%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F2008%2Fimages%2Fbluelinefishingchartershorizontalcolor.png&w=1200&q=100)
Hingham Trophy Striped Bass Fishing Guide
Striped Bass Fishing in Hingham, MA
%2F%2Fusers%2F0db15d2a-f753-4729-a54d-86fe2a5b0bbc%2Fimages%2Fstriped-bass-hingham-deep-sea-9912.png&w=1200&q=75)
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of the most prized gamefish along the Massachusetts coast. These powerful predators are known for their distinctive horizontal stripes and aggressive fighting ability when hooked. - Can grow up to 55 inches and weigh as much as 81 pounds - Inhabit both fresh and saltwater environments including rivers, lakes, and nearshore ocean waters - Peak fishing season in Hingham occurs during summer months when water temperatures are ideal
Fishing Charter by Captain David Horte in August
Meet your Captain David Horte
- Top Fishing Charter in Hingham, MA
Summary
Our 5-hour inshore fishing charter in Hingham Bay delivered exactly what we were after – quality striped bass action on a perfect Saturday July morning. The partly cloudy skies created ideal conditions as we launched early from Hingham harbor. We mixed up our approach throughout the day, starting with some productive surf casting along the shoreline before moving to deeper water for trolling and bottom fishing techniques. This versatility paid off when we connected with a solid 27-inch striper that put up an impressive fight. Blueline Fishing Charters specializes in these targeted inshore trips, where we use our local knowledge of Massachusetts coastal waters to put clients on fish consistently. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to striped bass fishing, our Hingham-based charters provide everything needed for a successful day on the water.
Fishing Charter with David Horte – Rates & Booking
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters offers Saturday July inshore trips targeting striped bass in the productive waters around Hingham, MA. Our 5-hour charter provides all the tackle and equipment you'll need, with expert guidance to maximize your chances of landing these prized gamefish. We launch early morning from Hingham Harbor, giving you prime fishing time when the stripers are most active. This trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking for quality fishing without traveling far offshore. Whether you're a seasoned striper fisherman or introducing family members to the sport, we adjust our techniques to match your experience. To book your charter or check current availability, reach out directly through our website or give us a call.
Highlights of 5 Hour Trip – Inshore
Our inshore charter delivers consistent striped bass action using multiple proven techniques. We begin with surf casting along productive shorelines where stripers often hunt for baitfish during feeding periods. As the day progresses, we'll transition to trolling or bottom fishing deeper structure, adapting our approach based on where the fish are holding and what they're responding to. The 27-inch striped bass caught on this trip demonstrates the quality of fish available in Hingham waters.
The partly cloudy conditions we experienced create perfect light penetration for striper fishing – enough visibility for predators to locate prey without being so bright that fish retreat to deeper water. Our local knowledge of Hingham's productive fishing grounds allows us to target specific areas where striped bass congregate during summer months. The 5-hour trip duration provides ample fishing time while still keeping the experience accessible for most schedules.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped bass thrive in the coastal waters around Hingham, where the mix of rocky structure, current edges, and baitfish create perfect hunting grounds. During summer months, these fish move through our local waters in predictable patterns, often following schools of mackerel, herring, and other forage fish. The 27-incher we caught represents a typical keeper-sized striper, though fish in the 30-40 inch range are certainly possible.
What makes striped bass fishing so exciting in our area is their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. They'll hit a variety of presentations, from topwater plugs that create explosive surface strikes to deeper jigging techniques that trigger reaction bites. In Hingham, we find consistent success mixing our approach throughout the day, which is exactly what produced our results on this charter – starting shallow with surf casting before working deeper structure as conditions changed.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our Blueline Fishing Charters vessel is well-equipped for inshore fishing comfort, with all necessary safety equipment and fishing gear provided. We recommend bringing weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, a camera to document your catch, and any preferred snacks or drinks. Early morning departures typically yield the best fishing, with our 5-hour trips usually running from 6am to 11am during peak summer months. The boat comfortably accommodates small groups, making this perfect for family outings or fishing with friends. We practice both catch-and-keep and catch-and-release fishing, depending on regulations and your preferences.
Fishing in Boston: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is a highly-prized gamefish belonging to the Moronidae family and Perciformes order. Instantly recognizable by its seven to eight distinctive black stripes running horizontally along its sides, this powerful fish features a dark olive to blackish-blue back transitioning to silvery sides and a white belly. In Hingham waters this July, these fish are actively feeding as they follow baitfish schools through coastal areas.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are anadromous fish, meaning they migrate between fresh and saltwater throughout their lifecycle. They're renowned among anglers for their powerful fights, substantial size, and excellent table fare. Their adaptability to various habitats and aggressive feeding habits make them one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic Coast.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in diverse environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Along the Massachusetts coastline near Hingham, they're commonly found around rocky structures, jetties, channels, and areas with strong current flow. They prefer waters with good oxygen content and tend to stay near structure that provides both cover and feeding opportunities.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass typically measure between 20 and 55 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 81 pounds. The average keeper-sized fish in Hingham waters runs about 24-36 inches, though larger specimens are certainly possible during peak seasons. The 27-inch fish caught on our charter represents a quality catch that's typical of the area.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
These predatory fish feed primarily on smaller baitfish like herring, mackerel, and menhaden, as well as crustaceans and squid. They're known for their aggressive feeding habits, often corralling baitfish against structures or the surface before attacking in explosive strikes. Stripers are most active during dawn and dusk periods, though they can feed throughout the day under the right conditions.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Spawning typically occurs in freshwater rivers and tributaries from April through June when water temperatures reach 58-68°F. After spawning, adult fish migrate back to saltwater, with many arriving in Massachusetts coastal waters by early summer. This post-spawn period in July often produces excellent fishing opportunities in the Hingham area as fish actively feed to regain strength.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Several techniques prove effective for targeting stripers in Hingham waters. Casting topwater plugs or swimming lures around rocky structure during early morning or evening hours can produce explosive strikes. Trolling with tube and worm rigs or umbrella rigs along depth contours is highly effective when fish are holding deeper. In July, anglers around Hingham often find success fishing the incoming tide around harbor mouths and channel edges where baitfish concentrate.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white flesh that's mild yet flavorful. It's versatile for various cooking methods including grilling, baking, and pan-searing. Nutritionally, it's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, always check local consumption advisories as larger specimens may contain higher mercury levels in some areas.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live or fresh bait including mackerel, herring, menhaden (bunker), and eels are top producers. For artificial lures, swimming plugs, soft plastic jerkbaits, and bucktail jigs consistently produce strikes in Hingham waters.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?
A: Productive areas include the channel edges in Hingham Harbor, rocky structures around the islands in Boston Harbor, and along current seams where baitfish concentrate. Tide changes often trigger the best feeding activity.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is considered excellent eating with firm, white meat that's mild in flavor. Medium-sized fish (24-32 inches) generally offer the best eating quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Hingham, the prime season runs from May through October, with July and August often producing consistent action. Dawn and dusk typically offer the most productive fishing, particularly on moving tides.
Q: What pound test line should I use for Striped Bass?
A: For most Hingham fishing situations, 20-30 pound test braided line with a fluorocarbon leader of 20-30 pounds provides the right balance of strength and sensitivity.
Q: Are Striped Bass hard to catch?
A: While they can be challenging at times, Striped Bass are generally willing strikers when you locate them and present appropriate baits or lures. Their predictable feeding patterns make them accessible for anglers of various skill levels.
