularly promising for real estate investment. Other positive signs of a stable local economy and job market are low foreclosure rates. While high foreclosure rates might seem like an opportunity for bargain hunting, they can also signal underlying economic issues that could affect long-term investment potential.

The delicate equilibrium of supply and demand plays a crucial role in economic growth, particularly in real estate markets. When assessing potential investment areas, examine this balance carefully. A scenario where housing inventory is scarce but demand remains high often results in property value appreciation, creating attractive investment prospects. Conversely, a saturated market with excess supply typically indicates less favorable investment conditions. To gauge future supply trends, it's important to monitor ongoing construction activities and housing market developments.

Infrastructure enhancements can elevate an area's real estate values. Be on the lookout for regions initiating new transportation networks, roadways, or airport facilities. Additionally, urban renewal initiatives, including the restoration of historical districts or neighborhood revitalization projects, often signal growth in the property market. It's also worthwhile to consider government-backed incentives for businesses and property owners because these can serve as catalysts for accelerated growth and investment opportunities in the area.

If an area has low vacancy rates coupled with high rental prices, this indicates a growing real estate market. Monitor how quickly rentals are filled and whether they attract multiple applications. If rentals in an area are in high demand and prices are consistently increasing, it suggests strong investment potential.

The quality of local schools is a major factor in many people's housing decisions. Researching improvements in school district performance, technology upgrades, or notable awards can help you identify areas with highly-rated or improving school systems. These often see increased demand for housing and higher property values as well.

To identify emerging residential real estate markets, it critical that you assess local data and understand economic trends. Key indicators such as stable local economies, infrastructure developments, and an imbalanced supply and demand dynamic can guide you to the right investment opportunity.

​Real estate valuation refers to the process of determining the worth of properties. The method considers factors like lot size, the property’s location, floor plan, and the amenities available within the property’s vicinity. Property values can also hinge on the future or potential benefits that will accrue for the prospective buyer.

Several entities must know the value of real estate properties, including buyers, insurance companies, commercial banks, and the government. Insurance companies use valuations to assist in loss adjustment for insurance claims. Commercial banks need the information before financing the purchase. Governments use the valuation to determine their property tax rate.

Additional factors that affect property valuations include government policy and regulations, environmental trends, and city planning trends. However, these factors don’t impact property valuations overnight; instead, the benefits actualize after long periods. These factors also considerably impact other elements of value like transferability, demand, scarcity, and utility.

Transferability describes the ease of transferring a property from the current owner to the new one or how easy it is or will be to transfer the property to another prospective owner. Demand describes the number of interested buyers per property, while scarcity refers to the supply or availability of competing properties within the market. Utility describes a property’s ability to satisfy the owner or prospective owner’s present and future needs.

In real estate valuations, many people conflate value, price, and cost. However, each represents a different concept. The value of a property does not always equal its price or cost. While price refers to the monetary sum a prospective buyer is willing to let go to purchase a property, cost describes the actual expenditure incurred in the development and marketing of real estate. Cost can include the sum spent on building the property, providing domestic utility, and advertising.

Although price and cost have an effect on the value of the property, they are not the sole determinants of how a property acquires value. For example, a realtor or a homeowner might decide to sell a property for $400,000 when, in reality, the value of that property is worth much more or less. In this scenario, $400,000 is the price of the property, and it is separate from the actual value of the property. If a private or public agency erects a major road adjacent to the property, the property’s value may increase.

Real estate professionals might give an opinion or provide an estimate during a property’s evaluation. These opinions are usually referred to as appraisals. Appraisals can be conducted through three approaches, namely the cost approach, the income capitalization approach, and the sales comparison approach,

The cost comparison approach usually involves taking separate estimates of the land and the building. The separate estimates are then added up to determine the property’s value. The income capitalization approach involves assessing the rate of return the investor seeks with the net income that will likely accrue from the property. The sales comparison approach or the market data approach involves estimating the value derived from the property when compared to other properties with similar characteristics or attributes.

However, appraisals differ from valuations. An appraisal provides an opinion on a property’s appropriate or actual value within the market context.

Based on their years of experience within the market, real estate agents might conduct a free and oral appraisal of the property for the prospective buyer. On the other hand, while real estate valuations serve as assessments of the property’s market value, someone pays for them and receives them in writing.

​John Hofmann is a Wilmette, IL, professional who guides commercial real estate activities at KeyBank Real Estate Capital in Chicago. Professionally, John Hofmann seeks to understand potential risks and rewards across various property types, sectors, and investors, such as family offices.

Family offices have begun re-strategizing within an uncertain economy and moving toward property investments. The 2023 UBS Global Family Office Report, released in May, indicates higher interest rates and less liquidity driving the shifts. Allocations in traditional asset classes have fallen while alternative options have slightly risen, not accounting for changes from private equity to fixed-income holdings. With yields on short-term fixed-income investments exceeding five percent, they provide solid returns and superior liquidity.

At the same time, direct private equity exposure has decreased from 24 to 14 percent, while hedge fund allocations have risen from four to seven percent. Moving forward, active rather than passive investment management strategies have become the norm. Over one-third of the family offices surveyed, representing $500 billion in net worth, have plans to increase real estate exposure as valuations trend lower and capital grows more readily available.

​Based in Wilmette, IL, John Hofmann guides the Commercial Mortgage Group at KeyBank Real Estate Capital in Chicago. Over his career, John Hofmann has become well-versed in multifamily borrowing and capital markets.

In the wake of the Global Financial Crisis, multifamily lending became a centerpiece in the commercial real estate market with its perceived smaller risks. However, it still has vulnerabilities. The higher cost of securing bridge loans became evident in the shift upward since March 2022. The secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) stood at 0.5 percent, with spreads between 150 and 250 basis points and an all-in rate of about three percent. By September 2023, SOFR had jumped above five percent. With spreads ranging from 150 to 250 basis points, the overall interest rate stood at nine percent.

As bridge debt matures, borrowers confront combinations of higher price-rate caps and larger monthly debt service payments. Lenders sought to mitigate the situation by requiring that borrowers hedge against interest rate fluctuations by taking out rate caps on loans. However, the cap is linked with the benchmark federal funds rate, which has elevated costs.

Lenders often have new rate cap requirements that borrowers must meet when exercising extension options, forcing them to secure additional capital. Lower property values, down 15-20 percent from the peak, and higher interest rates mean refinancing requires new capital. Strategies for addressing the conundrum include working with equity investors to obtain preferred equity, structured as its own high-interest loan, and engaging with lenders in loan workouts and restructuring. The latter helps avoid sale or disposition and temporarily reduces interest rates, extends maturities, and modifies loan terms.

John Hofmann is a Wilmette, IL, commercial real estate entrepreneur who serves as capital markets team leader with the Chicago firm KeyBank Real Estate Capital. In April 2023, John Hofmann spoke about the commercial property landscape in an interview for an article.

The commercial real estate market has become complex in a dislocated market. The retail and industrial segments made rapid post-pandemic recoveries, but the office sector lagged as remote work lessened tenant demand. Multifamily real estate stands in the middle, with strong underlying fundamentals tempered by a deceleration in rental expansion.

One major trend pinpointed in the article involves a shift in borrower debt transactions, with numerous loans now carrying fixed rates rather than floating-rate debts. Five-year fixed-rate loans with prepayment flexibilities present shorter-term timelines for repayment and more certainty that leaders will recoup their investments. In addition, those saddled with floating rates in a high-interest rate environment can usually refinance and access rates more competitive rates.
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Based in Wilmette, IL, John Hofmann directs the Commercial Mortgage Group and oversees capital markets at KeyBank Real Estate Capital. John Hofmann closely monitors trends and market dynamics impacting new developments nationwide.

According to the Home Building Geography Index (HBGI) published by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the single-family home construction downturn may have bottomed out in the second quarter (Q2) of 2023. Released in September 2023, the report notes that the single-family market share across large metro core regions reached 49.8 percent in Q2, representing a record low.

As described by the NAHB chairperson, single-family production across small and large geographic markets will likely register growth as the Federal Reserve completes its tightening cycle and mortgage rates stabilize.

The combination of rising construction costs and high mortgage rates also dampened multifamily market growth. In particular, large metro core counties reported a negative 10.6 percent multifamily production growth rate in Q2 2023. Amplifying this, the multifamily market share in those regions stood at 37.4 percent, nearly five percent less than in Q1 2020.

Counterpoising this, non-metro/micro counties witnessed 26.6 percent growth, with large metro outlying counties and micro counties also on the positive growth side of the ledger. The figure reflects changes in home building geography. Multifamily construction, particularly apartments, has transitioned to lower-density markets, such as suburbs and exurbs. It sets the stage for new growth areas in a dynamic and recovering market.

​John Hofmann is a Wilmette, IL, executive who leads KeyBank Real Estate Capital’s Commercial Mortgage Group and delivers various multifamily borrowing solutions. Alongside his Chicago team, John Hofmann follows regulatory developments impacting the capital markets.

In June 2023, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) published a Mortgage Letter that raises the threshold from $75 million to $120 million for classifying multifamily loans as large loans. Representing the first such increase since 2014, the action broadens the number of transactions and standard underwriting processes that applicants for FHA Multifamily insurance can employ.

As described by the FHA, it simplifies and makes the multifamily housing development underwriting process less expensive without presenting undue institutional risks. It helps borrowers mitigate the pressures of increased development costs while meeting an urgent nationwide need for a greater stock of rental housing. The action also removes unnecessary barriers to gaining FHA-insured financing for wide-ranging multifamily transactions. The Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP) Guide provides an annual review of the threshold, with increases in $5 million increments possibly moving forward.