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Caught a 33inch Striped Bass Inshore in Hingham
Striped Bass Fishing in Hingham, MA
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The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic Coast, particularly in Massachusetts waters. These powerful predators are known for their distinctive horizontal black stripes running from gill to tail along a silver-white body. They typically measure between 20-55 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 81 pounds. - Found in coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers where they migrate seasonally - Prized for their fighting ability and table quality - Massachusetts has some of the best Striped Bass fishing on the East Coast
Fishing Charter by Captain David Horte in August
Meet your Captain David Horte
- Top Fishing Charter in Hingham, MA
Summary
Thursday July brought perfect conditions for this Hingham fishing charter targeting Striped Bass. Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters led this productive 5-hour inshore trip, where we employed multiple techniques including bottom fishing, trolling, and light tackle casting to maximize our chances. The partly cloudy skies and calm waters set the stage for an exciting day, culminating in a beautiful 33-inch Striper—the highlight of our morning on the water. Fishing the South Shore's local hotspots around Hingham Bay proved extremely effective, with plenty of action throughout the trip. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, this private charter offers everything needed for a successful day on Massachusetts waters.
Fishing Charter with David Horte – Rates & Booking
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters on Thursday July offers this private 5-hour inshore fishing charter targeting Striped Bass and Bluefish along the South Shore. The trip covers productive fishing grounds in Hingham Bay, Hull, Weymouth, Quincy, and Boston Harbor. All fishing gear, bait, and licenses are included in this trip which accommodates up to 6 passengers (though 4 is recommended for the best experience). With flexible departure times available, this charter is perfect for all skill levels from beginners to seasoned anglers. Optional trip extensions are available at $120 per additional hour. Book early to secure your preferred date during peak Striped Bass season.
Highlights of Half Day Guided Bluefish And Striped Bass Fishing Trip In South Shore, MA
This 5-hour fishing trip with Captain Horte showcases the exceptional inshore fishing Hingham has to offer. The charter focuses on the local hotspots where Striped Bass congregate, using a variety of fishing techniques tailored to conditions and fish behavior. Recent trips have yielded impressive catches, including the 33-inch Striper featured in our photo gallery.
The South Shore waters provide consistent action throughout the season, with partly cloudy days often producing the best bite. Captain Horte's local knowledge ensures you'll be positioned in the most productive areas around Hingham, Hull, and nearby waters. The charter is well-equipped with quality tackle and everything needed for a successful day fishing these productive Massachusetts waters.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass thrive in Hingham's diverse waters, where the mix of structure, current, and bait creates perfect hunting grounds for these powerful fish. Captain Horte targets these fish using specific techniques based on seasonal patterns and tidal movements. In summer months, early morning trips often produce the best results when stripers are actively feeding in shallower waters.
The 33-inch specimen caught on this trip represents the quality of fish available in these waters. Striped Bass in the Hingham area respond well to both live bait presentations and artificial lures, with trolling and casting both proving effective depending on conditions. The South Shore's combination of harbor structure, rocky outcroppings, and nearby channels creates ideal ambush points for these predatory fish.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your charter departs from 18 Shipyard Drive in Hingham, with Captain Horte providing all necessary fishing gear, bait, and licenses. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers, though 4 is recommended for optimal fishing space. Early morning departures are typically most productive during summer months, but flexible scheduling is available based on tides and fishing conditions.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing, bring sun protection, and consider motion sickness prevention if you're prone to it. A camera is highly recommended to document your catch, as most Striped Bass are released according to state regulations. For your comfort, the boat is equipped with basic amenities, and Captain Horte focuses on both productive fishing and a safe, enjoyable experience on the water.
Fishing in Boston: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), from the Moronidae family and order Perciformes, is one of the most iconic gamefish along the Atlantic coast. Distinguished by its silver body with 7-8 horizontal black stripes, this powerful predator is the highlight of many fishing trips in Hingham waters during July, drawing anglers from across New England.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are anadromous fish that migrate between fresh and saltwater environments. They're highly prized by recreational anglers for their fighting ability, size potential, and excellent table fare. The species supports major recreational fisheries throughout the Atlantic coast, with Massachusetts being one of the premier destinations.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish naturally range from the St. Lawrence River in Canada to the St. Johns River in Florida, with introduced populations on the Pacific coast. Around Hingham, they favor structure-rich environments including rocky shorelines, submerged humps, channel edges, and harbor structures. They're commonly found around the islands and channels of Boston Harbor, Hingham Bay, and the surrounding South Shore waters.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass typically measure between 20-55 inches in length and weigh 10-81 pounds. The specimen in our gallery measured 33 inches, representing a quality fish for the region. Massachusetts waters produce trophy-class fish exceeding 40 inches each season, with the current state record standing at over 70 pounds.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Stripers are opportunistic predators feeding primarily on baitfish like menhaden, herring, mackerel, and sand eels. They also consume crustaceans, squid, and other marine organisms. They often hunt in schools, corralling baitfish against structure or the surface. Their feeding patterns are heavily influenced by tidal movements, with peak activity typically occurring during dawn, dusk, and tide changes.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
These fish spawn in freshwater river systems in spring when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. The primary spawning grounds for Massachusetts stripers are in the Chesapeake Bay and Hudson River, though some spawning occurs in the Merrimack River. After spawning, they migrate northward along the coast, arriving in Massachusetts waters by late May through October.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Multiple effective techniques work for Striped Bass around Hingham. Live bait fishing with mackerel, pogies (menhaden), or eels produces consistent results, especially around structure and during slower tides. Trolling with tube-and-worm rigs or deep-diving plugs is productive along channel edges and drop-offs. In July, Hingham anglers often find success casting topwater plugs during early morning hours around harbor islands and shorelines where stripers ambush baitfish.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat and a mild flavor that's not overly fishy. It's versatile for cooking—grilled, baked, broiled, or fried—and pairs well with a variety of seasonings. Nutritionally, it's high in protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. However, consumption advisories exist in some areas due to potential contaminants, so checking local guidelines is recommended.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass around Hingham?
A: Live mackerel, pogies (menhaden), and eels are top natural baits in Hingham waters. For artificials, soft plastic paddletails, topwater plugs, and tube-and-worm rigs are consistently effective depending on conditions and time of day.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?
A: Key Hingham hotspots include the edges of the main shipping channel, around Peddocks Island, Rainsford Island, the Hull shoreline, and the numerous harbor islands throughout Boston Harbor. Structure points, current seams, and areas with bait concentrations are particularly productive.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is excellent eating with firm, white meat and a mild flavor. It's versatile for various cooking methods and rich in protein and omega-3s. Massachusetts has specific size and bag limits to ensure sustainable harvests.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Hingham, peak Striped Bass fishing typically runs from late May through October. July offers consistent action, with dawn and dusk providing the most productive fishing windows. Incoming tides often trigger the best bite, especially around structure and current breaks.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Massachusetts regulations currently allow recreational anglers to keep Striped Bass within a specific slot size limit. Always check the latest Massachusetts Marine Fisheries regulations as these rules change periodically to manage the fishery.
Q: Do I need a fishing license for Striped Bass in Hingham?
A: Yes, saltwater anglers need a Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Permit, though when fishing with Captain Horte's charter, this is covered under his commercial license for all clients on board.
