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Caught a Striped Bass in Barnstable
Striped Bass Fishing in Barnstable
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The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of Cape Cod's most prized gamefish, belonging to the Moronidae family within the order Perciformes. These powerful fish typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length and can weigh between 10 and 81 pounds, making them an exciting catch for anglers of all skill levels. - Found in various habitats including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters around Barnstable. - Known for their distinctive horizontal black stripes running along silvery sides. - Popular among recreational anglers for their fighting ability and table quality.
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 Tuesday July Fishing Charter on Cape Cod. Departing from Barnstable Harbor, we'll target the area's prized Striped Bass using various techniques including bottom fishing, trolling, and jigging. Our 4-hour inshore fishing trips provide constant action in the rich waters off Cape Cod, perfect for anglers of all skill levels. You'll have the opportunity to catch Striped Bass, Bluefish, Bonito, and Mackerel while enjoying the stunning coastal scenery. With our local knowledge and top-quality equipment, we'll put you on the fish and create lasting memories of your Cape Cod fishing experience.
Fishing Charter with Jarred Bolduc – Rates & Booking
Captain Jarred Bolduc of Annie Bee Sportfishing offers Tuesday July fishing charters departing from Barnstable Harbor. Our Half Day Fishing Trip runs four exciting hours and targets Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Black Sea Bass, Bonito, and Mackerel. We provide all the necessary fishing gear and licenses, so you can focus on enjoying your time on the water. This trip accommodates up to 5 guests and is perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Most trips start between 7:00 am and 9:00 am - please contact Captain Jarred to confirm before booking.
Highlights of Half Day Fishing Trip On Cape Cod - Mackerel, Bass And More
Our 4-hour inshore fishing adventures offer non-stop action in Cape Cod's productive waters. We employ various fishing techniques including bottom fishing, trolling, and jigging to maximize your chances of success. The 22-inch Striped Bass caught on our recent charter demonstrates the quality of fish available in these waters.
Departing from Barnstable Harbor, we'll explore some of Cape Cod Bay's best fishing grounds. Captain Jarred's local knowledge ensures you'll be fishing the most productive spots based on tide, conditions, and seasonal patterns. The consistent action makes this trip enjoyable for everyone from beginners to experienced anglers.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing. These powerful gamefish are known for their distinctive horizontal black stripes and can be found throughout Barnstable Harbor and Cape Cod Bay during summer months. July is prime time for targeting these fish, as they feed aggressively in the area's rich waters.
When fishing for Stripers in Barnstable, we typically focus on structure, channels, and areas with moving tide. These fish are attracted to baitfish concentrations, making techniques like jigging and trolling particularly effective. The thrill of feeling that first strike from a Striped Bass is something every angler should experience while visiting Cape Cod.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our comfortable fishing vessel is fully equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for Cape Cod's inshore species. We recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a light jacket (even on warm days), and a camera to capture your catch. Food and drinks are welcome onboard. For the best fishing conditions, early morning departures are preferred, but we'll work with your schedule to find an optimal time. With a maximum of 5 guests per trip, you'll enjoy personalized attention and plenty of fishing space.
Fishing in Cape Cod: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic coast. Belonging to the Moronidae family and Perciformes order, these magnificent fish are easily identified by their distinctive horizontal black stripes running along silvery sides. In Barnstable waters this July, Striped Bass provide exciting action for anglers visiting Cape Cod.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are anadromous fish, meaning they can live in both fresh and saltwater environments. They're highly prized by recreational anglers for their strong fighting ability, substantial size, and excellent table fare. Their popularity has made them the subject of careful fishery management along the Atlantic coast.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish are primarily found along the Atlantic coast from Florida to Maine, with significant populations in the Chesapeake Bay and Hudson River. Around Barnstable, they frequent nearshore waters, estuaries, and harbors where baitfish concentrate. They prefer areas with structure, strong currents, and depth changes where they can ambush prey.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length and can weigh between 10 and 81 pounds. The average catch in Barnstable Harbor might be in the 22-30 inch range, but larger specimens are certainly possible. Fish over 40 inches are considered trophy catches in most areas.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Striped Bass are opportunistic predators that feed primarily on smaller fish like herring, mackerel, menhaden, and sand eels. They also consume crustaceans and squid when available. They often feed in schools, corralling baitfish against structure or the surface. Their feeding patterns typically peak during dawn and dusk, but they'll feed throughout the day when conditions are right.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped Bass spawn in freshwater rivers in spring when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. Most Cape Cod Striped Bass are migrants from the Chesapeake Bay or Hudson River spawning grounds. By July in Barnstable, spawning is complete, and the fish are actively feeding to regain energy, making it an excellent time to target them.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Several techniques prove effective for Barnstable's Striped Bass. Trolling with tube and worm rigs works well along channel edges and drop-offs. Casting with large swimming plugs or soft plastics produces results during dawn and dusk feeding periods. In July, Barnstable anglers often find success jigging near structure and tide rips where bass concentrate to feed on schools of mackerel and herring.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat that's mild in flavor with a slightly sweet taste. It's versatile for cooking—excellent grilled, baked, or broiled. Nutritionally, it's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, be aware of local consumption advisories and size regulations that may apply to fish harvested in certain areas.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass in Barnstable?
A: Live or fresh chunk mackerel, herring, and menhaden are top natural baits. For artificial lures, swimming plugs, soft plastic jigs, and tube-and-worm rigs are local favorites that consistently produce results.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Barnstable?
A: Look for them along channel edges in Barnstable Harbor, near sandy shoals, around bridge pilings, and at the mouths of estuaries. They also frequent tide rips and drop-offs where current creates feeding opportunities.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is considered excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's mild in flavor. It's versatile for various cooking methods and high in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: Dawn and dusk typically offer the best bite, but Striped Bass can be caught throughout the day. In Barnstable, the summer months (June through September) generally provide the most consistent action, with July often being prime time.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Always check current regulations before fishing as they can change, but Massachusetts typically has a slot limit where you can only keep fish within a specific size range. Outside that range, fish must be released.
Q: What's the best fishing technique for beginners targeting Striped Bass?
A: For beginners, chunking with fresh bait while anchored is often the simplest technique. Working with a charter captain like those at Annie Bee Sportfishing in Barnstable provides the best opportunity to learn effective techniques from experienced guides.
