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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 Massachusetts waters around Boston and Hingham. These powerful fish are identified by their distinctive horizontal black stripes running along silver-white sides, giving them their common name. They're aggressive fighters that make for exciting fishing action, especially when using light tackle. - Stripers in Hingham waters typically range from 20-40 inches, with trophy specimens exceeding 40 pounds - They feed aggressively during summer months, targeting baitfish around structure and current breaks - The 31-inch specimen caught during our recent trip represents a solid keeper-sized fish
Fishing Charter by Captain David Horte in August
Meet your Captain David Horte
- Top Fishing Charter in Hingham, MA
Summary
Saturday July brought excellent Striped Bass action with Blueline Fishing Charters in Hingham, MA. Captain David Horte guided Marc and his crew to multiple catches during this 5-hour inshore fishing charter. Launching from Boston's 270 Northern Ave, we employed surf casting, light tackle spinning, and bottom fishing techniques—all proving effective for targeting stripers in these productive waters. The day's highlight came when Marc landed a solid 31-inch striped bass, making for a memorable outing. With perfect partly cloudy conditions and accommodations for up to 4 anglers, this private charter showcases the best of Boston Harbor's summer fishing opportunities. All necessary gear, bait, and licenses are provided for a hassle-free experience.
Fishing Charter with David Horte – Rates & Booking
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters offers this Saturday July private 5-hour trip with convenient pickup directly from Boston's Seaport district at 270 Northern Ave. This charter accommodates up to 4 anglers (maximum capacity of 6) and includes all necessary fishing gear, bait, and licenses. The trip starts at half-day duration with flexible morning departure times, perfect for targeting Striped Bass and Bluefish in Boston's productive inshore waters. Additional hours can be added for $120 per hour if you want to extend your time on the water. This trip is ideal for visiting anglers and locals alike, with no experience necessary—Captain Horte welcomes all skill levels.
Highlights of Half Day Guided Bluefish And Striped Bass Fishing Trip In Boston, MA
This Boston-based fishing charter offers something special—direct pickup from the city's bustling Seaport district, making it incredibly convenient for travelers staying downtown. You'll be fishing productive inshore waters with Captain Horte, who specializes in putting clients on Striped Bass and Bluefish using various techniques tailored to conditions and skill levels.
What makes this charter stand out is the combination of easy access, professional guidance, and proven results. The 5-hour format provides ample time to target multiple fishing spots without requiring a full-day commitment. With all equipment provided and expert instruction from Captain Horte, even beginners can expect success. Recent trips have produced trophy-sized Striped Bass, including the 31-inch striper caught during Marc's recent outing.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass are the premier gamefish in Boston Harbor and the waters around Hingham. These powerful, hard-fighting fish typically range from 20-40 inches in summer months, with larger specimens exceeding 40 pounds. Captain Horte specializes in targeting these fish using multiple techniques depending on conditions and location.
Summer is prime season for Striped Bass in Massachusetts coastal waters, as they migrate northward following baitfish. The structured environment around Boston Harbor—with its numerous islands, channels, and current breaks—creates perfect ambush points for stripers. During morning and evening hours, these fish often feed aggressively in shallower waters, making them ideal targets for light tackle and casting techniques. For the best results, Captain Horte will adjust methods throughout your trip, potentially using live bait, artificial lures, or fly fishing depending on what's working that day.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
When joining Blueline Fishing Charters for your Boston Harbor fishing adventure, plan to arrive at the designated pickup location at 270 Northern Ave about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Dress in layers as morning temperatures on the water can be cool even in summer months, and bring sun protection including hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. While all fishing gear is provided, you're welcome to bring your own if preferred.
The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably (though can take 6 maximum) and includes safety equipment, fish-finding electronics, and an experienced mate to assist with your fishing experience. Captain Horte recommends bringing a small cooler with drinks and snacks, and a larger cooler with ice if you plan to keep your catch. Photography is encouraged, so don't forget your camera or smartphone to document your fishing success!
Fishing in Boston: Striped Bass
Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is perhaps the most sought-after gamefish in northeastern coastal waters, belonging to the Moronidae family and Perciformes order. These distinctive fish feature dark horizontal stripes along their silvery sides, making them instantly recognizable to anglers fishing around Hingham in summer months. Their adaptability to various habitats, from deep offshore waters to shallow estuaries, makes them accessible to diverse fishing techniques.
Striped Bass Overview
The Striped Bass represents the crown jewel of northeastern inshore fishing, prized for its fighting ability, size potential, and table quality. These anadromous fish migrate seasonally along the Atlantic coast, with populations spending time in both fresh and saltwater environments throughout their lifecycle. Anglers target them for both sport and consumption, making them the cornerstone species for coastal fishing charters.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
Striped Bass inhabit coastal waters from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to northern Florida, with concentrated populations around New England. They're commonly found in estuaries, along rocky coastlines, and around structure that creates current breaks. In Hingham waters, they frequent harbor areas, island edges, and channels where baitfish congregate. These adaptable fish move between deeper and shallower areas based on tide, temperature, and forage availability.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
These impressive gamefish typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length, with weights varying from 10 to 81 pounds for mature specimens. The average keeper-sized Striped Bass in Massachusetts waters falls between 28-36 inches, though trophy fish exceeding 40 inches are caught regularly. The state record approaches the species' maximum size potential, demonstrating why these fish create such excitement among anglers.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Striped Bass are opportunistic predators feeding primarily on baitfish including menhaden, herring, mackerel, sand eels, and squid. They're structure-oriented ambush feeders, using current breaks, ledges, and depth changes to their advantage when hunting. Their feeding activity typically peaks during dawn and dusk, though they'll feed throughout the day when conditions align with strong tides or baitfish movements.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
In Massachusetts waters, Striped Bass don't typically spawn locally but instead migrate to major river systems like the Hudson and Chesapeake Bay for reproduction. This spawning run occurs in spring when water temperatures reach the mid-50s. After spawning, they begin their northward migration, arriving in full force around Hingham by early summer, where they remain until fall cooling triggers their southward movement.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Several effective methods work well for Striped Bass in Hingham waters. Live bait fishing with mackerel, menhaden, or eels produces consistent results, especially for larger specimens. Casting soft plastic jigs, swimming plugs, or topwater lures around structure during moving tides creates exciting visual strikes. In July, anglers around Hingham find particular success working deep channel edges and harbor islands during early morning tides with both artificial lures and chunk baits.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat and a mild, sweet flavor that's not overly fishy. It's versatile for cooking—grilled, baked, blackened, or in chowder. Nutritionally, it provides lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins. However, due to conservation concerns and bioaccumulation of environmental contaminants in larger specimens, many anglers practice catch-and-release for larger breeding-sized fish.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live mackerel, menhaden (pogies), and eels are top natural baits for Striped Bass in Hingham waters. For artificial lures, soft plastic paddletails, swimming plugs, and topwater lures in white, chartreuse or mackerel patterns produce consistent results, especially during active feeding periods.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?
A: Productive areas include the islands of Boston Harbor, channel edges with current breaks, rocky shorelines, and areas with structure that concentrates baitfish. The waters between Hingham and Hull, around Peddocks Island, and the edges of the main shipping channels hold fish consistently throughout summer.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is considered excellent table fare with firm white flesh and mild flavor. Medium-sized fish (28-34 inches) generally provide the best eating quality. Many anglers prefer to release larger breeding-sized specimens to support conservation efforts.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Hingham waters, the prime season runs from late May through October, with July and August offering consistent action. Daily, the first few hours of daylight and the evening hours into dusk typically provide the most productive fishing, especially when coinciding with moving tides.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Massachusetts regulations require Striped Bass to be between 28-31 inches for recreational harvest, with a limit of one fish per angler per day. Always check current regulations before your trip as size and bag limits may change based on conservation needs.
Q: What tackle should I use for Striped Bass?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or conventional tackle with 15-30 pound test line works well for most Striped Bass situations. When targeting larger fish around structure, heavier tackle may be necessary, while light tackle provides more sport with schoolie-sized fish in open water.
