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Caught a trophy Striped Bass in Hingham
Striped Bass Fishing in Hingham
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The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of the most prized gamefish along the Atlantic coast, particularly in the waters around Boston and Hingham. These powerful fish are known for their distinctive horizontal black stripes running from gill to tail along a silver-white body. They can reach impressive sizes, with specimens over 40 inches not uncommon in New England waters. - Striped Bass typically migrate northward in spring, reaching Massachusetts waters by May. - They prefer structure, current breaks, and areas with abundant baitfish. - Adult fish often return to the same feeding grounds year after year. - They can live up to 30 years, with females typically growing larger than males.
Fishing Charter by Captain David Horte in August
Meet your Captain David Horte
- Top Fishing Charter in Hingham, MA
Summary
Friday May on the waters of Boston with Blueline Fishing Charters delivered exactly what serious anglers hope for—hard-fighting Striped Bass action on a private fishing charter. Captain David Horte navigated us through the prime inshore fishing grounds where we used a mix of light tackle techniques including jigging and trolling to target these prized gamefish. The partly cloudy conditions created perfect fishing weather as we set out from the convenient Seaport pickup location. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing along family for their first fishing charter, this 5-hour trip provides the right balance of fishing time and comfort. The Boston area offers some truly productive Striped Bass fishing, especially during the spring migration when these powerful fish move into the shallows.
Fishing Charter with David Horte – Rates & Booking
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters on Friday May offers this private 5-hour fishing charter with convenient Boston pickup. This trip is perfect for travelers visiting the area who want to experience Boston's fantastic inshore fishing. The charter accommodates up to 6 passengers (though 4 is recommended for optimal fishing experience) and includes all necessary gear, bait, and fishing licenses. Starting directly from 270 Northern Ave in the Seaport district, you'll target Striped Bass and Bluefish using various techniques from light tackle to deep sea approaches. Captain Horte can accommodate flexible start times, and additional hours can be added at $120 per hour if you're looking for an extended day on the water.
Highlights of Half Day Guided Bluefish And Striped Bass Fishing Trip In Boston, MA
This charter stands out for its convenient Boston Seaport location—perfect if you're staying downtown or visiting the city. The 5-hour duration hits the sweet spot for both serious anglers and families, giving you enough time on the water without overwhelming less experienced participants. Captain Horte specializes in putting clients on Striped Bass, a prized gamefish that provides exciting battles on light tackle.
The trip's flexibility is another key advantage—with adjustable start times, you can plan around your schedule and the optimal fishing conditions for the day. All the necessary equipment is provided, so you can simply show up ready to fish. This is an excellent opportunity for travelers to experience Boston from a completely different perspective while enjoying world-class fishing just minutes from downtown.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Boston's inshore fishery, especially during the spring and summer months when they migrate into the area. These powerful fish, identifiable by their distinctive horizontal stripes, can be found around structure, current breaks, and bait concentrations throughout Boston Harbor and adjacent waters. In May, as water temperatures warm, Stripers move closer to shore, creating prime opportunities to target them with both artificial lures and live bait.
The most productive techniques include jigging near structure, trolling along deeper channels, and casting into current seams where these predators ambush baitfish. Boston's unique geography creates numerous productive fishing spots within a short run from our departure point. Even if you're relatively new to fishing, Captain Horte will help you master the techniques needed to connect with these hard-fighting gamefish.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your day on the water, dress in layers as temperatures can vary significantly on the water compared to land. Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat are recommended regardless of the forecast. While all fishing gear is provided, you're welcome to bring your own if you prefer. A small cooler for beverages is fine, but Captain Horte has storage for any fish you may want to keep (within regulations). The boat comfortably accommodates up to 6 passengers, though 4 is ideal for the best fishing experience. Cell phone coverage is generally good throughout the trip, allowing you to share your catches in real-time. For motion-sensitive guests, consider taking preventative medication before departure, as conditions on the water can change throughout the day.
Fishing in Boston: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), a member of the Moronidae family and Perciformes order, is arguably the most iconic gamefish of the Northeast coast. Immediately recognizable by their distinct horizontal black stripes set against a silver-white body, these fish are the highlight of many Boston fishing charters, particularly in May when their spring migration brings them close to shore.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are anadromous fish, meaning they spend most of their lives in saltwater but return to freshwater to spawn. Their adaptability has made them successful both as a native Atlantic species and as introduced populations in various reservoirs and river systems across the country. In Hingham and Boston waters, they represent the primary target for recreational anglers due to their fighting ability and table quality.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in various environments including rivers, lakes, onshore and nearshore coastal waters. Around Boston Harbor, they're typically found near structure, current breaks, rocky shorelines, and areas with concentrations of baitfish. During May in Hingham, they often follow schools of herring and other baitfish into shallower waters, creating excellent fishing opportunities close to shore.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Stripers range considerably in size, typically measuring between 20 and 55 inches in length, with weights varying from 10 to 81 pounds. Trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches are caught annually in Massachusetts waters. The current state record is over 70 pounds, though most keeper-sized fish in the Boston area fall in the 28-40 inch range.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
These predators feed primarily on baitfish like menhaden, herring, and mackerel, but also consume crustaceans, worms, and even small lobsters. They're structure-oriented feeders, often ambushing prey around rocky areas, ledges, and current breaks. In Boston Harbor, they frequently feed most aggressively during tide changes, particularly during dawn and dusk periods.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
While Striped Bass don't typically spawn in Massachusetts waters (most spawn in the Chesapeake Bay and Hudson River), they arrive in the Boston area post-spawn, usually by May. Water temperatures between 55-68°F trigger their northward migration, with larger female bass typically arriving slightly later than males and smaller fish.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
In Hingham waters during May, three productive techniques stand out. Casting artificial lures like soft plastic paddletails or swimming plugs works well along rocky shorelines during dawn and dusk. Trolling umbrella rigs or tube-and-worm combinations covers water efficiently when fish are scattered. Live bait fishing with mackerel or pogies (menhaden) often produces the largest stripers, especially when presented around deeper structure. Currently, Boston Harbor's outer islands and the adjacent shorelines of Hingham Bay produce consistent action as these fish follow baitfish into the area.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white flesh and a mild, sweet flavor that's less fishy than many other species. It's versatile in the kitchen—perfect for grilling, baking, or making fish tacos. Nutritionally, it provides lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins. However, conservation-minded anglers often practice catch-and-release with larger specimens, as these are typically the most productive spawning females.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: In Hingham waters, live mackerel, menhaden (pogies), and sandworms are top natural baits. For artificial lures, soft plastic paddletails, swimming plugs, and bucktail jigs consistently produce strikes, especially in white, chartreuse, or mackerel patterns.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Boston?
A: The most productive areas include the outer islands of Boston Harbor, the mouth of the Weymouth Back River, Hingham Bay structure spots, and areas with current like Hull Gut. During May, focus on areas where baitfish are concentrated, particularly around dawn and dusk or during tide changes.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass has firm, white meat with a mild flavor that works well with many cooking methods. It's considered premium seafood, though always check current consumption advisories as larger specimens can accumulate contaminants.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In the Boston area, the season typically runs from May through October, with the spring run (May-June) and fall migration (September-October) offering the most consistent action. Dawn, dusk, and tide changes generally produce the most active feeding periods regardless of season.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Regulations change annually, but currently, Massachusetts maintains a slot limit allowing harvest of fish between 28-31 inches. Always check the latest regulations before your trip as these rules are designed to protect breeding stock and maintain population health.
Q: How do you identify a Striped Bass from other fish?
A: Striped Bass have distinctive dark horizontal lines running along their sides from gill to tail. They have a silvery-white belly, olive-green to blue-black back, and two prominent dorsal fins. Their robust body shape and large mouth also distinguish them from similar species like White Perch.
