%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F2008%2Fimages%2Fbluelinefishingchartershorizontalcolor.png&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a 31inch Striped Bass in Hingham
Striped Bass Fishing in Hingham, MA
%2F%2Fusers%2F0db15d2a-f753-4729-a54d-86fe2a5b0bbc%2Fimages%2Fstriped-bass-hingham-deep-sea-6433.png&w=1200&q=75)
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of the Northeast's most prized gamefish, belonging to the Perciformes order and Moronidae family. These powerful fish typically range from 20-55 inches in length and can weigh between 10-81 pounds, making them an exciting target for anglers fishing the waters around Hingham. - Striped bass are easily identified by their distinctive horizontal black stripes running from gill to tail. - They inhabit diverse environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, making them accessible to both shore and boat anglers. - Summer months offer prime fishing opportunities in Massachusetts as stripers actively feed before their fall migration.
Fishing Charter by Captain David Horte in August
Meet your Captain David Horte
- Top Fishing Charter in Hingham, MA
Summary
Tuesday August was the perfect day for a 5-hour inshore fishing charter in Hingham, MA with Blueline Fishing Charters. Captain David Horte led our crew through the productive waters of the Gulf of Maine targeting striped bass. We employed various fishing techniques including surf casting along the shoreline, trolling in deeper waters, and bottom fishing to maximize our chances. The partly cloudy conditions created ideal fishing circumstances, and our efforts paid off with a beautiful 31-inch striped bass—exactly the kind of memorable catch that makes a day on the water worthwhile. The versatility of Hingham's fishing grounds offers excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels looking to experience some of Massachusetts' best inshore fishing.
Fishing Charter with David Horte – Rates & Booking
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters on Tuesday August offers 5-hour inshore trips targeting striped bass in the Gulf of Maine. These charters are perfectly suited for all experience levels, from first-timers to seasoned anglers. The crew provides all necessary fishing gear, tackles, and licenses, so you can focus on enjoying your time on the water. The boat comfortably accommodates small groups, making it ideal for family outings or fishing with friends. Morning departures are typically recommended when stripers are most active, but Captain David can adjust based on local conditions and tide patterns.
Highlights of the 5 Hour Inshore Trip
Our recent trip showcased the excellent striped bass fishing available in Hingham's waters. Using a mix of techniques including surf casting and trolling, we connected with a beautiful 31-inch striped bass—a solid catch that made the day memorable. The Gulf of Maine provides diverse fishing opportunities with its mix of structured bottoms, current breaks, and bait-rich areas where stripers congregate.
Captain David's extensive local knowledge helps put clients on fish consistently throughout the season. His experience navigating Hingham's waters means you'll maximize your fishing time by targeting the most productive spots based on current conditions, tide patterns, and seasonal movement of striped bass.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped bass are the premier gamefish in Hingham's waters, prized for their fighting strength and table quality. These fish typically range from 20-55 inches in Massachusetts waters, with prime specimens exceeding 30 pounds. During summer months, they can be found feeding near shorelines, around structure, and in areas with good tidal flow where baitfish concentrate.
Captain David specializes in various techniques for targeting these fish, including casting topwater lures during dawn and dusk, trolling with tube-and-worm rigs, and drifting live bait when conditions dictate. The summer months offer peak fishing opportunities as stripers actively feed in Hingham's waters before their fall migration. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to land a trophy or a beginner hoping to catch your first striper, Blueline Fishing Charters provides the expertise to make it happen.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
When booking with Blueline Fishing Charters, plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. The boat is well-equipped with quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle suited for striped bass fishing. Bringing weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, and non-marking shoes is recommended for your comfort. A cooler for your catch can be useful if you plan to keep fish (subject to current regulations). Captain David prioritizes both safety and productivity, ensuring that even if conditions aren't perfect, alternative fishing areas can be targeted to maximize your chances of success. Light snacks and water are provided, but feel free to bring additional refreshments for your 5-hour adventure.
Fishing in Boston: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), also known as Stripers or Linesiders, belongs to the Moronidae family within the Perciformes order. These iconic fish are immediately recognizable by their distinctive horizontal black stripes running along silver-colored bodies. In Hingham waters this August, striped bass provide excellent fishing opportunities as they patrol the coastline feeding on abundant baitfish.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped bass are anadromous fish, meaning they can live in both freshwater and saltwater environments. They're highly prized by anglers for their fighting ability, size potential, and excellent table fare. Their popularity has made them one of the most important recreational fish species along the Atlantic coast.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish primarily inhabit coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers along the Atlantic seaboard. Around Hingham, MA, they can be found in the Gulf of Maine, particularly near structure, current breaks, and areas with abundant baitfish. They prefer temperatures between 55-68°F and often move between deeper and shallower water based on tide, time of day, and season.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped bass typically range from 20-55 inches in length and can weigh between 10-81 pounds. The 31-inch specimen caught on our recent charter represents a solid keeper-sized fish. Trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches are not uncommon in Massachusetts waters during prime season.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Stripers are opportunistic predators that feed primarily on smaller fish like menhaden, mackerel, herring, and squid. They're known for their aggressive feeding behavior, especially during dawn and dusk when they often push baitfish to the surface. They tend to follow bait migrations and can be found wherever their prey is concentrated.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped bass typically spawn in freshwater rivers in spring when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. After spawning, mature fish migrate to coastal waters where they spend summer and fall feeding actively. In Massachusetts waters, post-spawn fish arrive by late May and remain through October, with August being a prime time to target them around Hingham.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Several effective methods work well for stripers in Hingham waters. Casting topwater plugs or swimming lures during early morning or evening can produce explosive strikes. Trolling with tube-and-worm combinations, umbrella rigs, or diving plugs is highly effective when covering water. Live-lining mackerel, pogies, or eels remains a top technique for trophy fish. In August, anglers around Hingham often find success targeting rocky structure and deeper channels where stripers hold during daylight hours.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat that has a mild flavor. It's versatile for cooking—whether grilled, baked, broiled or fried. Nutritionally, it's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, due to potential contaminant accumulation in larger specimens, many anglers practice selective harvest, keeping mid-sized fish (28-34 inches) for consumption while releasing the largest breeders.
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 around Hingham. For artificial lures, swimming plugs, topwater lures, and soft plastic paddletails in white, bone, or mackerel patterns consistently produce strikes.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?
A: Productive areas include rocky shorelines, harbor entrances, channel edges, and areas with strong current flow. The waters around Boston Harbor Islands, Hull Gut, and Hingham Bay all hold stripers during summer months.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, striped bass provides excellent table fare with firm white meat and a mild flavor. It's versatile for various cooking methods and rich in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: Prime times are dawn and dusk when stripers actively feed near the surface. In Hingham, the season typically runs from late May through October, with July and August offering consistent action as fish settle into their summer patterns.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Massachusetts regulations typically allow keeping striped bass between 28-35 inches in length, with a one fish daily limit for recreational anglers. Always check current regulations before fishing as these rules can change.
Q: Do I need special tackle for Striped Bass?
A: Medium-heavy spinning or conventional tackle with 20-30 pound test line is ideal for most striper fishing in Hingham. Reels with smooth drags and 7-9 foot rods provide the right balance of casting distance and fighting power.
