Caught a Trophy Striped Bass in Hingham

The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), belonging to the Moronidae family and order Perciformes, is one of the most prized catches in Hingham waters during the summer months. These fish are instantly recognizable by their silver bodies with distinctive horizontal black stripes running from gill to tail, giving them their common name. Their popularity stems from both their fighting ability and excellent taste.

Striped Bass Overview

Striped Bass are anadromous fish, meaning they split their lifecycle between freshwater and saltwater environments. Prized by recreational anglers along the Atlantic coast, they're known for their strong fights and substantial size. In Hingham, they represent a cornerstone species for the local charter fishing industry.

Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution

These fish inhabit various environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Along the Massachusetts coast, Striped Bass typically frequent structures like rocky outcroppings, jetties, channels, and drop-offs. In Hingham specifically, they're often found around harbor structures, near river mouths, and along deeper channels during summer months.

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 28-inch specimen caught recently in Hingham represents a quality fish for the area. Trophy-sized stripers exceeding 40 inches are caught in Massachusetts waters each year, though most keeper-sized fish range from 28-36 inches.

Striped Bass Diet and Behavior

These predatory fish feed primarily on smaller baitfish including menhaden, herring, mackerel, and sand eels. They're known to chase schools of bait, creating surface disturbances called "blitzes" when feeding aggressively. Striped Bass are often most active during dawn and dusk, though tidal movement significantly influences their feeding patterns in coastal areas like Hingham.

Striped Bass Spawning Season

Striped Bass typically spawn in freshwater from April through June when water temperatures reach 60-70°F. In Massachusetts, most spawning occurs in major river systems, after which adults return to coastal waters. By August in Hingham, the post-spawn fish have typically dispersed along the coast and are actively feeding to regain condition.

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 during summer months. Artificial lures including swimming plugs, soft plastics, and metal jigs also work well when matched to local bait. In August around Hingham, working the deeper edges of structure during moving tides with either live bait or jigs tends to produce the best results. Light tackle casting adds to the excitement when targeting these powerful gamefish.

Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?

Striped Bass are considered excellent table fare with firm, white, mildly flavored meat. They can be prepared in numerous ways including grilling, baking, or broiling. The meat is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though larger specimens may contain higher mercury levels, so moderation is advised. Many anglers practice catch and release with larger breeding-sized fish to help maintain healthy populations.

Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?

A: Live baits such as mackerel, menhaden (pogies), eels, and herring are top producers in Hingham waters. For artificial lures, soft plastic paddle tails, swimming plugs, and metal jigs all work well when matched to local forage size.

Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?

A: Productive areas include Hingham Bay, the edges of Hull Gut, Weymouth Back River mouth, and structure around Peddocks Island. During summer, focus on deeper channels during daytime and move shallower during dawn/dusk periods.

Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?

A: Yes, Striped Bass is considered excellent eating with firm, white flesh and a mild, sweet flavor. Fish between 24-32 inches generally provide the best eating quality while having lower contaminant levels than larger specimens.

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. The best daily times typically align with moving tides, especially the first few hours of incoming tide and last few hours of outgoing tide.

Q: What size Striped Bass can you keep in Massachusetts?

A: Massachusetts regulations require Striped Bass to be between 28-35 inches to harvest (slot limit). Always check current regulations before your trip as they can change seasonally.

Q: What tackle should I use for Striped Bass?

A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or conventional gear with 20-30 lb test line works well for most Hingham Striped Bass fishing. Captain Horte provides all appropriate tackle on his charters tailored to current conditions.