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Caught a 27inch Striped Bass Inshore in Hingham
Striped Bass Fishing in Hingham, MA
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The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic coast, prized for both its fighting ability and table quality. These fish typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length and can weigh between 10 and 81 pounds. Their distinctive appearance features seven to eight horizontal black stripes running along a silvery-green to blue-black body. - Striped bass inhabit various environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, making them accessible to both freshwater and saltwater anglers. - They're known for their annual migrations along the East Coast, following baitfish and water temperature patterns.
Fishing Charter by Captain David Horte in August
Meet your Captain David Horte
- Top Fishing Charter in Hingham, MA
Summary
Our Hingham fishing charter delivered big-time on a perfect partly cloudy summer day. Captain David Horte took Nicole and crew out for a 5-hour inshore trip targeting striped bass, using a mix of surf casting, trolling, and bottom fishing techniques. The varied approach paid off with a respectable 27-inch striper that put up an impressive fight. This Saturday July outing showcased why Hingham waters are prime territory for inshore fishing, with Blueline Fishing Charters providing all the local knowledge and equipment needed. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to the sport, these Massachusetts waters offer excellent seasonal bite opportunities with stripers in full swing during summer months. Book your own charter to experience the thrill of Massachusetts Bay fishing while learning techniques from a seasoned local guide.
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, MA. These trips are perfect for targeting striped bass in the productive waters of Massachusetts Bay. All necessary fishing equipment is provided, making it convenient for both experienced anglers and beginners. With a focus on both results and education, Captain Horte employs multiple fishing techniques including surf casting, trolling, and bottom fishing to maximize your chances of success. Early morning departures are recommended to take advantage of peak fishing conditions. Give Blueline Fishing Charters a call to check availability and secure your spot for a memorable day on the water.
Highlights of this 5 Hour Trip – Inshore
This trip features varied fishing approaches tailored to current conditions, starting with surf casting along productive shorelines before moving to deeper waters for trolling and bottom fishing. The partly cloudy summer conditions provided ideal fishing weather, with just enough cloud cover to keep the stripers active and feeding. The highlight was landing a solid 27-inch striped bass that provided an exciting fight and showcased the quality of Hingham's inshore fishing.
Captain David's local knowledge of Hingham's waters was evident throughout the trip, as he navigated to productive spots based on tide, weather conditions, and seasonal patterns. The 5-hour format offers enough time to try multiple locations and techniques while keeping the pace engaging and enjoyable for everyone aboard, regardless of experience level.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped bass are the premier gamefish in Hingham's waters, known for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. These fish typically move into the area during late spring and remain through summer into early fall, making July an ideal time to target them. They prefer structure like rocky shorelines, current edges, and deeper channels where bait concentrates.
Captain David targets these fish using both artificial lures and live bait depending on conditions. The 27-inch specimen caught during this trip represents a quality fish for the area, though stripers can grow significantly larger. Massachusetts regulations protect this valuable resource with size and catch limits, helping ensure sustainable fishing for years to come. For the best striped bass action in Hingham, early morning and evening trips often produce the most consistent results when these predators are actively feeding.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Blueline Fishing Charters provides a well-equipped boat with all the necessary fishing gear, including rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Trips depart from Hingham Harbor, with exact meeting instructions provided upon booking. It's recommended to bring weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, non-marking shoes, and any desired snacks or beverages. Morning departures typically begin around sunrise to capitalize on the most productive fishing periods, but Captain David can work with your schedule to find a suitable time. The 5-hour format provides ample fishing opportunity while keeping the trip duration comfortable for most guests. With safety as a priority, all necessary safety equipment is aboard and trips may be rescheduled in case of unsafe weather conditions.
Fishing in Boston: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), member of the Moronidae family in the order Perciformes, is one of the most prized gamefish in Hingham waters. Known for their distinctive horizontal black stripes on a silvery body, these powerful predators create memorable battles on rod and reel when hooked. In Hingham waters this July, stripers are in their prime feeding pattern as they follow baitfish schools throughout Massachusetts Bay.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped bass are anadromous fish that can thrive in both saltwater and freshwater environments. Highly sought after by recreational anglers for their fighting spirit and table quality, they represent the cornerstone of inshore fishing in the Northeast. Their popularity stems from their accessibility to shore anglers and boaters alike, along with their substantial size potential.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish inhabit coastal waters, rivers, lakes, and estuaries along the Atlantic coast. In Massachusetts, they're commonly found around rocky structure, jetties, river mouths, and along beaches. Around Hingham, stripers frequent harbor entrances, channel edges, and rocky shorelines where current concentrates baitfish. They typically move from deeper offshore waters in spring to more inshore areas during summer months.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length and can weigh between 10 and 81 pounds. The 27-inch specimen caught on this trip represents a quality keeper-sized fish. Trophy-class stripers exceeding 40 inches are caught annually in Massachusetts waters, with the state record approaching the species' maximum size.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Stripers are opportunistic predators that feed primarily on smaller fish including menhaden, herring, sand eels, and mackerel. They also consume crustaceans and squid when available. They typically feed most actively during dawn and dusk, though tidal movement often dictates feeding patterns more than time of day. In summer months, they may move to deeper, cooler water during bright midday hours before returning to shallow feeding grounds as light diminishes.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped bass spawn in freshwater rivers in spring, with the major East Coast breeding grounds located in the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware River, and Hudson River systems. Water temperatures between 60-67°F trigger spawning activity. By July in Hingham, the spawning season has concluded, and fish are fully into their summer feeding patterns.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Multiple effective techniques work for stripers, including casting lures along shorelines, trolling with tube-and-worm rigs, and drifting live bait in current. In Hingham during summer months, early morning topwater fishing can be explosive as stripers attack surface plugs and poppers. Soft plastic jigs in 4-7 inch sizes that imitate local baitfish are particularly effective when worked near structure or along depth changes. Live mackerel or pogies (menhaden) are premium baits when available.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat that's mild in flavor and adaptable to various cooking methods. It's high in protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Grilling and baking are popular preparation methods that preserve the natural moisture and flavor. However, be aware of local consumption advisories, as larger specimens may contain higher levels of contaminants like mercury.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for striped bass?
A: Live bait such as mackerel, menhaden (pogies), and eels are top producers. For artificial lures, soft plastic jigs, swimming plugs, and topwater lures are all effective depending on conditions.
Q: Where can I find striped bass near Hingham?
A: Key areas include the rocky shorelines around the harbor, nearby islands, channel edges where depth changes occur, and areas with strong current flow. Dawn and dusk near structure are particularly productive.
Q: Is striped bass good to eat?
A: Yes, striped bass is considered excellent table fare with firm white meat that's versatile for various cooking methods. Medium-sized fish (24-30 inches) often provide 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 peak fishing typically occurring in June and July. Early morning and evening hours generally produce the best action, especially on moving tides.
Q: What size striped bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Regulations change periodically, but currently anglers can keep striped bass between 28-35 inches. Always check the latest Massachusetts saltwater fishing regulations before your trip.
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. Heavier gear may be needed for trophy fish or fishing around heavy structure.
