The compelling lure of stripers

Inspired by the seasonal migration of America’s most popular inshore game fish, “On the Run” combines the best elements of fishing journal and travelogue as it follows millions of striped bass from Maine to the Carolinas.

As close to a national fish as we have, striped bass make their annual journey with a legion of anglers on their tails. We meet fanatical striper fishermen, explore some of their extreme fishing techniques and participate in the mother of all striper derbies at Cape Cod.

“On the Run” is tough to put down, as you ride shotgun with DiBenedetto, hugging the rugged coastline and waters along New England and points south. The book’s centerpiece is his visit to New York Harbor, where, with the twin towers a still-smoking ruin, he introduces his 9-year-old nephew to the restorative joys of fishing, and has the satisfaction of watching the kid outfish him during a wide-open striper bite.

Michael Koehn