%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F2008%2Fimages%2Fbluelinefishingchartershorizontalcolor.png&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a 32inch Striped Bass in Hingham
Striped Bass Fishing in Hingham, MA
%2F%2Fusers%2F0db15d2a-f753-4729-a54d-86fe2a5b0bbc%2Fimages%2Fstriped-bass-deep-sea-jigging-5865.png&w=1200&q=75)
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is a prized gamefish belonging to the Moronidae family and Perciformes order. These powerful fish are known for their distinctive horizontal stripes and fighting spirit. Typically ranging from 20 to 55 inches in length and weighing between 10 and 81 pounds, Striped Bass provide an exciting challenge for anglers in the Hingham area. - Habitat includes rivers, lakes, and coastal waters where they follow baitfish migrations. - Popular targets for both recreational and commercial fishers throughout the Northeast.
Fishing Charter by Captain David Horte in August
Meet your Captain David Horte
- Top Fishing Charter in Hingham, MA
Summary
Tuesday August brought perfect conditions for our Blueline Fishing Charters trip out of Hingham. Under partly cloudy skies, we set out for a 5-hour inshore fishing adventure targeting the prized Striped Bass in the Gulf of Maine. Our approach varied throughout the day—from surf casting along the shoreline to trolling deeper waters and even some bottom fishing. The versatility paid off when we landed a beautiful 32-inch striper, the highlight of our day on the water. While we didn't catch a boatload of fish, that one good catch made the whole experience worthwhile. The Gulf of Maine waters around Hingham offer some excellent fishing opportunities, especially during summer months when stripers are actively feeding. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing charters, our local knowledge and varied techniques will help put you on fish.
Fishing Charter with David Horte – Rates & Booking
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters on Tuesday August offers 5-hour inshore fishing trips targeting Striped Bass in the Gulf of Maine. Our Hingham-based charter provides all the necessary fishing equipment, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. We employ various fishing techniques including surf casting, trolling, and bottom fishing to maximize your chances of landing that trophy striper. The charter boat comfortably accommodates small groups, making it perfect for friends and family outings. Early morning departures are recommended for the best fishing conditions. Book your Striped Bass fishing adventure in Hingham today!
Highlights of this Fishing Trip
Our recent outing featured a fantastic 32-inch Striped Bass catch—truly a memorable moment when this beautiful fish came over the rail. The partly cloudy conditions created ideal fishing weather, with calm waters perfect for trying different fishing techniques. The Gulf of Maine waters near Hingham offer excellent habitat for stripers, especially during the summer months when they're actively feeding.
Working different spots throughout our trip allowed us to experience the diverse fishing grounds around Hingham. From shoreline structure to deeper channels, we covered productive areas where stripers tend to congregate. The versatility of our approach—mixing surf casting, trolling, and bottom fishing—demonstrates the adaptive techniques that make Blueline Fishing Charters successful in putting clients on fish throughout the season.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass thrive in the waters around Hingham, particularly during summer months. These powerful fish are known for their distinctive horizontal black stripes running along their silvery sides. When targeting Striped Bass in this area, deep sea jigging has proven effective, especially around structure and underwater features where baitfish concentrate. The Gulf of Maine provides excellent habitat for these prized gamefish, with many anglers finding success using both artificial lures and live bait.
The summer season offers prime opportunities for landing trophy-sized stripers, with August being one of the best months as water temperatures are optimal. Morning and evening hours typically produce the best action, though our recent success came during daytime hours. Local knowledge of feeding patterns, tidal movements, and seasonal migrations gives Blueline Fishing Charters a distinct advantage in locating these sought-after fish in the waters off Hingham.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your day on the water with Blueline Fishing Charters, we recommend dressing in layers as morning temperatures on the water can be cool even in summer. Bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat will ensure comfort throughout the day. Our 5-hour trips typically depart early morning, though we can accommodate different schedules based on availability and tidal conditions. The boat is equipped with all necessary safety gear, fishing equipment, and basic amenities to make your experience enjoyable.
Light snacks and water are recommended, though you're welcome to bring additional food and beverages. Photography is encouraged—there's nothing like capturing the moment you land that trophy Striped Bass! Our experienced captain will guide you through the entire process, from properly setting up your gear to the most effective techniques for enticing these powerful gamefish to strike.
Fishing in Boston: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), a member of the Moronidae family and Perciformes order, is one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic coast. Distinguished by its seven to eight dark horizontal stripes running along silvery sides, this powerful fish has earned its reputation as a premier sport fish in Hingham waters, especially during summer months like August.
Striped Bass Overview
Commonly known as "stripers" or "rockfish" in some regions, these fish are anadromous, meaning they spend most of their adult lives in saltwater but return to freshwater to spawn. Their adaptability to various water conditions makes them accessible to anglers fishing from shore, jetties, and boats in the Gulf of Maine.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
Striped Bass can be found along the Atlantic coast from the St. Lawrence River in Canada down to northern Florida, with concentrations in New England waters including Hingham Harbor and the broader Gulf of Maine. They typically inhabit coastal waters, estuaries, and river systems, often congregating around structure, channels, rip lines, and areas with strong current where baitfish gather.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
These impressive fish typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 81 pounds. Trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches are considered prize catches in Massachusetts waters, with the state record significantly larger. The 32-inch specimen caught on our recent Hingham trip represents a quality fish for the area.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Stripers are opportunistic predators that feed primarily on smaller fish including herring, menhaden, mackerel, sand eels, and squid. They're known for their aggressive feeding behavior, often corralling baitfish against structure or the surface before attacking. In Hingham waters, they tend to feed most actively during dawn and dusk, though tide changes can trigger feeding regardless of time of day.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Along the Massachusetts coast, Striped Bass typically spawn in spring through early summer, with most reproductive activity occurring in major river systems like the Hudson and Chesapeake. Water temperatures between 60-70°F trigger spawning migrations. By August in Hingham, most stripers have completed spawning and are actively feeding, making it an excellent time to target them.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
For Hingham anglers, several techniques prove effective for stripers. Deep sea jigging with bucktails or diamond jigs works well in deeper channels, while trolling with tube and worm rigs produces along shoreline structures. Live bait fishing with mackerel, pogies, or eels is particularly effective for larger fish. In August around Hingham, focus on deeper water during daylight hours and transition to shoreline structure during early morning or evening.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white flesh and a mild, sweet flavor. It's versatile for cooking—grilled, baked, broiled, or pan-seared—and provides good nutritional value with high protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. However, always check local consumption advisories, as larger specimens may contain higher levels of contaminants in some areas.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass in Hingham?
A: Live mackerel, menhaden (pogies), and eels are top natural baits around Hingham. For artificial lures, diamond jigs, bucktails, and swim shads in white, chartreuse, or mackerel patterns produce consistently.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?
A: Productive areas include channel edges in Hingham Harbor, structure around World's End, and the deeper waters of the Gulf of Maine. During summer months, look for birds working over baitfish or break lines where current creates feeding opportunities.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is considered excellent eating with firm white meat and a mild flavor. Medium-sized fish (24-32 inches) typically offer the best table quality. Popular preparation methods include grilling with simple seasonings to highlight its natural flavor.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Hingham, prime Striped Bass fishing runs from May through October, with August offering consistent action. Dawn and dusk provide peak feeding periods, though strong tidal movements can trigger bites throughout the day.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Massachusetts regulations typically allow harvest of Striped Bass between 28-35 inches, with a one fish daily limit. Always check current regulations as they may change seasonally.
Q: What pound test line should I use for Striped Bass?
A: For Hingham waters, 20-30 pound test braid with a 30-40 pound fluorocarbon leader works well for most situations. When targeting larger fish around heavy structure, consider stepping up to 40-50 pound test.
