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Caught a Striped Bass Inshore in Hingham
Striped Bass Fishing in Hingham, MA
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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. In Hingham waters, these fish typically range from 20-30 inches, though trophy specimens reaching 40+ inches are caught each season. Their distinctive horizontal black stripes make them easily identifiable. - They can live up to 30 years in the wild. - Striped Bass are anadromous, meaning they can live in both freshwater and saltwater. - They're known for their seasonal migrations along the coast.
Fishing Charter by Captain David Horte in August
Meet your Captain David Horte
- Top Fishing Charter in Hingham, MA
Summary
Wednesday July brought perfect conditions for our inshore fishing charter in Hingham, MA. Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters took Aaron and crew out at dawn to target Striped Bass in the productive waters of the South Shore. We employed various techniques including bottom fishing, live bait fishing, and light tackle casting which resulted in landing a nice 26-inch Striper. This 5-hour trip showcases why Hingham Bay and surrounding areas are prime spots for consistent Striped Bass action. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, our private charters provide all the gear and expertise needed for a successful day on the water. With space for up to 6 guests (though 4 is recommended for the best experience), it's perfect for family outings or small groups looking to enjoy top-notch inshore fishing.
Fishing Charter with David Horte – Rates & Booking
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters offers this Wednesday July inshore fishing experience for up to 6 passengers, though 4 is recommended for the optimal fishing experience. This 5-hour trip includes all fishing gear, bait, and necessary licenses, making it perfect for anglers of all skill levels. The charter operates from 18 Shipyard Dr in Hingham, with flexible departure times available (contact directly for alternate start times). For those wanting more time on the water, trip extensions are available for $120 per additional hour. Captain Horte's local knowledge ensures you'll visit the most productive spots in Hingham Bay, Hull, Weymouth, Quincy and Boston Harbor for targeting Striped Bass and other inshore species.
Highlights of Half Day Guided Bluefish And Striped Bass Fishing Trip In South Shore, MA
This 5-hour private charter with Captain Horte provides an authentic South Shore fishing experience targeting the area's prized Striped Bass. Early morning departures allow you to fish during prime feeding times, significantly increasing your chances for consistent action. The trip features a variety of fishing techniques tailored to current conditions and fish behavior, including bottom fishing, live bait presentations, and light tackle casting.
One recent guest, Aaron, left a 5-star review saying, "Great trip! Hope to be back out with this crew again in the future." This charter is perfect for both serious anglers looking to target trophy Stripers and families wanting a memorable day on the water. All fishing spots are selected based on seasonal patterns and daily conditions to maximize your success on Hingham's productive waters.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of inshore fishing in Hingham and throughout Massachusetts waters. These powerful gamefish are known for their distinctive horizontal black stripes and can be found throughout Hingham Bay and Boston Harbor from spring through fall. They prefer structure-rich environments like channels, rocky shorelines, and drop-offs where baitfish congregate.
When fishing for Stripers in Hingham during summer months, focus on early morning or evening hours when they actively feed in shallower waters. The 26-inch specimen caught on our recent trip represents a solid keeper-size fish, though they can grow much larger in these waters. Live bait such as mackerel or pogies works exceptionally well, but artificial lures including swimbaits, jigs, and topwater plugs can be equally effective when worked near structure or along current seams. The Striped Bass fishery in Massachusetts is carefully managed to ensure sustainable populations, making catch-and-release an important practice for larger breeding fish.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your charter departs from 18 Shipyard Dr in Hingham aboard a well-equipped fishing vessel that comfortably accommodates up to 6 passengers. Early morning departures (typically starting at dawn) are recommended for the best fishing action, though Captain Horte can arrange alternative departure times upon request. Wear weather-appropriate clothing, bring sun protection, and consider bringing a small cooler for drinks and snacks. All fishing gear, bait, and licenses are provided, so you can focus entirely on enjoying your time on the water and catching fish. Remember that weather conditions can change quickly on the water, so layered clothing is always a good idea even during summer months.
Fishing in Boston: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is a highly sought-after gamefish belonging to the Moronidae family within the order Perciformes. These iconic fish are immediately recognizable by their sleek bodies and distinctive horizontal black stripes running from gill to tail along a silvery-white to olive-green body. In Hingham waters this July, Striped Bass provide some of the most exciting inshore fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass, often called "Stripers" or "Rockfish" in some regions, are prized for their strong fights, substantial size, and excellent table fare. These fish hold a special place in Massachusetts fishing culture and are considered by many to be the premier inshore gamefish of the Northeast.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish are highly adaptable, thriving in various environments including rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters. They're found along the Atlantic Coast from the St. Lawrence River to northern Florida, with particularly strong populations in Massachusetts waters. Around Hingham, they frequent structure-rich areas including rocky shorelines, channels, drop-offs, and areas with strong current flow.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length and can weigh between 10 and 81 pounds. The average keeper-sized Striper in Massachusetts waters measures around 28-34 inches, though trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches are caught each season in Boston Harbor and surrounding areas.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Stripers are voracious predators that feed primarily on baitfish like herring, mackerel, menhaden (pogies), and sand eels. They also consume crustaceans, squid, and occasionally small birds. They typically feed most actively during dawn and dusk, using structure and current to ambush prey. Their feeding patterns often follow tide cycles, with many anglers finding the moving water of incoming or outgoing tides most productive.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped Bass spawn in freshwater rivers and estuaries from April through June, depending on water temperatures. While the major spawning grounds are in the Chesapeake Bay and Hudson River, the population that visits Hingham waters typically spawns when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. Post-spawn, they migrate northward along the coast following bait schools.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Several effective methods work well for targeting Stripers in Hingham waters. Live bait fishing with mackerel, pogies, or eels is extremely effective, especially when fishing deeper structure. Casting artificial lures like swimbaits, topwater plugs, and soft plastics works well along shorelines and over shallow structure. In July, Hingham anglers often find success fishing early mornings around harbor entrances, rock piles, and along deeper channel edges where cooler water concentrates baitfish.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat that has a mild flavor. They're versatile for cooking—whether grilled, baked, broiled, or fried. They're rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though larger specimens may contain higher mercury levels, so moderation is recommended, especially for pregnant women and children.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live or fresh baits including mackerel, menhaden (pogies), herring, eels, and sea worms work exceptionally well. For artificial lures, swimbaits, bucktail jigs, and topwater plugs are top producers, especially in white, chartreuse, and silver colors.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?
A: Productive areas include Hingham Harbor, Hull Gut, the edges of World's End, Peddocks Island, and the channels throughout Boston Harbor. Focus on structure, current edges, and areas with concentrated baitfish.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is considered excellent eating with firm, white flesh and a mild flavor. Medium-sized fish (28-34 inches) typically offer the best eating quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Hingham, the prime season runs from May through October, with peak action typically in June and July. The most productive times are dawn and dusk, especially during moving tides.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Massachusetts regulations currently allow keeping Striped Bass between 28-31 inches in total length with proper permits. Always check current regulations as they can change annually.
Q: What tackle should I use for Striped Bass?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or conventional gear with 15-30 pound test line works well. For larger fish, heavier tackle may be necessary, while light tackle provides more sport with smaller schoolie-sized fish.
