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Caught a Striped Bass Fishing in Hingham
Striped Bass Fishing in Hingham, MA
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The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of New England's most prized gamefish, known for its fighting ability and delicious taste. These fish are easily identified by their distinctive horizontal black stripes running along their silvery sides, giving them their name. - Striped Bass typically measure between 20-55 inches and can weigh from 10-81 pounds. - They inhabit various environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, making Hingham an ideal location to target them.
Fishing Charter by Captain David Horte in August
Meet your Captain David Horte
- Top Fishing Charter in Hingham, MA
Summary
Striped Bass fishing in Hingham, MA was hitting its summer peak during our Saturday July charter with Blueline Fishing Charters. We employed multiple techniques including surf casting, trolling, and bottom fishing to target these prized gamefish. The partly cloudy conditions created perfect fishing weather as we navigated the productive waters around Boston Harbor. Our morning start paid off with quality Striper action, including a nice 19-inch catch. This inshore fishing trip showcased why Hingham remains a top destination for anglers seeking Striped Bass during the summer months. Whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler, our 5-hour charters provide the ideal platform to experience the thrill of landing these hard-fighting fish.
Fishing Charter with David Horte – Rates & Booking
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters offers Saturday July 5-hour inshore fishing trips targeting the excellent summer Striped Bass fishing in Hingham. Our 5 Hr – Inshore Boston Pickup package is perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to experience the thrill of Striper fishing. All necessary fishing equipment is provided, and our experienced team will guide you to the most productive spots around Boston Harbor. We utilize various techniques including surf casting, trolling, and bottom fishing to maximize your chances of success. With limited spots available during peak season, we recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred date.
Highlights of 5 Hr – Inshore Boston Pickup
Our summer Striped Bass charters in Hingham offer an excellent opportunity to target one of New England's most prized gamefish. We begin early morning to take advantage of the optimal bite times, with our local knowledge ensuring you're fishing the most productive spots. The waters around Hingham provide diverse fishing environments, from shoreline structure to deeper channels where Stripers congregate.
The variety of techniques we employ keeps the fishing experience engaging throughout the trip. From the excitement of surf casting along productive shorelines to the methodical approach of trolling and the precision of bottom fishing, you'll experience the full range of strategies used by local experts to target Striped Bass. Our focus remains on providing a quality fishing experience with hands-on instruction for anglers of all skill levels.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass thrive in the waters around Hingham during summer months, making it prime time for targeting these hard-fighting fish. These fish typically patrol the shorelines, rocky structure, and channel edges throughout Boston Harbor. Early mornings and evenings typically provide the most productive fishing, especially around tidal changes when baitfish are more active.
For the best results, we focus on areas with current breaks, drop-offs, and structure that holds baitfish. Our local experience has shown that Stripers in the 18-30 inch range are common during summer trips, with larger trophy fish always a possibility. The mixed approach of surf casting, trolling, and bottom fishing allows us to adapt to daily conditions and fish behavior, maximizing your chances of success throughout your charter.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your day on the water with Blueline Fishing Charters, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, including a light jacket even on warm days as it can be cooler on the water. Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat are essential for sun protection. We provide all necessary fishing equipment including rods, reels, tackle, and bait, though you're welcome to bring your favorite gear if preferred.
Our vessel is well-equipped for inshore fishing with ample fishing space and safety equipment. Morning charters typically begin at 6:00 AM, giving us the advantage of fishing during prime feeding times. We recommend bringing water, snacks, and a camera to capture your catch. For those concerned about seasickness, taking motion sickness medication before the trip can help ensure a comfortable experience.
Fishing in Boston: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), from the Moronidae family and order Perciformes, is one of New England's most iconic gamefish. Distinguished by its seven to eight dark horizontal stripes on a silvery body, these fish are prized for both their fighting ability and table qualities. In Hingham waters this July, Striped Bass provide excellent action for anglers of all skill levels as they pursue their seasonal feeding patterns throughout Boston Harbor.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are anadromous fish, meaning they migrate from saltwater to freshwater to spawn. They're highly regarded among anglers for their powerful fights, size potential, and widespread availability along the Atlantic coast. Their popularity has led to careful management practices to ensure sustainable populations for future generations.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish are native to the Atlantic coastline from Florida to Canada, with introduced populations in various freshwater reservoirs and the Pacific coast. Around Hingham, they're found in harbors, estuaries, river mouths, and along rocky shorelines. They prefer areas with structure, current, and access to baitfish, making Boston Harbor's diverse underwater landscape ideal habitat.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length, with weights from 10 to 81 pounds. The average catch in the Hingham area during summer months falls in the 24-36 inch range (8-20 pounds), though trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches are caught each season by fortunate anglers.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
These predators feed primarily on smaller fish including herring, menhaden, mackerel, and sand eels. They also consume crustaceans and squid when available. Stripers are known for their aggressive feeding frenzies, especially during dawn and dusk or when tidal movements concentrate baitfish. They often hunt in schools, pushing bait against structure or shorelines.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in freshwater from April through June, with most Massachusetts Stripers spawning in the Hudson and Chesapeake systems. Water temperatures between 60-70°F trigger spawning activity. By July in Hingham, most mature fish have completed spawning and returned to their summer feeding patterns, focusing entirely on rebuilding their energy reserves.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Multiple techniques prove effective for Hingham's summer Stripers. Casting topwater plugs or soft plastics around structure during early mornings or evenings can produce explosive strikes. Trolling with tube and worm rigs or diving plugs allows covering water efficiently, especially along channel edges or depth changes. In July, anglers around Hingham find success targeting areas where current concentrates baitfish, particularly around harbor entrances, rock piles, and deeper holes during tide changes.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass is excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat and a mild flavor that appeals to even those who don't typically enjoy fish. It's versatile for various cooking methods including grilling, baking, and broiling. Nutritionally, it's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, be aware of local consumption advisories as larger specimens may contain higher mercury levels, making smaller "schoolie" size fish (under 30 inches) often preferred for consumption.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live or fresh baits like mackerel, herring, menhaden (bunker), and eels are top natural baits. For artificials, soft plastic swimbaits in white or pearl colors, topwater plugs, and tube-and-worm rigs are consistently productive in Hingham waters.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?
A: Look for structure like rock piles, harbor entrances, channel edges, and areas with current that concentrates baitfish. Boston Harbor islands, Hingham Bay, and the nearby Hull shoreline all hold Stripers during summer months, especially during moving tides.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass offers excellent eating with firm white flesh and mild flavor. Medium-sized fish (24-30 inches) generally provide the best table fare with lower potential contaminant levels than larger specimens.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: Dawn and dusk typically provide peak feeding activity. In summer months like July, early morning trips (starting before sunrise) often produce the most consistent action. Tide changes, particularly the beginning of incoming or outgoing tides, create prime feeding opportunities.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Regulations change annually, but Massachusetts typically maintains a slot limit allowing harvest of fish between 28-31 inches, with a one fish daily bag limit. Always check current regulations before your trip as they're subject to change.
Q: Do I need a fishing license for Striped Bass in Hingham?
A: Yes, anglers need a Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Permit when fishing for Striped Bass in marine waters. However, when fishing with a licensed charter like Blueline Fishing Charters, the captain's permit covers all anglers onboard.
