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Caught a trophy Striped Bass in Hingham MA
Striped Bass Fishing in Hingham
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Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) are one of the most prized gamefish along the Atlantic coast, known for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. These magnificent fish can reach impressive sizes, typically ranging from 20-55 inches and weighing between 10-81 pounds when fully mature. - Their distinctive appearance features 7-8 horizontal black stripes running along their silvery sides. - They thrive in various habitats including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters where they can be targeted with multiple fishing techniques.
Fishing Charter by Captain David Horte in August
Meet your Captain David Horte
- Top Fishing Charter in Hingham, MA
Summary
Thursday July on the South Shore of Massachusetts delivered outstanding inshore fishing action with Blueline Fishing Charters. Our 5-hour fishing charter from Hingham yielded a beautiful 33-inch Striped Bass, showcasing why this area is known for quality fishing. Captain David Horte employed various techniques including bottom fishing, trolling, and light tackle casting to target the local stripers. The partly cloudy conditions set the perfect stage for our morning launch from 18 Shipyard Dr, where we explored productive fishing grounds throughout Hingham Bay and nearby hotspots. Whether you're an experienced angler or bringing the family for a day on the water, these local waters consistently produce memorable catches throughout the summer season.
Fishing Charter with Captain David Horte – Rates & Booking
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters offers Thursday July trips that deliver outstanding Striped Bass action. This Half Day Guided Bluefish And Striped Bass Fishing Trip covers productive areas across the South Shore including Hingham Bay, Hull, Weymouth, Quincy and Boston Harbor. The 5-hour private charter includes all fishing gear, bait, and necessary licenses for up to 6 passengers (though 4 is recommended for the best experience). With flexible departure times, you can choose what works best for your group. Trip extensions are available at $120 per additional hour if you want to extend your time on the water. Captain Horte's local knowledge and various fishing techniques consistently put clients on quality Striped Bass throughout the summer season.
Highlights of Half Day Guided Bluefish And Striped Bass Fishing Trip In South Shore, MA
This inshore fishing charter excels at targeting the prized Striped Bass that populate the waters around Hingham and the South Shore. Captain Horte employs a variety of productive techniques including bottom fishing, trolling, and light tackle casting to maximize your chances of success. The 33-inch striper landed on our recent trip demonstrates the quality of fish available in these waters.
The trip launches from a convenient location at 18 Shipyard Dr, giving quick access to numerous productive fishing spots. The captain's extensive local knowledge allows him to adapt to conditions and find where the fish are biting. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to battle hefty stripers or a family wanting a memorable day on the water, this charter provides the perfect platform for South Shore fishing success.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass are the premier gamefish in Massachusetts coastal waters, particularly around Hingham and the South Shore. These powerful fish are known for their aggressive strikes and strong fights, making them a favorite target for local anglers. During summer months, stripers can be found throughout Hingham Bay and surrounding areas, often relating to structure, current edges, and bait schools.
Captain Horte's multi-technique approach is perfectly suited to the seasonal patterns of these fish. Bottom fishing effectively targets larger specimens holding near structure, while trolling covers water efficiently to locate actively feeding fish. For a more interactive experience, light tackle casting allows anglers to target visible feeding activity, creating exciting visual strikes. July typically offers excellent Striped Bass fishing opportunities as water temperatures reach the ideal range for active feeding patterns.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
When booking with Blueline Fishing Charters, you'll be aboard a well-equipped vessel that accommodates up to 6 passengers, though 4 is recommended for the most comfortable fishing experience. All necessary fishing equipment is provided, including rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you won't need to bring any gear unless you have personal favorites you prefer to use.
Morning departures are typically most productive, but Captain Horte offers flexible scheduling to accommodate your group's needs. Weather plays an important role in fishing conditions, and the captain monitors forecasts closely to ensure both safety and productivity. Wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the weather, bring sun protection, and don't forget your camera to document your South Shore fishing success. For the best experience, booking in advance is recommended, especially during prime summer months when Striped Bass fishing is at its peak.
Fishing in Boston: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), belonging to the Moronidae family and order Perciformes, is one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic coast. Instantly recognizable by its distinctive seven to eight horizontal black stripes running along silvery sides, this powerful predator draws anglers to Hingham waters throughout July and the summer months for thrilling battles and impressive catches.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are anadromous fish, meaning they split their lifecycle between freshwater and saltwater environments. These highly adaptable predators are prized for their fighting ability, size potential, and excellent food value. Anglers specifically target them for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs, making them the premier gamefish in Massachusetts coastal waters.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish inhabit coastal waters, estuaries, rivers, and lakes, making the waters around Hingham ideal habitat. They prefer structure-rich environments with good current flow and bait concentrations. Along the Atlantic coast, they range from the St. Lawrence River in Canada to the St. Johns River in Florida, with the waters of Massachusetts representing some of their most productive habitat, especially during summer months.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Adult Striped Bass typically measure between 20 and 55 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 81 pounds. Trophy specimens in the 30-40 pound range are not uncommon in Massachusetts waters, with the state record exceeding 70 pounds. The 33-inch specimen caught recently in Hingham represents a quality catch typical of what the South Shore has to offer.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Stripers are voracious predators that feed on a variety of prey including herring, mackerel, menhaden, squid, eels, and crustaceans. They often hunt in schools, corralling baitfish against structure or shorelines. Their feeding activity is heavily influenced by tide cycles, with the strongest bites typically occurring during tide changes when water movement concentrates prey and triggers feeding activity.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Spawning typically occurs in freshwater rivers from April through June when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. After spawning, adult fish return to coastal waters to feed and regain condition. By July, Hingham's waters see post-spawn fish actively feeding to recover lost energy, making this an excellent time for anglers to target them throughout the South Shore region.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Multiple effective techniques work for Striped Bass in Hingham waters. Bottom fishing with fresh chunks of mackerel, herring, or live eels produces larger specimens, especially around structure and deeper channels. Trolling with tube-and-worm rigs or diving plugs effectively covers water to locate actively feeding fish. Light tackle casting with topwater plugs, soft plastics, or swimming plugs provides exciting visual strikes, particularly in early morning or evening hours when stripers push bait to the surface. In July, Hingham anglers find success targeting bass around harbor entrances, rocky shorelines, and deeper channels during tide changes.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass is highly regarded as table fare, featuring firm, white, flaky meat with a mild, sweet flavor. It's versatile for cooking methods including grilling, baking, broiling, and pan-searing. The fillets are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to many other large predatory fish. However, many anglers practice catch-and-release, particularly with larger specimens, to help sustain the fishery for future generations.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass around Hingham?
A: Live or fresh cut mackerel, herring, and eels are top natural baits in Hingham waters. For artificial lures, soft plastic swimbaits, diving plugs, and topwater lures all produce strikes, with white, silver, and chartreuse colors being particularly effective during summer months.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?
A: Productive areas include Hingham Bay, Hull Gut, Weymouth Back River, and the edges of shipping channels. Look for areas with structure, current edges, or visible bait activity, especially during tide changes when feeding activity peaks.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's mild and sweet. It can be prepared numerous ways including grilling, baking, and broiling. Always check local regulations for size limits and consumption advisories.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass in Massachusetts?
A: The prime season runs from May through October, with July and August often producing consistent action around Hingham. Early morning, evening, and tide changes typically offer the most productive fishing, regardless of the month.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Regulations change periodically, but currently anglers can keep bass between 28-31 inches and fish over 35 inches, with a slot limit protecting fish between 31-35 inches. Always check current regulations before fishing as limits may change.
Q: Do I need a special permit to fish for Striped Bass in Hingham?
A: Yes, you need a Massachusetts saltwater fishing permit unless fishing with a licensed charter captain like Captain Horte, who covers permits for his clients. Charter trips provide the advantage of fishing under the captain's license and expertise.
