12 Reviews
%2F%2Fusers%2F0db15d2a-f753-4729-a54d-86fe2a5b0bbc%2Fimages%2Fstriped-bass-shipyard-fishing-best-3537.png&w=1200&q=75)
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of the most prized gamefish along the northeastern coast, known for its fighting spirit and delicious taste. These powerful fish can grow to impressive sizes, with specimens ranging from 20-55 inches in length and weighing between 10-81 pounds when fully mature. - Habitat includes rivers, lakes, and coastal waters where they migrate seasonally. - Distinguished by their characteristic horizontal black stripes running along their silver sides. - Popular target for both recreational and commercial fishermen in Massachusetts waters.
Join Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters on Wednesday July for a productive 5-hour inshore fishing adventure in Hingham, MA. Our local fishing charter specializes in targeting Striped Bass throughout the waters of Hingham Bay, Hull, and the productive South Shore hotspots. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, we provide all the gear, expertise, and local knowledge to put you on fish. We'll employ a mix of bottom fishing, live bait techniques, and light tackle casting to maximize your chances. With a comfortable boat accommodating up to 6 passengers (though 4 is ideal), this private charter offers the perfect opportunity to experience the fantastic fishing the South Shore has to offer.
Captain David Horte of Blueline Fishing Charters on Wednesday July provides a 5-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip targeting Striped Bass along the South Shore. This private charter includes all fishing gear, bait, and necessary licenses for up to 6 passengers (though 4 is recommended for the best experience). We depart from 18 Shipyard Dr in Hingham, with flexible start times to match the best fishing conditions. Our Half Day charter is perfect for families, small groups, or solo anglers looking to experience quality fishing without committing to a full day. Optional trip extensions are available at $120 per additional hour if you want to extend your time on the water. Book online to secure your date or contact us for alternate start times.
Experience the thrill of light tackle fishing for Striped Bass in the productive waters of Hingham Bay and surrounding areas. Captain Horte's local knowledge ensures you'll visit the best spots where these powerful gamefish are active. During our recent trip with Aaron and his group, we landed a nice 26-inch Striped Bass using light tackle, which provided an exciting fight. The consistent action kept everyone engaged throughout the charter.
Our private fishing experience is perfect for anglers of all skill levels. We provide a variety of fishing techniques including bottom fishing, live bait fishing, and light tackle casting to maximize your chances of success. With early morning departures timed to match peak feeding periods, you'll get the full South Shore fishing experience. Our focus on personal attention ensures everyone on board gets the guidance they need to have a successful and enjoyable day on the water.
Striped Bass thrive in the diverse waters around Hingham, making it a premier destination for targeting these prized gamefish. In summer months, they can be found in Hingham Bay and throughout Boston Harbor, often relating to structure, drop-offs, and areas with strong current flow where baitfish concentrate. Captain Horte specializes in finding these productive spots and employing the right techniques for conditions.
For the best results, we typically use a combination of live bait (when available) and artificial lures depending on water clarity and fish activity. Light tackle casting provides the most exciting action, allowing you to feel every head shake and run from these powerful fish. Summer mornings offer consistent action as Striped Bass feed actively during low light periods. Our recent catch of a 36-inch specimen demonstrates the quality of fish available in our local waters.
Your charter includes all necessary fishing equipment, including quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle suited for the species we're targeting. We provide all bait and lures, as well as fishing licenses for everyone on board. Our vessel comfortably accommodates up to 6 passengers, though 4 is ideal for the best fishing experience with plenty of room to cast.
We recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera to document your catch. A small cooler for personal beverages and snacks is welcome. For morning trips, we typically meet at 18 Shipyard Dr in Hingham about 15 minutes before departure time. Captain Horte prioritizes both safety and comfort, ensuring an enjoyable experience regardless of your fishing experience level.
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), a member of the Moronidae family and Perciformes order, is one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic coast. Easily identified by their distinctive horizontal black stripes on a silver-white body, these powerful fish provide exciting challenges for anglers in Hingham waters this July when they're actively feeding in local bays and harbors.
Striped Bass, often called "stripers" or "rockfish" by local anglers, are prized for their fighting ability and table quality. They're anadromous fish, meaning they spawn in freshwater but spend most of their adult lives in saltwater, making them accessible to both inshore and nearshore anglers. Their popularity stems from their widespread availability, challenging fight, and the variety of methods that can be used to catch them.
These fish thrive in diverse habitats including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Along the eastern seaboard, they range from the St. Lawrence River in Canada down to the St. Johns River in Florida. In Massachusetts waters, particularly around Hingham, they're commonly found in harbor areas, along rocky shorelines, near bridge pilings, and around structure that creates current breaks where baitfish gather.
Striped Bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length, with weights between 10 and 81 pounds at maturity. The average keeper-sized bass in Massachusetts waters runs about 28-36 inches. The Massachusetts state record exceeds 70 pounds, showing the potential size these fish can reach in local waters.
Stripers are opportunistic predators that feed on a variety of prey including herring, mackerel, menhaden, sand eels, and crustaceans. They're known for their aggressive feeding behavior, often corralling baitfish against structure or the surface. They typically feed most actively during dawn and dusk, though tide changes can trigger feeding regardless of time of day.
In the Northeast, Striped Bass typically spawn in freshwater rivers from April through June when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. After spawning, they migrate to coastal waters where they spend summer and fall feeding actively to regain condition. By July in Hingham, post-spawn fish are typically in full feeding mode, making it an excellent time to target them.
Live bait fishing with mackerel, herring or eels is extremely effective in Hingham waters, particularly during summer months. Artificial lures including topwater plugs, swimming plugs, and soft plastic jerkbaits produce exciting strikes during low light periods. In July, anglers around Hingham often find success targeting bass around harbor entrances and along rocky shorelines during the first and last hours of daylight. Jigging with bucktails or soft plastics near structure during moving tides is another productive technique in local waters.
Striped Bass is considered excellent table fare with firm, white flesh that's mild in flavor and flakes easily when cooked. It's versatile for cooking methods including grilling, baking, or pan-searing. Nutritionally, it's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, anglers should be aware of local consumption advisories, as larger specimens may contain higher levels of mercury or PCBs.
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live baits like mackerel, herring, menhaden, and eels are top producers. For artificial lures, swimming plugs, topwater lures, and soft plastics that imitate local baitfish work well in Hingham waters.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Hingham?
A: Look for stripers around harbor entrances, bridge pilings, rocky shorelines, and areas with current where baitfish concentrate. Hingham Bay, Hull Gut, and the waters around Boston Harbor Islands are productive areas.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass has excellent table quality with firm white flesh and mild flavor. It's versatile for various cooking methods and contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: Dawn and dusk are typically most productive, but changing tides can trigger feeding regardless of time. In Hingham, the summer months from June through September offer consistent action.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Massachusetts regulations require that keeper Striped Bass measure between 28-31 inches or greater than 35 inches (slot limit). Always check current regulations as they may change seasonally.
Q: What tackle should I use for Striped Bass?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or conventional gear with 15-30 lb test line is ideal for most Striped Bass fishing in Hingham waters. Heavier tackle may be needed for trophy fish or fishing around heavy structure.