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Caught a trophy striped bass in Hingham
Striped Bass Fishing in Hingham
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Striped Bass are among the most prized gamefish in New England waters, particularly around Hingham where they migrate seasonally. These powerful fish belong to the Moronidae family and typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length, weighing between 10 and 81 pounds when fully grown. - They inhabit diverse environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. - Their distinctive horizontal stripes make them easily identifiable. - Striped bass put up impressive fights when hooked, making them a favorite target for sport fishermen.
Fishing Charter by Captain David Horte in August
Meet your Captain David Horte
- Top Fishing Charter in Hingham, MA
Summary
Saturday July brought perfect partly cloudy conditions for our 5-hour inshore fishing charter in Hingham, MA. We started early morning with Nicole and crew, targeting striped bass using multiple techniques including surf casting along the shoreline before moving to deeper waters. The weather played in our favor as we mixed up our approach between trolling and bottom fishing. Our persistence paid off with a solid 27-inch striper that put up an impressive fight. Whether you're looking for trophy striped bass or just want to experience quality inshore fishing in Massachusetts Bay, Blueline Fishing Charters provides the local knowledge, equipment, and expertise to put you on fish. Summer is prime time for stripers in these waters, with plenty of action for anglers of all experience levels.
Fishing Charter with David Horte – Rates & Booking
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters on Saturday July offers 5-hour inshore fishing trips launching from Hingham Harbor. Our trips target prime striped bass fishing grounds throughout Massachusetts Bay, with all tackle and equipment provided. As a licensed captain with extensive local knowledge, I'll put you on the fish using proven techniques from surf casting to trolling and jigging based on conditions. Whether you're an experienced angler or bringing the family for their first fishing adventure, we provide a comfortable, safe experience with clear instruction. To check current rates and secure your spot, give us a call directly or use our online booking system.
Highlights of 5 Hour Trip – Inshore
Our inshore trips specialize in targeting striped bass, one of the most exciting gamefish in New England waters. We'll utilize various fishing methods including surf casting along productive shorelines, trolling through deeper channels, and bottom fishing based on where the fish are holding. The 27-inch striper caught on our recent charter demonstrates the quality of fish available in Hingham waters.
Summer mornings provide ideal conditions with typically calm waters and active fish. The partly cloudy skies create perfect light conditions that keep stripers feeding without pushing them to deeper water. Our local knowledge of structure, currents, and seasonal patterns allows us to adapt to daily conditions for the best chance of success.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped bass in Hingham waters follow predictable seasonal patterns, with summer bringing excellent opportunities for quality catches. These fish typically hold near structure, drop-offs, and areas with strong current flow where baitfish concentrate. During summer months, we often find them in moderately shallow water early in the day before they move deeper as the sun rises. Live bait including mackerel and pogies works exceptionally well, though artificial lures like deep diving plugs and soft plastics also produce when presented properly. The average keeper striper runs 28-36 inches in our waters, with larger specimens exceeding 40 inches not uncommon during peak season. The thrill of hooking into a hard-fighting striper makes these trips particularly popular for anglers seeking both action and quality fish.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our fishing charters depart from Hingham Harbor, typically meeting 30 minutes before sunrise for maximum fishing opportunity. We provide all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and ice for your catch. Guests should bring sun protection, weather-appropriate clothing, non-marking shoes, snacks and beverages (no glass containers), and a camera to document your catch. Our vessel comfortably accommodates small groups with adequate deck space for fishing. For your convenience, we have an enclosed head (bathroom) on board. Weather cancellations receive full rescheduling options, and we practice catch-and-release with selective harvesting based on regulations and sustainability.
Fishing in Boston: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) belongs to the Moronidae family within the Perciformes order. These distinctive fish are immediately recognizable by their silver bodies with seven to eight horizontal black stripes running from gill to tail. In Hingham waters this July, anglers target these prized gamefish as they follow seasonal bait movements through Massachusetts Bay.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are anadromous fish, meaning they can live in both freshwater and saltwater environments. They're highly regarded among anglers for their powerful fights, substantial size, and excellent table fare. Their adaptability and migratory patterns make them available to both shore and boat anglers throughout much of the Atlantic coast.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in diverse environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Along the Atlantic, they range from the St. Lawrence River in Canada to the St. Johns River in Florida. Around Hingham, they're found in Massachusetts Bay, harbor entrances, rocky shorelines, and nearby estuaries. They prefer areas with strong current, structure, and abundant baitfish populations.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length, with weights between 10 and 81 pounds. The average keeper in Massachusetts waters runs about 28-36 inches, though fish over 40 pounds are caught each season by fortunate anglers. Their growth rate is relatively slow, with fish reaching trophy status typically being 10-15 years old.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
These predators feed opportunistically on a variety of prey including herring, mackerel, menhaden (pogies), sand eels, squid, and crustaceans. They often hunt in schools, corralling baitfish against structure or shorelines. Stripers are most active during dawn and dusk but will feed throughout the day when conditions are favorable, especially during overcast weather.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped Bass spawn in freshwater rivers in spring, typically April through June when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. After spawning, they migrate to coastal waters for summer feeding. By July in Hingham, the post-spawn fish are actively feeding and regaining weight, making it one of the best times to target them.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Several effective methods work well for stripers in Hingham waters. Live bait fishing with mackerel, pogies, or eels produces consistently, especially for larger specimens. Trolling with tube and worm rigs, deep-diving plugs, or umbrella rigs works well when covering water. For artificial lure enthusiasts, casting soft plastics, swimming plugs, or topwater lures around structure during low light periods can trigger explosive strikes. In July around Hingham, anglers find success targeting rocky shorelines early morning, then moving to deeper channel edges as the day progresses.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat that has a mild, sweet flavor. It's versatile for cooking – whether grilled, baked, broiled or fried. Nutritionally, it's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, consumption advisories exist in some areas due to potential contaminants, so checking local guidelines is recommended. Many anglers practice selective harvest, keeping mid-sized fish (28-34 inches) for optimal eating quality while releasing larger breeding females.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live bait produces consistently, with live mackerel, pogies (menhaden), and eels being top producers in Hingham waters. Fresh chunk bait also works well when live bait isn't available. For artificials, soft plastic swimbaits, diving plugs, and topwater lures are effective depending on conditions.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?
A: Productive areas include rocky shorelines, harbor entrances, channel edges where depth changes abruptly, and areas with current flow. The waters around World's End, Hull Gut, and the deeper channels of Hingham Bay hold stripers throughout summer months.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is considered excellent eating with firm, white meat that has a mild flavor. Medium-sized fish (28-34 inches) generally offer the best table quality. Always check local consumption advisories before keeping fish for the table.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: Dawn and dusk provide peak feeding periods, particularly on moving tides. In Hingham, the summer months of June through September offer consistent action, with July and August typically producing the most reliable fishing.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Massachusetts regulations require Striped Bass to be between 28-31 inches for recreational harvest, with a one fish daily limit. Always check current regulations as they can change seasonally.
Q: Do Striped Bass fight hard when hooked?
A: Absolutely. Striped Bass are renowned for their strong, powerful runs and dogged fights. Even modest-sized stripers put up impressive battles, making them a premier sportfish along the Atlantic coast.
