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Caught a trophy Striped Bass 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. These powerful predators can grow to impressive sizes, with specimens ranging from 20-55 inches in length and weighing between 10-81 pounds. - Striped bass are known for their distinctive horizontal black stripes running from gills to tail. - They inhabit various environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, making them accessible to different fishing styles.
Fishing Charter by Captain David Horte in August
Meet your Captain David Horte
- Top Fishing Charter in Hingham, MA
Summary
Tuesday August brought perfect partly cloudy conditions for our 5-hour inshore fishing charter with Blueline Fishing Charters in Hingham, MA. We set out early morning on the Gulf of Maine, ready to target some trophy striped bass. Our versatile approach paid off when we landed a beautiful 32-inch striper - truly the highlight of our day on the water. We mixed various techniques including surf casting along the shoreline, trolling deeper waters, and some bottom fishing. While we didn't load the boat with fish, sometimes that one quality catch makes all the difference. The Gulf of Maine waters around Hingham offer some of the best striped bass fishing in Massachusetts, and Captain David's local knowledge ensures you'll have the best chance at landing these prized gamefish.
Fishing Charter with David Horte – Rates & Booking
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters on Tuesday August offers 5-hour inshore fishing trips targeting striped bass in the productive waters of Hingham, MA. This trip is ideal for both novice and experienced anglers looking to hook into some of the area's prized stripers. All necessary fishing equipment is provided, and Captain David's extensive local knowledge ensures you'll be fishing the most productive spots based on current conditions. The charter can accommodate small groups, making it perfect for family outings or fishing with friends. Early morning departures are recommended for the best fishing conditions on the Gulf of Maine.
Highlights of this Charter
This 5-Hour Inshore Trip with Blueline Fishing Charters offers anglers the opportunity to target striped bass using various techniques including surf casting, trolling, and bottom fishing. The Gulf of Maine waters around Hingham are known for producing quality stripers, as evidenced by our recent 32-inch catch. Captain David tailors each trip to the conditions and your preferences, ensuring the best possible fishing experience.
The partly cloudy conditions we experienced are ideal for striper fishing, and the versatility of fishing methods means you're always in the action. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to saltwater fishing, Captain David provides the expertise needed to put you on fish and create lasting memories on the water.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped bass are the premier gamefish in the Hingham area, known for their strong fights and excellent table fare. These fish can be found in varying depths throughout the season, but typically prefer structure near channels, rocky shorelines, and areas with good current flow. During summer months like August, stripers often feed actively in the early morning and evening hours.
The Gulf of Maine provides ideal habitat for these fish, with plenty of baitfish and structure to hold them. When targeting striped bass in Hingham waters, live bait such as mackerel or pogies can be highly effective, though artificial lures like deep-diving plugs and jigs also produce well when worked near bottom structure. The 32-inch striper we landed responded well to jigging techniques in deeper water, demonstrating how adaptable these fish can be to different presentations.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
When booking with Blueline Fishing Charters, plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. The boat is well-equipped with quality fishing gear, safety equipment, and fish-finding technology to maximize your chances of success. It's recommended to bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, appropriate clothing for the weather, and a camera to document your catch.
Food and drinks aren't typically provided, so bringing your own refreshments is advised. Captain David prioritizes both safety and enjoyment on the water, ensuring that anglers of all skill levels feel comfortable throughout the trip. With his guidance and the productive waters of Hingham, you're in for a memorable day of striped bass fishing on the Gulf of Maine.
Fishing in Boston: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), also known as Stripers or Rockfish, belongs to the Moronidae family of the order Perciformes. These powerful fish are easily recognized by their distinctive seven to eight horizontal black stripes running along silvery sides. In Hingham waters this August, these prized gamefish offer some of the most exciting fishing opportunities in Massachusetts.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped bass are anadromous fish, meaning they migrate from saltwater to freshwater to spawn. They're highly valued by anglers for their strong fights, substantial size, and excellent taste. Along the northeast coast, they're considered a premier sportfish that draws thousands of dedicated anglers each season.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish inhabit various environments including rivers, lakes, nearshore areas, and offshore waters. They're primarily found along the Atlantic coast from the St. Lawrence River to northern Florida, with significant populations in the Chesapeake Bay, Hudson River, and the waters around Cape Cod including Hingham Harbor and the Gulf of Maine.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length and can weigh between 10 and 81 pounds. Trophy specimens exceeding 50 inches are rare but possible, especially in the productive waters of the northeast. The current world record stands at 81 pounds, 14 ounces, though most recreational catches range from 15-30 pounds.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Striped bass are voracious predators that feed on a variety of prey including herring, mackerel, menhaden, sand eels, squid, and crustaceans. They're often found in areas with strong currents where baitfish concentrate, such as rips, jetties, rocky shorelines, and channel edges. They typically feed most actively during dawn and dusk but can be caught throughout the day under the right conditions.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped bass spawn in freshwater during spring, typically from April to June when water temperatures reach 60-70°F. After spawning, they migrate to coastal waters where they spend summer and fall feeding heavily to regain condition. In Massachusetts waters, including those around Hingham, August represents prime feeding time as these fish build energy reserves for winter.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Several effective methods work well for stripers in Hingham waters. Trolling with deep-diving plugs or umbrella rigs along channel edges can produce larger fish, while casting topwater plugs or swimming lures near structure works well during feeding periods. Live bait fishing with mackerel, pogies (menhaden), or eels is consistently productive, especially during summer months. In August, anglers around Hingham find success jigging near deeper structure during midday hours when stripers retreat from warming surface waters.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped bass is excellent table fare, prized for its firm, white, flaky meat with mild flavor. It's versatile in preparation—grilled, baked, broiled, or fried—and is high in protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. However, be aware of local consumption advisories as larger specimens may contain higher mercury levels, making mid-sized fish (24-32 inches) often preferable for eating.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live baits like mackerel, menhaden (pogies), and eels are top producers for striped bass in Hingham waters. For artificial lures, deep-diving plugs, soft plastic swimbaits, and metal jigs all work well depending on conditions and where in the water column the fish are feeding.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?
A: Productive areas include rocky shorelines, channel edges in the harbor, nearby islands, and areas with current flow where baitfish concentrate. During August, look for birds working over feeding fish or target deeper structure during midday heat.
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 (24-32 inches) generally provide the best eating quality while avoiding potential concerns with mercury that can be present in larger, older specimens.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: Dawn and dusk are typically prime feeding times, but stripers can be caught throughout the day. In Hingham during August, early morning trips often produce the best action before water temperatures rise. Tidal changes also significantly influence feeding activity, with moving water generally outperforming slack tide periods.
Q: What size Striped Bass is legal to keep?
A: Massachusetts regulations require striped bass to be between 28-35 inches to harvest (slot limit). Always check current regulations before fishing as they can change seasonally and may include daily bag limits.
Q: What fishing technique works best for trophy Striped Bass?
A: For trophy-sized stripers in the Hingham area, live eels fished at night or large live baits like mackerel or menhaden during dawn/dusk transitions tend to produce the largest fish. Deep jigging around structure during daytime hours can also connect you with bigger stripers that often hold in cooler, deeper water during summer months.
