1 Review
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The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of the most prized gamefish in the Northeast, known for its powerful runs and fighting spirit. We caught several quality specimens during our July trip in Hingham Harbor, with the largest measuring 31 inches. - Striped Bass belong to the Moronidae family and are known for their distinctive horizontal stripes. - They typically measure between 20-55 inches and can weigh from 10-81 pounds. - These adaptable fish thrive in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Our Saturday July fishing charter in Hingham delivered non-stop Striped Bass action with Blueline Fishing Charters. Marc and his group experienced the thrill of Boston's inshore waters as we employed various techniques from surf casting to light tackle spinning. Weather conditions were perfect—partly cloudy skies providing ideal visibility on the water. The highlight came when Marc hooked and landed a beautiful 31-inch striper, showcasing why summer fishing in Massachusetts Bay is so productive. This private charter with convenient Boston pickup allowed us to target the most promising spots around Hingham Harbor, demonstrating why our flexible 5-hour trips are perfect for both experienced anglers and newcomers alike.
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters offers Saturday July fishing trips that deliver consistent Striped Bass action. This private 5-hour adventure includes all necessary fishing gear, bait, and licenses for a hassle-free experience. With convenient pickup from Boston's Seaport district at 270 Northern Ave, this trip accommodates up to 6 guests, though 4 passengers is ideal for the best experience. The charter utilizes versatile fishing techniques including surf casting, light tackle spinning, and bottom fishing to maximize your chances of success. Additional hours can be added for $120 per hour if you want to extend your time on the water. Captain Horte's local knowledge and professional approach ensure you'll have the best opportunity to land trophy Striped Bass in Hingham waters.
This private fishing charter offers the perfect blend of accessibility and action, with Boston Seaport pickup making it ideal for travelers visiting the area. We target prime Striped Bass habitat throughout Boston's inshore waters, using a variety of techniques tailored to current conditions. The 31-inch Striped Bass caught during our recent trip with Marc demonstrates the quality of fish available in these waters.
What makes this trip special is the personalized attention from Captain David Horte, who focuses on creating a productive and enjoyable experience for anglers of all skill levels. Marc's 5-star review highlights the professional, entertaining atmosphere we maintain while ensuring safety and results on the water. With all gear provided and flexible start times, this charter removes all the hassle so you can focus on the excitement of landing Boston's prized gamefish.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Massachusetts inshore fishing, and the waters around Hingham offer some of the best action in the Boston area. These powerful fish move through our coastal waters following bait movements, with summer being prime time for consistent action. The 31-inch specimen caught on our recent trip represents the quality of fish typically found in these waters.
When targeting Striped Bass in Hingham, we employ multiple techniques depending on conditions. Surf casting along promising shorelines works well during tidal movements, while light tackle spinning with soft plastics or live bait produces when fish are holding near structure or deeper water. Bottom fishing becomes particularly effective when targeting larger specimens holding near underwater structure. The versatility required for successful Striper fishing makes each trip both challenging and rewarding, especially when that telltale strike announces a quality fish has taken the bait.
Our Boston-based charter provides everything needed for a successful day on the water. We recommend bringing weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, and any preferred snacks or drinks. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 6 passengers, though 4 is ideal for the best fishing experience. Morning departures often provide optimal conditions, but our flexible start times allow us to accommodate your schedule while targeting the best fishing windows.
Safety is always our priority, with all required safety equipment on board and Captain Horte's extensive local knowledge ensuring a comfortable experience even for those new to boating. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target trophy Striped Bass or a family wanting to experience Boston's waters, our charter delivers the perfect balance of professional guidance and personalized attention.
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is among the most coveted gamefish along the Atlantic coast. Belonging to the Moronidae family and Perciformes order, these distinctive fish are immediately recognizable by their seven to eight dark horizontal stripes running along silvery sides. In Hingham waters this July, we've seen excellent action with specimens in the 30+ inch range.
Striped Bass, often called "stripers" or "rockfish" by anglers, represent one of the greatest conservation success stories in American fishing. After population declines in the 1980s, careful management has restored these fish to healthy numbers, making them a premier target for recreational anglers throughout their range, especially in Massachusetts waters.
These adaptable fish inhabit coastal waters from the St. Lawrence River in Canada to the St. Johns River in Florida, with the largest concentrations found in the Chesapeake Bay and along the Northeast coast. Around Hingham, they frequent harbor structures, rocky shorelines, and adjacent river systems, moving between fresh and saltwater environments throughout their lifecycle.
Striped Bass typically measure between 20 and 55 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 81 pounds. The current Massachusetts state record exceeds 70 pounds, though most fish caught in the Hingham area average 24-36 inches and 5-20 pounds, with trophy specimens like our recent 31-inch catch not uncommon during peak season.
Stripers are voracious predators that feed primarily on baitfish like menhaden, herring, and mackerel, as well as crustaceans and squid. They typically hunt in schools, often corralling baitfish against shorelines or structure before attacking in coordinated feeding frenzies that create distinctive "blitzes" on the surface.
These fish spawn in freshwater from April through June, with most Boston-area stripers originating from the Chesapeake Bay or Hudson River systems. Water temperatures between 60-68°F trigger spawning activity, after which adult fish migrate north along the coast, reaching Massachusetts waters by early summer where they remain until fall.
For consistent success targeting Stripers in Hingham, we employ various methods including casting topwater plugs during dawn/dusk feeding periods, retrieving soft plastic jigs near structure, and live-lining mackerel or pogies (menhaden) when available. In July, anglers around Hingham find them concentrated near harbor entrances, rocky points, and deeper channel edges, particularly during moving tides when bait is being pushed through these areas.
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat and a mild flavor that's not overly fishy. It's versatile in preparation—perfect grilled, baked, or blackened—and provides quality protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. However, most conservation-minded anglers practice catch-and-release for larger breeding fish, keeping only smaller specimens when harvest is permitted under current regulations.
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live baits including mackerel, menhaden (pogies), and eels are extremely effective, while artificial lures such as soft plastic swimbaits, topwater plugs, and bucktail jigs also produce consistently in Hingham waters.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?
A: Productive areas include the harbor entrance, rocky shorelines along World's End, Peddocks Island structure, and the deeper channels where tidal movements concentrate baitfish. Look for moving water and signs of feeding activity.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass offers excellent eating with firm, white flesh and mild flavor. However, anglers should follow consumption advisories and current size/bag limit regulations which may change seasonally.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In the Hingham area, prime fishing occurs from May through October, with July and August typically providing the most consistent action. Dawn and dusk offer peak feeding periods, especially during moving tides.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Regulations change frequently, so check current rules before fishing. As of recent seasons, Massachusetts has implemented a slot limit allowing harvest of fish between 28-35 inches, with a one fish daily bag limit for recreational anglers.
Q: Do I need a special permit to catch Striped Bass?
A: Yes, Massachusetts requires a saltwater fishing permit for anglers targeting Striped Bass, though charter customers are typically covered under the captain's commercial license during guided trips.
Boston-based fishing vessel equipped for inshore fishing