MikeTLive...some time back, the environmental agency that issues fishing licenses in Massachusetts put out an age-length-weight chart using estimates gained through their Striper Biological Sampling Program.
Based on that data, the "average" 28-incher would go about 8 pounds and would be age 5 going on 6 years (of course you get a better weight calculation figuring in girth as well).
excerpts follow:
14-25 inch = age 3-4, 1-6 pounds.
26-34 inch = age 5-7, 6-14 pounds.
35-38 = age 8-9, 15-20 pounds.
39-44 = age 10-13.
45-48 = age 14-16.
49-53 = age 17-21
The first "50pounder' by the chart, would be just over 52 inches long (on average)...but, of course a 50# can be shorter.
