Caught a trophy Striped Bass in Hingham

The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), belonging to the Moronidae family and Perciformes order, is one of the most prized gamefish along the Atlantic coast. Distinguished by its seven to eight dark horizontal stripes running along a silvery-white to olive-green body, these fish are powerful fighters that have captivated anglers for generations. In Hingham waters this July, Striped Bass fishing reaches its peak as these magnificent predators patrol the coastline in search of baitfish.

Striped Bass Overview

Striped Bass, often called "stripers" or "rockfish" by local anglers, are anadromous fish that traditionally spawn in freshwater but spend most of their adult lives in saltwater environments. They're highly regarded for their strong fights and delicious white meat, making them a premier target for recreational fishermen throughout the Northeast, including the productive waters off Hingham, Massachusetts.

Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution

These adaptable fish thrive in diverse environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Along the Atlantic coast, they range from the St. Lawrence River in Canada down to northern Florida, with particularly strong populations in Massachusetts waters. In the Hingham area, stripers frequent rocky shorelines, jetties, channel edges, and sandy flats where baitfish concentrate. They move between deeper channels and shallow feeding grounds based on tide, time of day, and water temperature.

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 for trophy specimens. The average keeper-sized striper in Massachusetts waters runs about 28-36 inches and 8-20 pounds, though significantly larger fish are caught each season in Hingham and surrounding areas. The state record for Massachusetts exceeds 70 pounds, demonstrating the impressive growth potential of these fish.

Striped Bass Diet and Behavior

Striped Bass are voracious predators that feed primarily on smaller fish including menhaden, herring, mackerel, sand eels, and squid. They also consume crustaceans and worms when available. They typically feed most actively during dawn and dusk, though they'll strike throughout the day during overcast conditions or when bait is abundant. In summer months, stripers often chase bait schools into shallow water, creating exciting topwater feeding frenzies that anglers eagerly seek.

Striped Bass Spawning Season

Striped Bass spawn in spring, typically from April through June when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. Most Massachusetts stripers are part of the Chesapeake Bay or Hudson River spawning stocks, migrating north after reproduction. By July in Hingham, the post-spawn fish have recovered their energy and are actively feeding, making this an excellent time to target them as they build reserves for the fall migration southward.

Striped Bass Fishing Techniques

Multiple effective techniques work well for Hingham stripers. Live bait fishing with mackerel, menhaden or eels produces consistent results, especially during slack tides or when fish are less active. Casting artificial lures like swimming plugs, soft plastic jerkbaits, or bucktail jigs works well along structure and during active feeds. Trolling with tube-and-worm rigs or diving plugs allows covering water efficiently when searching for schools. In July, Hingham anglers often find stripers concentrated around harbor entrances, rocky points, and deeper channels where cooler water provides relief during hot weather.

Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?

Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat and a mild flavor that lends itself to various cooking methods. The flesh is high in protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Many chefs prefer grilling, baking, or broiling stripers with simple seasonings to highlight their natural sweetness. However, anglers should be aware of local consumption advisories regarding PCB levels, particularly in larger specimens, and always adhere to size and bag limits to help maintain healthy populations.

Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?

A: Live baits including mackerel, menhaden (pogies), eels, and herring are extremely effective for Striped Bass in Hingham waters. When using artificial lures, soft plastic paddletails, topwater plugs, and bucktail jigs in white, chartreuse, or mackerel patterns consistently produce strikes.

Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?

A: Productive areas include the edges of Hingham Harbor, rock piles near Hull, channel edges in Weymouth Back River, and the numerous islands throughout Boston Harbor. During incoming tides, focus on flooded flats and creek mouths where stripers ambush baitfish.

Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?

A: Yes, Striped Bass is considered excellent eating with firm, white meat that's versatile for various cooking methods. Medium-sized fish (28-34 inches) generally offer the best eating quality, while larger specimens may have slightly stronger flavor profiles.

Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?

A: In Hingham, prime Striped Bass fishing typically runs from May through October, with July and August often producing consistent action. The best daily times are typically early morning and evening, particularly during tide changes when stripers actively feed.

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

A: Massachusetts regulations require that keeper Striped Bass measure between 28-31 inches or over 35 inches (slot limit). Always check current regulations before fishing as these rules can change seasonally to protect breeding populations.

Q: Do I need a special permit for Striped Bass fishing in Hingham?

A: Yes, anglers need a valid Massachusetts saltwater fishing permit unless fishing with a licensed charter captain like Captain Horte, who covers clients under his commercial license during guided trips.