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Caught a trophy Striped Bass in Hingham
Striped Bass Fishing in Hingham
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The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is a prized gamefish in Massachusetts waters, particularly around Hingham. These powerful predators are known for their distinctive horizontal black stripes running along silver-white bodies, making them easy to identify when landed. - Striped bass typically measure between 20 and 55 inches in length. - They can weigh anywhere from 10 to 81 pounds, with trophy specimens exceeding 50 pounds. - Their natural habitat includes rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, making Hingham's location perfect for targeting them.
Fishing Charter by Captain David Horte in December
Meet your Captain David Horte
- Top Fishing Charter in Hingham, MA
Summary
Our 5-hour inshore fishing charter with Blueline Fishing Charters on Tuesday August proved that sometimes one good catch makes the entire trip worthwhile. Setting out from Hingham under partly cloudy skies, we hit the Gulf of Maine waters in search of striped bass. We mixed up our techniques between surf casting along the shoreline, trolling deeper waters, and bottom fishing to maximize our chances. The highlight came when we landed a beautiful 32-inch striped bass, the perfect trophy for our morning on the water. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, Captain David Horte's local knowledge and versatile approach make this charter perfect for those looking to experience the best inshore fishing Hingham has to offer.
Fishing Charter with David Horte – Rates & Booking
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters on Tuesday August offers 5-hour inshore fishing trips targeting striped bass in the waters around Hingham. Our licensed charter provides all the necessary fishing equipment, bait, and tackle, so you can focus on the fishing experience rather than the logistics. The boat comfortably accommodates small groups, making it perfect for family outings or trips with friends. Morning departures are available, putting you on the water during prime feeding times for striped bass. Safety is always our top priority, with all required safety equipment on board and a captain with extensive local knowledge of Hingham's waters.
Highlights of 5 Hour Inshore Trip
Our 5-hour inshore fishing trips offer the perfect balance of fishing time and variety. We'll target the productive waters of the Gulf of Maine, known for hosting healthy populations of striped bass during the summer months. Throughout your charter, we'll employ multiple fishing techniques including surf casting, trolling, and bottom fishing to maximize your chances of success. This versatility allows us to adapt to changing conditions and fish behavior throughout the day.
The partly cloudy conditions we often experience create ideal fishing environments, with enough light to spot structure and movement while keeping the water temperatures comfortable for active fish. Even on days when the fish aren't biting constantly, the scenic views of the Hingham coastline and surrounding areas make for an enjoyable day on the water. And when you do hook into a 30+ inch striper, you'll understand why anglers return to these waters season after season.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped bass are the crown jewel of inshore fishing in Massachusetts waters, particularly around Hingham. These powerful, line-stripping gamefish move through our local waters during their seasonal migration, providing excellent fishing opportunities from late spring through early fall. They prefer structure-rich environments where tidal currents create ambush points for feeding.
For the best chances at landing quality striped bass like our 32-incher, focus on dawn and dusk periods when these fish feed most actively. In Hingham, productive spots include channel edges, rocky outcroppings, and areas with strong current flow. Fresh bait like mackerel or live eels can be particularly effective, though artificials like swimming plugs and soft plastics also produce well when matched to local baitfish. The summer months typically offer the most consistent action as water temperatures reach the mid-60s to low 70s—prime conditions for active stripers.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
When joining us for a fishing charter in Hingham, plan to arrive about 15-20 minutes before your scheduled departure time. We recommend wearing layers as morning temperatures on the water can be cooler than on land, even during summer. Don't forget sun protection including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Our boat is equipped with a small cooler for your beverages and snacks, though you may want to bring a separate cooler if you plan to keep your catch. Motion sickness medication is advisable for those prone to seasickness, taken before boarding for maximum effectiveness. Cell phone reception is generally good throughout our fishing grounds, allowing you to capture and share photos of your catch immediately. For the most comfortable experience, wear non-marking, non-slip footwear suitable for a boat deck.
Fishing in Boston: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic coast. Belonging to the Moronidae family and Perciformes order, these fish are immediately recognizable by their distinctive horizontal black stripes set against a silver-white body. In Hingham waters this August, anglers target these powerful predators as they follow baitfish migrations through the Gulf of Maine.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped bass are anadromous fish, meaning they split their lifecycle between freshwater and saltwater environments. They're highly prized for their fighting ability, with powerful runs and head-shaking tactics that challenge even experienced anglers. Their popularity stems from their accessibility to shore anglers and boat fishermen alike, plus their excellent table fare.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in various habitats including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. They prefer structure-rich environments with current, including jetties, rocky shorelines, channel edges, and around bait schools. In Hingham and the surrounding Massachusetts waters, stripers can be found hugging coastlines, particularly around river mouths, harbor entrances, and areas with strong tidal flow.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped bass typically measure between 20 and 55 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 81 pounds. Most catches in recreational fisheries average 5-20 pounds, though trophy specimens exceeding 40 pounds are caught every season. The current world record stands at 81 pounds, 14 ounces, though fish approaching 50 pounds are considered lifetime achievements for most anglers.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed on a variety of prey including menhaden, mackerel, herring, squid, eels, and crustaceans. They're ambush feeders that often use structure and current to their advantage, trapping baitfish against obstacles before attacking. Stripers feed most actively during dawn and dusk, though changing tide stages can trigger feeding at any time of day.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped bass spawn in freshwater rivers and tributaries in spring when water temperatures reach about 60-65°F. The major spawning grounds include the Chesapeake Bay, Hudson River, and Delaware River. After spawning, they migrate northward along the coast during summer months, which is why August is a prime time to target them in Hingham waters as they follow baitfish schools.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Multiple techniques prove effective for targeting stripers. Casting large swimming plugs, soft plastic jerkbaits, or bucktail jigs near structure during dawn and dusk produces consistent results. Live-lining mackerel, menhaden, or eels remains perhaps the most deadly method, particularly for trophy-sized fish. In August, anglers around Hingham often find success trolling tube-and-worm rigs along depth contours or jigging deep structure where fish hold during midday heat. When stripers are actively feeding on the surface, topwater plugs create explosive strikes that make for unforgettable fishing moments.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat that's mild and sweet. It's versatile in preparation—grilled, baked, broiled, or pan-seared—all produce delicious results. Nutritionally, it's high in protein and contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. However, due to concerns about PCB contamination in some waters, many anglers practice catch and release with larger specimens, keeping only smaller, younger fish for consumption when regulations permit.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live baits like eels, mackerel, menhaden (pogies), and herring are top producers. For artificial lures, swimming plugs, soft plastic jerkbaits, and bucktail jigs in patterns matching local baitfish work exceptionally well in Hingham waters.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?
A: Focus on structure-rich areas with current, including harbor entrances, rocky points, channel edges, and areas with significant depth changes. The mouth of the Weir River, World's End peninsula, and the edges of the shipping channel are all productive spots depending on tide and time of day.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, striped bass has firm, white, flaky meat with a mild, sweet flavor that's prized by seafood lovers. It's versatile for various cooking methods and rich in protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: Dawn and dusk provide peak feeding periods, particularly in summer months like August. Additionally, fishing two hours before and after tide changes (especially moving tides) often produces the best action regardless of time of day.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Regulations change annually, but currently, Massachusetts anglers can keep striped bass between 28-31 inches and over 35 inches in total length. Always check current regulations before your trip as size limits and season dates are subject to change.
Q: What tackle should I use for Striped Bass?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or conventional tackle with 15-30 pound test line works well for most situations. When targeting larger fish, especially with live bait, heavier gear in the 30-50 pound class may be necessary to handle powerful runs and structure-oriented fighting tactics.
