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Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) are prized gamefish found along the Atlantic coast and in various river systems. They're known for their distinctive horizontal black stripes running along silver-white bodies. - Can grow to impressive sizes, ranging from 20 to 55 inches and weighing between 10 and 81 pounds. - Adaptable to various habitats including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. - Popular among anglers for their fighting ability and table quality.
Saturday August brought perfect conditions for Striped Bass fishing on our Hingham inshore charter. Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters guided Mark through productive South Shore waters, using a mix of bottom fishing, trolling, and light tackle casting techniques. The trip paid off with multiple White Bass and an impressive 28-inch Striped Bass that put up an excellent fight. Departing from 18 Shipyard Dr, we explored local hotspots across Hingham Bay and surrounding areas. Our 5-hour private charter includes all tackle, bait, and licenses needed for targeting the area's premier gamefish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the family for their first fishing experience, Captain Horte customizes each trip to maximize your chances of landing that seasonal bite.
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters on Saturday August offers a 5-Hour Trip focused on Striped Bass and other inshore species around Hingham, Hull, and local hotspots. This private charter accommodates up to 6 guests (though 4 is recommended for the best experience) and includes all fishing gear, bait, and licenses. The trip features flexible departure times, allowing you to catch the prime fishing windows. For $120 per additional hour, you can extend your trip if the bite is hot. As a licensed captain with extensive local knowledge, Captain Horte tailors each outing to current conditions and your group's experience level.
This 5-hour inshore fishing charter takes you through the productive waters of South Shore, Massachusetts, where Striped Bass and Bluefish are the primary targets. Captain Horte navigates to the best spots across Hingham Bay, Hull, Weymouth, Quincy, and even into Boston Harbor based on seasonal patterns and current fishing reports.
The charter employs multiple techniques including bottom fishing structure-rich areas, trolling productive zones, and exciting light tackle casting – all customized to the conditions of the day. Recent trips have produced quality catches, including impressive Striped Bass up to 28 inches. The experience is suitable for all skill levels from complete beginners to seasoned anglers, making it perfect for families, solo fishing enthusiasts, or small groups looking for a personalized fishing adventure.
Striped Bass thrive in Hingham's diverse coastal habitat, where freshwater rivers meet the Atlantic. During summer months, these fish feed actively in the shallow bays and inlets around South Shore. Captain Horte targets them using both artificial lures and live bait presentations depending on conditions. The summer pattern typically sees these fish moving between deeper channels and shallow feeding grounds based on tide cycles.
What makes Hingham such a productive location for Striped Bass is the mix of structure, current, and bait concentration. The waters around Hull and into Boston Harbor create perfect ambush points where these predatory fish wait for passing baitfish schools. For anglers visiting the area, learning to read these water conditions and adapt techniques throughout the day significantly increases your chances of landing trophy-sized Stripers.
Your charter with Blueline Fishing Charters includes a well-equipped boat designed for inshore fishing comfort. Captain Horte provides high-quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait tailored to the species we're targeting. The vessel comfortably accommodates smaller groups (ideally 4 passengers for the best experience, though up to 6 are welcome).
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and bring sun protection, including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don't forget a camera to document your catches! While food and drinks aren't provided, you're welcome to bring your own cooler with refreshments. For motion-sensitive guests, consider taking preventative measures before departure. The charter departs from 18 Shipyard Dr in Hingham, with specific meeting instructions provided upon booking.
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), a member of the Moronidae family in the order Perciformes, is one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic coast. Distinguished by its sleek body with dark horizontal stripes running from gills to tail on a silver-white background, this fish has become the trophy target for many anglers visiting Hingham waters in August.
Striped Bass are anadromous fish, meaning they migrate between freshwater and saltwater throughout their lifecycle. They're highly valued by recreational anglers for their fighting ability, size potential, and excellent table fare. Their popularity has made them subject to careful management regulations along the East Coast.
These fish thrive in diverse environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Along Massachusetts' South Shore, they're commonly found in areas where tidal currents meet structure—rocky areas, drop-offs, and channels around Hingham Bay, Hull, and Boston Harbor provide prime habitat. They prefer moderate water temperatures and will move based on seasonal patterns and bait availability.
Striped Bass typically measure between 20 and 55 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 81 pounds. A quality catch in Hingham waters might run 24-36 inches, with trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches. The 28-inch bass mentioned in our recent trip report represents a solid catch for the area.
These predatory fish feed primarily on smaller baitfish like herring, menhaden, and sand eels, as well as crustaceans. They're known for their aggressive feeding behavior, often corralling bait against structure or the surface. Stripers typically feed most actively during dawn and dusk but will strike throughout the day when conditions align with tidal movements.
Spawning occurs in spring when water temperatures reach around 60-65°F, typically April through June in Massachusetts waters. During this time, they migrate into freshwater rivers and tributaries. By August in Hingham, the post-spawn fish have usually settled into their summer patterns, actively feeding to regain condition after the spawning period.
Several effective methods work well for targeting Stripers in Hingham waters. Bottom fishing with chunk bait like mackerel or clams produces results around structure and deeper channels. Trolling umbrella rigs, tube-and-worm setups, or diving plugs covers water efficiently. Light tackle casting with soft plastics, topwater plugs, or bucktail jigs delivers exciting visual strikes. In August, Hingham anglers often find success working the edges of channels during moving tides when bass ambush baitfish pushed by currents.
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white flesh that has a mild, sweet flavor. It's versatile for cooking—grilled, baked, or pan-seared methods all work well. The meat is high in protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. However, be aware of local consumption advisories, as larger specimens may accumulate environmental contaminants in some areas.
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass in Hingham?
A: Live or fresh chunk mackerel, herring, and menhaden are top natural baits. For artificials, soft plastic swimbaits, topwater plugs, and bucktail jigs in white, chartreuse, or pearl colors consistently produce strikes in local waters.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?
A: Key areas include the channels and structure around Hingham Bay, the waters off Hull, and nearby Boston Harbor. Focus on areas with current, structure, and bait presence—particularly during moving tides.
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 (20-30 inches) generally offer the best table quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass in Hingham?
A: The prime season runs May through October, with August offering consistent action as fish actively feed. Dawn and dusk provide peak activity, though tide movement often matters more than time of day.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Regulations change annually, but currently, Massachusetts has a slot limit requiring release of fish below and above certain size thresholds. Always check current regulations before your trip.
Q: What tackle should I use for Striped Bass?
A: Medium to medium-heavy rods paired with quality reels spooled with 20-30 lb test line work well for most situations. When light tackle fishing, scale down accordingly while maintaining enough backbone to control larger fish.