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Landed a 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 prized gamefish along the Massachusetts coastline, particularly in the South Shore region around Hingham. These powerful fish are known for their distinctive horizontal stripes and aggressive fighting ability when hooked. They can be found in various habitats from river mouths to nearshore structure. - Striped Bass typically measure between 20-55 inches and weigh 10-81 pounds, making them a substantial catch for anglers. - Their habitat includes rivers, lakes, onshore and nearshore waters, making them accessible to both shore and boat anglers.
Fishing Charter by Captain David Horte in August
Meet your Captain David Horte
- Top Fishing Charter in Hingham, MA
Summary
Our Tuesday July fishing charter in Hingham delivered an exciting day on the water, targeting Striped Bass in the productive waters of Massachusetts' South Shore. Setting out from Shipyard Drive early morning, we adapted to changing weather conditions and used light tackle casting techniques to land a nice 20-inch Striper. Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters guided us through both bottom fishing and trolling approaches as we explored inshore fishing spots around Hingham, Hull, and local hotspots. This private charter accommodates up to 6 passengers (though 4 is ideal), with all fishing gear, bait, and licenses included. The summer season offers prime opportunities for anglers of all skill levels to experience the thrill of hooking into these prized gamefish in the sheltered waters of Hingham Bay and surrounding areas.
Fishing Charter with David Horte – Rates & Booking
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters on Tuesday July offers a 5-Hour Trip that showcases the best fishing Hingham, Hull, and local hotspots have to offer. This private inshore charter accommodates up to 6 passengers, though 4 is recommended for the optimal experience. All fishing gear, bait, and necessary licenses are included in your trip. Morning departures are standard, but Captain Horte can accommodate alternate start times upon request. For those wanting more time on the water, trip extensions are available at $120 per additional hour.
This charter is perfect for anglers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced fishermen. Captain Horte's local knowledge and professional approach ensure you'll maximize your chances of success while enjoying a safe, comfortable day on the water. Blueline Fishing Charters maintains high standards of service, focusing on putting you on fish while providing an enjoyable atmosphere for families, friends, or solo anglers.
Highlights of Half Day Guided Bluefish And Striped Bass Fishing Trip In South Shore, MA
The 5-hour inshore fishing experience with Captain Horte targets the productive waters along Massachusetts' South Shore. The trip focuses primarily on Striped Bass and Bluefish, utilizing various techniques from light tackle casting to bottom fishing and trolling. The versatile approach allows Captain Horte to adapt to changing conditions and fish behavior, maximizing your chances of success.
Fishing the sheltered waters of Hingham Bay, Hull, Weymouth, Quincy and extending into Boston Harbor provides both scenic views and consistent action. These local hotspots are known for holding good numbers of gamefish, particularly during the summer months when Striped Bass are actively feeding in the area. The charter's ability to navigate between these productive zones gives anglers the best opportunity to hook into quality fish throughout the season.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass thrive in the waters around Hingham, making it an excellent target species for local charters. These fish prefer structure and current, often found around rocky areas, channels, and river mouths throughout the South Shore region. During summer months, they can be targeted using both artificial lures and live bait, with early morning and evening typically providing the most productive fishing.
Captain Horte's local knowledge allows him to position anglers in prime locations based on tide cycles, water temperature, and seasonal patterns. Light tackle casting with soft plastics, topwater plugs, or swimming live bait can all be effective techniques depending on conditions. The excitement of hooking a hard-fighting Striper in relatively shallow water makes this species a favorite among charter clients, and the satisfaction of landing one is always a trip highlight.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
When booking with Blueline Fishing Charters, plan to arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time at 18 Shipyard Dr. The vessel is well-equipped with quality fishing gear, safety equipment, and fish-finding technology. While all fishing equipment is provided, you should bring sun protection, weather-appropriate clothing, non-marking shoes, and any preferred snacks or drinks.
The charter can accommodate up to 6 passengers, though 4 is recommended for the most comfortable fishing experience. This allows enough space for everyone to fish effectively without crowding. Captain Horte welcomes anglers of all skill levels and is particularly patient with beginners and families, making this an ideal choice for mixed groups. Weather conditions can change quickly on the water, so layered clothing is always a good idea, even during summer months.
Fishing in Boston: Striped Bass
Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), belonging to the Moronidae family in the order Perciformes, is one of the most coveted gamefish along the Atlantic coast. Distinguished by their seven to eight horizontal black stripes running from gills to tail on a silver-green to olive body, these fish are instantly recognizable to anglers. In Hingham waters this July, Striped Bass provide excellent fishing opportunities as they follow bait schools through the productive South Shore waters.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are anadromous fish, meaning they migrate from saltwater to freshwater to spawn. They're highly adaptable predators that can thrive in various environments from open ocean to brackish estuaries and even freshwater reservoirs. Anglers prize them for their powerful fights, substantial size, and excellent table fare, making them one of the most important recreational species along the East Coast.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish are native to the Atlantic coastline from the St. Lawrence River to the Gulf of Mexico. They prefer structure-rich environments around rocky outcroppings, jetties, bridge pilings, and river mouths. In the Hingham area, Striped Bass are commonly found throughout Boston Harbor, around the islands, along rocky shorelines, and in the deeper channels where currents concentrate baitfish.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 81 pounds. The average keeper-sized fish in Massachusetts waters runs about 28-36 inches and 8-20 pounds, though trophy specimens exceeding 40 pounds are caught each season. Growth rates depend on habitat quality and food availability, with fish typically gaining 1-3 pounds per year after reaching maturity.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed on a variety of prey including menhaden, herring, mackerel, sand eels, squid, crabs, and lobsters. They're structure-oriented and often hunt in schools, corralling baitfish against shorelines or surface waters. Striped Bass typically feed most actively during dawn and dusk, particularly around tide changes when water movement increases, though night fishing can be productive during summer months.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in freshwater from April through June when water temperatures reach 60-70°F. Most Massachusetts Striped Bass spawn in the Hudson and Chesapeake systems before migrating north for summer feeding. After spawning, adult fish follow baitfish migrations along the coast, typically arriving in Hingham waters by May and remaining through October before heading south for winter.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Successful techniques include casting soft plastic jigs, topwater plugs, and swimming plugs around structure during moving tides. Live bait such as mackerel, pogies (menhaden), or eels is extremely effective, particularly for larger specimens. Trolling with tube-and-worm rigs or umbrella rigs works well when covering water. In July, anglers around Hingham often find Stripers feeding actively around dawn in shallow waters adjacent to deeper channels, particularly on incoming tides when water quality is highest.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers firm, white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor that's highly regarded by seafood enthusiasts. It's versatile for cooking methods including grilling, baking, and pan-searing. The meat is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though consumption advisories exist in some regions due to potential contaminant accumulation in larger, older specimens. Many anglers practice catch-and-release for larger breeding fish while keeping mid-sized specimens for the table.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass in Hingham?
A: Live mackerel, menhaden (pogies), and eels are top natural baits in Hingham waters. For artificials, soft plastic paddletails in white, pearl, or chartreuse on 1-3 oz jigheads work exceptionally well around structure and current edges.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?
A: Key locations include Hingham Bay, Hull Gut, the edges of the main shipping channel, around Peddocks Island, and along rocky shorelines with current. The mouths of rivers and smaller creeks during moving tides are particularly productive.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is considered excellent table fare with firm, white flesh and a mild flavor. Mid-sized fish (28-34 inches) generally provide the best eating quality. The meat grills and bakes beautifully and is high in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Hingham, peak Striped Bass fishing typically runs from late May through October, with July and August offering consistent action. The most productive times are generally dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours, particularly during moving tides when water is flowing around structure.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Massachusetts regulations currently allow keeping Striped Bass between 28-31 inches in total length, with a limit of one fish per angler per day. Always check current regulations before fishing as these rules may change.
Q: Do I need a special permit for Striped Bass fishing?
A: Yes, Massachusetts requires a saltwater fishing permit for Striped Bass fishing. When fishing with Blueline Fishing Charters, the captain provides all necessary permits and licenses as part of your charter package.
