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Caught a 24inch Striped Bass in Hingham
Striped Bass Inshore in Hingham, MA
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The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of New England's most prized gamefish, known for its distinctive horizontal black stripes running along its silvery sides. These powerful fish typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 10 to over 80 pounds, making them an exciting catch for anglers of all skill levels. - Found in various habitats including rivers, lakes, onshore and near shore waters around Hingham - Known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights on light tackle - Prime target for summer fishing along Massachusetts' South Shore
Fishing Charter by Captain David Horte in August
Meet your Captain David Horte
- Top Fishing Charter in Hingham, MA
Summary
What a productive Tuesday July morning on the water with Blueline Fishing Charters! We set out from Hingham on our 5-hour inshore fishing charter, ready to target the summer Striped Bass action. The weather started off questionable but cleared as forecasted, creating ideal fishing conditions along the South Shore. Using light tackle casting and alternating between bottom fishing and trolling techniques, we landed a beautiful 24-inch Striped Bass. This half-day trip offers the perfect opportunity to experience the productive waters around Hingham Bay, Hull, and other local hotspots. Captain Horte's knowledge of these waters puts clients on fish consistently, making this charter ideal for both beginners and experienced anglers looking for quality Striped Bass fishing.
Fishing Charter with David Horte – Rates & Booking
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters offers Tuesday July trips targeting the excellent summer Striped Bass fishing in Hingham. Our 5-Hour Trip lets you fish Hingham, Hull, and local hotspots, accommodating up to 6 guests (though 4 is recommended for optimal experience). All fishing gear, bait, and necessary licenses are included in this private charter. We offer flexible departure times to maximize your fishing success based on tides and conditions. This half-day guided trip is perfect for targeting Striped Bass and Bluefish in the productive South Shore waters. Optional trip extensions are available at $120 per additional hour if you're on a hot bite and want to extend your time on the water.
Highlights of Half Day Guided Bluefish And Striped Bass Fishing Trip In South Shore, MA
This 5-hour inshore fishing charter with Captain Horte focuses on the productive waters of Hingham Bay, Hull, Weymouth, Quincy and Boston Harbor. The trip is designed to put you on Striped Bass and Bluefish using a variety of effective techniques. We'll switch between light tackle casting, bottom fishing, and trolling based on what's working best that day.
What makes this trip special is the combination of Captain Horte's local knowledge and the versatility of our approach. The South Shore waters offer consistent action during summer months, and our trip is suitable for all skill levels from beginners to experienced anglers. With all fishing gear provided and licenses included, you can just show up ready to fish without worrying about equipment or permits.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass are the premier gamefish in Hingham's waters, especially during the summer months. These powerful fish are known for their distinctive horizontal stripes and can be found throughout the South Shore area. In July, they're typically found in depths of 15-30 feet, often around structure, drop-offs, and areas with strong current.
When targeting Striped Bass in Hingham, we focus on areas where bait is concentrated. Dawn and dusk tend to be prime feeding times, though we can catch them throughout the day with the right approach. The 24-inch Striped Bass we caught on our recent trip is representative of the quality fish available in these waters, though larger specimens in the 30-40 inch range are certainly possible.
Using light tackle adds to the excitement when fighting these strong fish. They put up an impressive battle, making even the medium-sized ones feel substantial on appropriate gear. The satisfaction of landing a quality Striped Bass in these local waters is what keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
When joining us at Blueline Fishing Charters, you'll depart from our convenient location at 18 Shipyard Dr in Hingham. Our vessel is well-maintained and equipped with quality fishing gear suited for inshore fishing. We recommend bringing sun protection, weather-appropriate clothing, food and drinks, and a camera to document your catch.
While we can accommodate up to 6 passengers, we suggest limiting your group to 4 anglers for the most comfortable and productive fishing experience. This allows everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without crowding. Early morning departures are typically most productive during summer months, but we can adjust our schedule based on tides and weather conditions to optimize your chances of success.
Fishing in Boston: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), a member of the Moronidae family in the order Perciformes, is one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic coast. Known for its distinctive horizontal black stripes running along silvery sides, this powerful fish is the crown jewel of Hingham's inshore waters, especially during the productive July season.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass, often called "stripers" by local anglers, are revered for their fighting ability, size potential, and widespread availability in coastal waters. These fish are anadromous, meaning they spawn in freshwater but spend most of their adult lives in saltwater, making them accessible to both inshore and nearshore anglers throughout much of the year.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in diverse environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. In Hingham and the greater Boston Harbor area, stripers can be found around rocky structures, channel edges, river mouths, and areas with strong current. They prefer water temperatures between 55-68°F and often follow baitfish migrations along the coast.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length. Weight can vary significantly from 10 pounds for schoolie-sized fish up to 81 pounds for trophy specimens. The average catch in Hingham waters during summer months tends to be in the 24-36 inch range, weighing between 15-30 pounds, though larger fish are certainly possible.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
These predators feed primarily on baitfish such as menhaden, herring, and mackerel, as well as crustaceans and squid. They often hunt in schools, trapping bait against structure or the surface. Stripers are most active during dawn and dusk but will feed throughout the day when conditions are favorable or when bait is abundant.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped Bass spawn in freshwater from April through June, with the majority heading up major river systems like the Hudson and Chesapeake. By July in Hingham, most stripers have completed spawning and are actively feeding, making it one of the best months for consistent action as they recover their strength and build reserves.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Several methods prove effective for targeting stripers in Hingham waters. Casting soft plastic jigs around structure during moving tides often produces consistent results. Live bait such as mackerel or pogies (menhaden) is extremely effective, especially for larger fish. Trolling with tube and worm rigs along depth contours is a local favorite technique that produces quality fish. In July around Hingham, focusing on the early morning hours around tide changes near the entrances to harbors and river mouths can be particularly productive.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass is considered excellent table fare with firm, white flesh and a mild, sweet flavor. It's versatile for cooking methods including grilling, baking, or pan-searing. The meat is high in protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. However, many anglers in Massachusetts practice catch-and-release to help sustain the fishery, particularly for larger breeding-sized fish.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live bait like mackerel, menhaden (pogies), or eels are top producers. For artificial lures, soft plastic swimbaits, bucktail jigs, and topwater plugs are all effective depending on conditions and time of day.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?
A: Productive areas include Hingham Bay, Hull Gut, the waters around Peddocks Island, and the edges of shipping channels. Focus on areas with current, structure, or visible bait activity.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass has firm white meat with excellent flavor. It's versatile for various cooking methods and rich in nutrients. Just be aware of local regulations regarding size limits and consumption advisories.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Hingham, the season typically runs from May through October, with July and August often providing peak action. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times, especially during moving tides.
Q: What size Striped Bass is legal to keep in Massachusetts?
A: Massachusetts regulations require Striped Bass to be between 28-31 inches to keep (slot limit). Always check current regulations as they may change from year to year.
Q: What pound test line should I use for Striped Bass?
A: For inshore fishing around Hingham, 20-30 pound braided line with a 30-40 pound fluorocarbon or monofilament leader works well for most situations.
