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Landed a 18inch 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 East Coast, particularly in Hingham and surrounding Massachusetts waters. These powerful fish are known for their distinctive horizontal black stripes running from gill to tail along a silvery-olive body. They're anadromous, meaning they split their lives between saltwater and freshwater environments. - Stripers commonly range from 20-40 inches in Hingham waters, though trophy specimens over 50 inches are caught occasionally. - Massachusetts regulations require careful handling and size limits to protect the population. - During summer months in Hingham, they're often found chasing baitfish in shallower waters during early morning hours.
Fishing Charter by Captain David Horte in August
Meet your Captain David Horte
- Top Fishing Charter in Hingham, MA
Summary
A Tuesday July fishing charter with Blueline Fishing Charters proved to be an action-packed day on Hingham waters. Captain David Horte guided us through the early morning conditions as we targeted Striped Bass using light tackle casting techniques. The South Shore waters delivered, with a nice 18-inch Striper coming aboard after some strategic switching between bottom fishing and trolling. Despite some initial weather concerns, the forecast was right, and conditions cleared up perfectly for the remainder of our 5-hour inshore trip. With room for up to 6 guests and all tackle provided, this private charter offers the perfect opportunity to experience the seasonal South Shore bite without any hassle. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the family, Captain Horte's local knowledge puts you right on the fish.
Fishing Charter with Captain Horte – Rates & Booking
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters runs private inshore fishing trips on Tuesday July mornings that focus on Striped Bass and Bluefish around Hingham, Hull, Weymouth, Quincy, and Boston Harbor. The standard 5-hour trip comes fully equipped with quality fishing gear, bait, and licenses—everything you need for a productive day on the water. For those wanting extended time fishing, additional hours can be arranged at $120 per hour. While the boat accommodates up to 6 passengers, Captain Horte recommends limiting your group to 4 for the optimal fishing experience. His local expertise means you'll be targeting the most productive spots along the South Shore, regardless of your skill level.
Highlights of Half Day Guided Bluefish And Striped Bass Fishing Trip In South Shore, MA
This 5-hour inshore charter focuses on the productive waters around Hingham Bay and neighboring areas, where Striped Bass fishing really heats up during summer months. Captain Horte's approach combines several effective techniques including light tackle casting, bottom fishing, and trolling to maximize your chances of landing fish. The timing is flexible, though early mornings often produce the best action when targeting Stripers in the shallower inshore areas.
The charter provides all necessary equipment and licensed guidance, making it perfect for both experienced anglers looking to target specific species and families just wanting to enjoy time on the water. The protected waters of Hingham and the South Shore area create a comfortable fishing environment even when offshore conditions might be rough, ensuring a quality experience regardless of your previous fishing background.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass fishing around Hingham follows predictable patterns that Captain Horte knows intimately. During summer months, these fish move into the shallower, warmer waters of Hingham Bay and surrounding areas, making them accessible for light tackle enthusiasts. They're structure-oriented predators, so we target areas with current breaks, rocky outcroppings, and channels where baitfish concentrate.
The 18-inch Striper we landed is actually on the smaller side for the area—Hingham waters regularly produce fish in the 24-36 inch range during peak season. Captain Horte's approach involves reading the water and adapting techniques throughout the trip, switching between casting artificial lures along structure, trolling channel edges, or setting up with live bait depending on conditions. For the best chance at larger Striped Bass, early morning or evening trips take advantage of their more active feeding periods.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Blueline Fishing Charters operates from 18 Shipyard Drive in Hingham, making it easily accessible for visitors from Boston and surrounding areas. The boat is well-maintained and comfortable for groups up to 6 people, though 4 is ideal for fishing comfort. Early departures (typically 6-7am) are recommended during summer months to catch the best morning bite before the day heats up.
Weather conditions can change quickly on the water, so Captain Horte stays in touch with guests before the trip regarding forecasts and potential adjustments. Make sure to bring sun protection, appropriate clothing layers, and any personal items you might need. The captain provides all fishing equipment, bait, licenses and basic amenities onboard. Food and drinks aren't included, so pack accordingly for your 5-hour adventure. Most importantly, bring a camera to document your Striped Bass success!
Fishing in Boston: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), a member of the Moronidae family and Perciformes order, is an iconic gamefish distinguished by its silver-white body marked with seven to eight horizontal black stripes. In Hingham waters this July, these prized fighters become a primary target for both casual anglers and serious sportfishers, drawn to their powerful runs and delicious white meat.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass represent the premier inshore gamefish along the Atlantic coast, blending accessibility with challenging fights that test both gear and angler skills. Their population has rebounded thanks to conservation efforts, making them a sustainable fishery when properly managed through size and bag limits.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish inhabit coastal ocean waters, estuaries, rivers, and lakes. Around Hingham, they frequently patrol rocky structure, deep channels, and areas with strong tidal flow. They're migratory, typically moving north along the coast during summer months and south for winter. The protected waters of Hingham Bay and Boston Harbor provide ideal feeding grounds during the warmer months.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
While Striped Bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length, the specimens caught in Hingham waters average 24-36 inches during summer months. Weight-wise, they typically run between 10 and 81 pounds, with trophy fish in the 40+ pound range not uncommon in Massachusetts waters during peak seasons.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Stripers are opportunistic predators that feed primarily on smaller baitfish like herring, mackerel, menhaden, and sand eels. Their feeding behavior often follows tide cycles, with the most aggressive bites occurring during moving water. They frequently push baitfish against structure or shorelines, creating the famous "blitzes" where surface feeding activity becomes visible from shore.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
While Striped Bass spawn in freshwater areas from April through June, by July in Hingham they've typically completed spawning activities. Water temperatures between 60-70°F trigger their reproductive cycle, with most East Coast stripers spawning in major river systems like the Hudson and Chesapeake. After spawning, they disperse along the coast to feed aggressively, explaining their summertime presence in Massachusetts waters.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
For Hingham stripers, several techniques prove consistently productive. Light tackle casting with soft plastic jigs, swimming plugs, or topwater lures works excellently during dawn and dusk periods near structure. Bottom fishing with chunk bait (mackerel or herring) proves effective in deeper channels, while trolling umbrella rigs or tube-and-worm setups produces when fish are scattered. In July, anglers around Hingham often find stripers concentrated near harbor entrances and along shorelines with good tidal flow, particularly during the first few hours of daylight.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat that's mild yet flavorful. It's versatile enough for grilling, baking, or pan-searing with a moderate oil content that keeps it moist during cooking. Nutritionally, it provides lean protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. However, anglers should consult local consumption advisories, as larger specimens can accumulate contaminants in some waters.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live or fresh chunk baits like mackerel, herring, and menhaden are top natural choices. For artificial lures, soft plastic jigs, swimming plugs like Bomber Long A's, and topwater pencil poppers all produce well in Hingham waters, especially when matched to local baitfish size and coloration.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?
A: Productive areas include the edges of Hingham Harbor, rocky structure around Hull, the mouth of the Weymouth Back River, and channels between the Boston Harbor islands. Focus on areas with current flow, depth changes, and structure that concentrates baitfish.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass offers excellent eating with firm white flesh that's mild yet flavorful. It works well with various cooking methods, though many anglers practice catch-and-release for larger breeding-size fish to support conservation efforts.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: Dawn and dusk typically provide the most productive fishing, especially during moving tides. In Hingham, the summer months of June through September offer consistent action, with July and August frequently delivering the most reliable fishing as water temperatures reach optimal feeding ranges.
