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Caught a trophy Striped Bass in Barnstable
Striped Bass Fishing in Barnstable, MA
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The Striped Bass is one of Cape Cod's most prized gamefish, offering anglers an exciting challenge in the waters around Barnstable Harbor. These powerful fish typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 81 pounds when fully grown. - Striped Bass are recognizable by their distinctive horizontal black stripes running from gill to tail. - They thrive in various habitats including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters where they can be targeted using multiple fishing techniques.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jarred Bolduc in August
Meet your Captain Jarred Bolduc
- Annie Bee Sportfishing is the charter for you!
Summary
Join Captain Jarred Bolduc of Annie Bee Sportfishing for a productive Sunday July fishing charter in Barnstable Harbor. This 4-hour inshore fishing adventure targets the prized Striped Bass that Cape Cod is famous for. Using varied techniques including trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing, Captain Jarred knows exactly where to find the stripers in Barnstable's productive waters. The partly cloudy summer conditions provided perfect fishing weather as we landed an impressive combined catch of 1190 inches of Striped Bass. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to battle trophy bass or a family seeking a fun day on the water, this private charter offers the perfect opportunity to experience Cape Cod's legendary fishing. All necessary tackle and equipment are provided, making this an accessible trip for anglers of all skill levels.
Fishing Charter with Jarred Bolduc – Rates & Booking
Captain Jarred Bolduc of Annie Bee Sportfishing offers this Sunday July half-day charter in Barnstable Harbor. The 4-hour trip costs $675 for up to 5 guests, making it perfect for families or small groups of friends. All fishing tackle and gear are provided, so you can focus on the excitement of reeling in Striped Bass. Captain Jarred is a licensed guide with extensive local knowledge of Cape Cod waters, ensuring you'll be in the most productive spots. Morning departures (typically between 7:00 am and 9:00 am) put you on the water during prime fishing hours. Trips fill quickly during summer months, so advance booking is recommended to secure your preferred date.
Highlights of Half Day Fishing Trip On Cape Cod - Mackerel, Bass And More
This action-packed 4-hour adventure offers the perfect introduction to Cape Cod fishing. Captain Jarred expertly guides you to productive Striped Bass grounds in Barnstable Harbor, where his mixed approach of trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing maximizes your chances for success. The partly cloudy conditions on our trip created ideal fishing weather, resulting in multiple Striped Bass catches throughout the morning.
The Annie Bee is a comfortable, well-equipped fishing vessel with all the necessary safety equipment and fish-finding technology. Captain Jarred welcomes anglers of all experience levels, providing helpful instruction for beginners while offering technical challenges for more seasoned fishermen. With a capacity for up to 5 guests, this private charter ensures personalized attention and plenty of fishing opportunities for everyone aboard.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass are the premier gamefish of Cape Cod, known for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. In Barnstable Harbor, these fish are typically found around structure, drop-offs, and current lines where baitfish concentrate. July is prime time for Striped Bass fishing in these waters, as the fish are actively feeding and can be caught using various techniques. Captain Jarred's local expertise allows him to target these fish effectively whether conditions call for trolling with tube and worm rigs, casting soft plastics, or working jigs in deeper channels. The thrill of hooking into a substantial Striper, feeling that distinctive headshake, and watching it make powerful runs is an experience every angler should enjoy at least once. With Barnstable's healthy Striped Bass population, your chances of success are excellent on this charter.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your 4-hour charter with Annie Bee Sportfishing, plan to arrive at Barnstable Harbor Marina about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and non-marking shoes. Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat are recommended even on partly cloudy days. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 5 guests with ample fishing space for everyone. Captain Jarred provides all necessary fishing equipment, including quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for Striped Bass. You're welcome to bring snacks and drinks (no glass containers), and a small cooler is available for your catch if you plan to keep fish within legal limits. Don't forget your camera to document your Cape Cod fishing success!
Fishing in Cape Cod: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), belonging to the Moronidae family and Perciformes order, is one of the most sought-after gamefish in the Northeastern United States. Distinguished by its seven to eight dark horizontal stripes running along silver-white sides, this iconic fish has become a staple target for Barnstable anglers throughout the summer months.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are anadromous fish, meaning they migrate from saltwater to freshwater to spawn. They're highly regarded by recreational anglers for their fighting ability, size potential, and excellent taste. Their popularity has made them the subject of careful fisheries management throughout their range, including Cape Cod waters.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish are native to the Atlantic coastline from the St. Lawrence River to the Gulf of Mexico but have been introduced to inland lakes and Pacific waters. Around Barnstable, MA, they're typically found in estuaries, along beaches, and around structure like jetties, rock piles, and drop-offs. They prefer areas with strong current and abundant baitfish populations.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass can grow impressively large, typically ranging from 20 to 55 inches in length and weighing between 10 and 81 pounds. The average keeper-sized Striper caught in Barnstable Harbor might fall in the 28-36 inch range, though trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches are caught each season.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Stripers are opportunistic predators that feed on a variety of prey including menhaden, herring, mackerel, squid, crabs, and worms. They often hunt in schools, corralling baitfish against structure or the surface. They're most active during dawn and dusk but can be caught throughout the day when conditions are right.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped Bass spawn in freshwater rivers and streams in spring when water temperatures reach about 60°F. In the Northeast, this typically occurs from April through June. After spawning, many adult fish migrate to coastal waters like those around Barnstable, where they feed heavily throughout summer and fall.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Several effective methods work well for targeting Stripers in Barnstable Harbor. Trolling with tube-and-worm rigs, umbrella rigs, or swimming plugs is productive along channel edges. Casting topwater plugs, soft plastic swimbaits, or bucktail jigs works well around structure. In July, Barnstable anglers often find success working the early morning tides around the harbor mouth with live eels or chunked mackerel.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass is highly regarded for its culinary qualities, featuring firm, white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor. It's versatile in preparation—excellent grilled, baked, or pan-seared. Nutritionally, it's rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, be mindful of local consumption advisories that may apply due to potential contaminants in certain waters.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live baits like eels, mackerel, menhaden (pogies), and herring are top producers in Barnstable waters. Fresh chunks of these same fish also work well when live bait isn't available.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Barnstable?
A: Productive areas include the harbor entrance, Sandy Neck Beach, the Sandwich jetties, and areas with strong current flow or structure. Local knowledge from Captain Jarred helps pinpoint the most active fishing grounds based on tide and season.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is considered excellent table fare with firm, white flesh and a mild flavor that lends itself to various cooking methods.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Barnstable, the prime season runs from May through October, with July and August often providing consistent action. The best times are typically around dawn, dusk, and during moving tides.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Regulations change periodically, but currently anglers can keep one fish between 28-31 inches per day. Always check the latest Massachusetts fishing regulations before your trip.
Q: What tackle should I use for Striped Bass fishing?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or conventional tackle with 20-40 lb test line is standard. On Captain Jarred's charter, all appropriate tackle is provided and matched to the fishing conditions.
