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Landed a 31inch Striped Bass Inshore in Hingham
Striped Bass Inshore in Hingham
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Striped Bass, scientifically known as Morone saxatilis, is one of the most prized gamefish along the Atlantic coast. These powerful predators are easily recognized by their distinctive horizontal black stripes running along their silvery sides. They typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 81 pounds, with trophy specimens occasionally exceeding these measurements. - Striped bass inhabit various environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, making them accessible to both inshore and nearshore anglers. - They're known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, making them a favorite target for recreational anglers in the Hingham area.
Fishing Charter by Captain David Horte in August
Meet your Captain David Horte
- Top Fishing Charter in Hingham, MA
Summary
Saturday July brought perfect conditions for our private fishing charter in Hingham, MA with Blueline Fishing Charters. Captain David Horte guided Marc and his group to some excellent striped bass action, landing a memorable 31-inch striper during their 5-hour trip. We employed various techniques including surf casting, light tackle spinning, and bottom fishing to maximize our chances at success. Launching from Boston's Seaport district made this charter convenient for both locals and visitors looking to experience the productive inshore waters around Boston Harbor. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, our private charter provides all necessary gear, bait, and licenses for a hassle-free day on the water targeting the area's famous striped bass.
Fishing Charter with David Horte – Rates & Booking
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters on Saturday July offers this Private 5-Hour Trip with convenient Boston pickup and flexible start times. This half-day guided trip is perfect for targeting Bluefish and Striped Bass in Boston's productive inshore waters. All necessary fishing gear, bait, and licenses are included in your charter, ensuring a hassle-free experience whether you're a beginner or experienced angler. The trip accommodates up to 6 passengers (4 recommended for the best experience) and launches directly from Boston's Seaport district at 270 Northern Ave, making it ideal for traveling anglers visiting the area. Additional hours can be added for $120 per hour if you want to extend your time on the water.
Highlights of Half Day Guided Bluefish And Striped Bass Fishing Trip In Boston, MA
This private charter offers exceptional inshore fishing opportunities in the waters surrounding Hingham and Boston Harbor. Our recent trip with Marc's group demonstrated the productive striper action available, with light tackle and bottom fishing proving particularly effective. The 31-inch striped bass was the highlight catch of our outing, showcasing the quality of fishing in these waters.
What makes this charter stand out is the personalized approach and convenient Boston pickup location. Captain Horte provides all necessary equipment and adjusts fishing techniques based on conditions and target species. The 5-hour duration hits the sweet spot for both serious anglers wanting quality fishing time and those looking for a fun half-day activity without the full-day commitment.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped bass are the premier inshore gamefish in the Hingham and greater Boston area waters. These powerful, distinctive fish with their characteristic lateral lines can be found around structure, rocky shorelines, and deeper channels throughout the season. During summer months, we typically target them using a combination of live bait, artificial lures, and bottom fishing techniques.
The stripers in this area average 24-36 inches, with trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches possible. What makes fishing for them particularly exciting is their fighting ability and the variety of methods that can be effective. Morning and evening hours often provide the best action, especially around tide changes when stripers actively feed. For visitors to Boston looking to experience some of New England's finest inshore fishing, targeting these fish offers both challenge and reward.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our fishing charters accommodate up to 6 passengers comfortably, though we recommend groups of 4 for the optimal fishing experience. The boat is well-equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle appropriate for targeting striped bass and bluefish in these waters. We provide all necessary bait, lures, and fishing licenses as part of your charter.
Meeting at 270 Northern Ave in Boston's Seaport district makes this charter especially convenient for visitors staying in the city. We recommend wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and bringing sun protection, a camera to document your catches, and any preferred beverages or snacks. Captain Horte focuses on safety first while ensuring everyone has opportunities to hook into fish throughout the trip.
Fishing in Boston: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), belonging to the Moronidae family within the order Perciformes, is one of the most sought-after gamefish in the Northeast. These magnificent predators are instantly recognizable by their distinctive horizontal black stripes set against a silvery-white to olive-green body. In Hingham waters this July, anglers have been reporting consistent striped bass action, particularly during morning and evening tide changes.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped bass, often called "stripers" by local anglers, are prized for their fighting ability and table quality. These adaptable fish can thrive in fresh, brackish, and saltwater environments, making them accessible to various fishing styles throughout their range. Their popularity among anglers stems from both their sporting qualities and their size potential.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish inhabit coastal waters from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to northern Florida, with a particular concentration along the New England coastline. Around Hingham, MA, stripers can be found near rocky shorelines, jetties, estuaries, and deeper channels. They typically move inshore during warmer months and offshore to deeper waters during winter. Structure is key to finding stripers, as they often hold near underwater obstacles, drop-offs, and current breaks.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length, with weights varying from 10 to 81 pounds. Trophy specimens over 40 inches are considered excellent catches in the Hingham area. The current Massachusetts state record is over 70 pounds, though most recreational catches around Boston Harbor tend to be in the 24-36 inch range.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Stripers are opportunistic predators feeding primarily on smaller fish like herring, menhaden, mackerel, and sand eels. They also consume crustaceans and squid when available. They typically feed most actively during dawn and dusk, particularly around tide changes when baitfish are more vulnerable. Their feeding behavior is often dictated by tide movement, with the first two hours of an incoming or outgoing tide frequently producing the best action.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped bass spawn in freshwater areas from April through June, with water temperatures between 60-70°F being ideal. While they don't spawn in the immediate Hingham area, the migratory patterns associated with spawning affect their presence and feeding activity. Post-spawn, by July, fish have typically returned to their summer feeding patterns in coastal waters, making them more predictable targets for anglers.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Multiple techniques prove effective for stripers in Hingham waters. Live bait fishing with mackerel, menhaden, or eels is particularly productive during summer months. Artificial lures including swimming plugs, soft plastics, and metal jigs also work well when matched to local baitfish. Bottom fishing with chunk bait near structure produces results for patient anglers. In July, anglers around Hingham find stripers concentrating around deeper channels during midday heat, moving to shallow structure during morning and evening hours.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped bass is considered excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat and a mild flavor that's not overly fishy. They're high in protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Most anglers prefer preparing them grilled, baked, or blackened. However, be aware of local consumption advisories regarding size and quantity limits, as larger specimens may contain higher mercury levels. Many conservation-minded anglers practice catch-and-release for larger breeding-sized fish.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for striped bass?
A: In Hingham waters, live mackerel, menhaden (pogies), and eels are top natural baits. Fresh chunk bait also works well when fishing deeper structure. For artificial lures, soft plastic paddletails, swimming plugs that imitate herring, and weighted jigs are consistently effective.
Q: Where can I find striped bass near Hingham?
A: Productive areas include rocky shorelines, harbor entrances, deeper channels with current, and around structures like bridges and jetties. Boston Harbor islands and the surrounding channels hold stripers throughout the summer season. Dawn and dusk periods typically offer the best opportunities.
Q: Is striped bass good to eat?
A: Yes, striped bass offers excellent eating with firm, white flesh and mild flavor. It's versatile in preparation methods including grilling, baking, and pan-searing. However, many anglers practice catch-and-release for larger breeding fish to help sustain the population.
Q: When is the best time to catch striped bass?
A: In Hingham, the prime season runs from May through October, with peak activity often occurring in June and July. Daily, the first few hours of incoming and outgoing tides typically produce the best action, especially during dawn and dusk periods.
Q: What size striped bass is legal to keep in Massachusetts?
A: Massachusetts regulations currently allow anglers to keep striped bass measuring between 28 and 31 inches, or greater than 35 inches in total length. Always check current regulations as they may change seasonally.
Q: What tackle should I use for striped bass fishing?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or conventional gear with 15-30 pound test line is ideal for most Hingham striped bass fishing. For larger fish or fishing around heavy structure, heavier tackle may be necessary. On charters, all appropriate tackle is provided.
