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Caught a trophy Striped Bass in Barnstable
Striped Bass Fishing in Barnstable
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The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic coast, particularly in Cape Cod waters. This powerful predator typically measures between 20-55 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 10 to over 80 pounds. The distinctive seven to eight horizontal stripes that run along their silvery sides make them easily identifiable. - Striped Bass are anadromous fish, meaning they live in saltwater but spawn in freshwater. - They're known for their seasonal migrations, moving north in spring and south in fall. - In Barnstable Harbor, they're frequently targeted using trolling, jigging, and live bait 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 4-hour fishing charter in Barnstable this Tuesday July. We'll be targeting the prized Striped Bass that call Cape Cod's waters home, along with Bonito, Mackerel, and Bluefish depending on seasonal patterns. The inshore waters of Barnstable Harbor offer consistent action with a variety of fishing techniques including bottom fishing, trolling, and jigging. Perfect for anglers of all skill levels, this private charter accommodates up to 5 guests with gear and instruction provided. Cape Cod's fishing grounds are known for producing quality Striped Bass throughout the summer months, making this an ideal opportunity for both beginners and experienced fishermen looking for non-stop action and the chance at landing a personal best.
Fishing Charter with Jarred Bolduc – Rates & Booking
Captain Jarred of Annie Bee Sportfishing on Tuesday July offers a 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure targeting Bonito, Striped Bass, Mackerel and Bluefish. This private charter accommodates up to 5 guests and provides all the necessary fishing equipment. Departing from Barnstable Harbor, trips typically begin between 7:00-9:00 AM to capitalize on the best fishing conditions. Captain Jarred is a licensed guide with extensive knowledge of Cape Cod's waters and the seasonal movements of local game fish. Whether you're after hard-fighting Striped Bass or action-packed fishing for bluefish and mackerel, this trip delivers consistent catches and personalized instruction for anglers of all experience levels.
Highlights of Half Day Fishing Trip On Cape Cod - Mackerel, Bass And More
This exciting 4-hour charter focuses on the rich inshore waters of Cape Cod Bay where multiple species provide non-stop action. Captain Jarred employs various effective techniques including bottom fishing, trolling, and jigging to maximize your chances of success. Previous trips have yielded quality Striped Bass in the 20+ inch range, with consistent action throughout the outing.
The Annie Bee Sportfishing experience is ideal for both families and serious anglers looking to target Cape Cod's prized gamefish. With a comfortable vessel and all tackle provided, you can focus entirely on the fishing while Captain Jarred handles the technical aspects of finding and catching fish. The versatile approach means you'll learn different fishing methods while enjoying Barnstable's scenic coastline and productive fishing grounds.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass thrive in the waters around Barnstable Harbor and throughout Cape Cod Bay. These prized gamefish are known for their strong fights and excellent table fare. During summer months, Striped Bass can be found in various depths, from shallow flats to deeper channels, depending on water temperature and bait movement. Captain Jarred targets these fish using specialized techniques like jigging and trolling that have proven effective in local waters.
The consistent presence of baitfish around Barnstable makes this location a reliable spot for Striped Bass fishing. While 22-inch fish are common catches on these trips, larger specimens in the 30+ inch range are always possible, especially when fishing structure and tide lines where these predators ambush prey. The diverse fishing approaches used by Annie Bee Sportfishing allow for adaptation to changing conditions and fish behavior, maximizing your chances of landing these sought-after gamefish.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your fishing adventure begins at Barnstable Harbor where you'll meet Captain Jarred and board the well-equipped Annie Bee fishing vessel. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 5 guests with ample fishing space and safety equipment on board. All necessary fishing gear is provided, including quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle suited for the target species.
For maximum comfort, bring sun protection, weather-appropriate clothing, non-marking shoes, and any preferred snacks or drinks. A valid fishing license is required, which Captain Jarred can help arrange before your trip. The charter typically begins in the morning hours when fishing conditions are optimal, but specific departure times can be confirmed when booking. With convenient harbor access and a knowledgeable captain at the helm, your Cape Cod fishing experience promises to be both productive and enjoyable.
Fishing in Cape Cod: Striped Bass
Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), belonging to the Moronidae family and order Perciformes, is one of the most prized gamefish along the Atlantic coast. These distinctive fish, characterized by their seven to eight dark horizontal stripes running along silvery sides, provide exciting angling opportunities in Barnstable waters this July when they're actively feeding in Cape Cod Bay.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are powerful, hard-fighting fish highly sought by recreational anglers throughout their range. Their adaptability to various environments, strong fighting ability, and excellent table fare make them a premier gamefish. In the Northeast, particularly around Cape Cod, they represent both a cultural icon and a significant recreational fishing resource.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish inhabit coastal waters, estuaries, rivers, and lakes. They're primarily found along the Atlantic coast from the St. Lawrence River to northern Florida, with particular abundance in the Chesapeake Bay, Hudson River, and throughout New England waters. Around Barnstable, they can be found in harbors, along beaches, near jetties, and around structure that concentrates baitfish.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length, with weights between 10 and 81 pounds. While the average catch in Barnstable might be in the 22-30 inch range, trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches and 30+ pounds are not uncommon in Cape Cod waters, especially during peak seasonal runs.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
These predators feed aggressively on a variety of prey including herring, menhaden, mackerel, eels, squid, and crustaceans. They typically hunt in schools, often corralling baitfish against structure or shorelines. Their feeding behavior follows tide cycles, with most active feeding occurring during moving tides when baitfish are more vulnerable.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped Bass are anadromous, meaning they live in saltwater but spawn in freshwater. The main spawning runs occur in spring when water temperatures reach 60-65°F, primarily in major river systems like the Chesapeake and Hudson. After spawning, many larger fish migrate northward along the coast, reaching Cape Cod waters by summer, where they remain until fall migrations begin.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
For Barnstable anglers, several techniques prove consistently effective. Live bait fishing with mackerel, herring or eels produces larger fish, especially during dawn and dusk feeding periods. Artificial lures including swimming plugs, soft plastics, and metal jigs also work well when matched to prevailing baitfish. In July, Barnstable Harbor stripers often congregate near channel edges and flats where tidal currents concentrate baitfish, making trolling along depth changes particularly productive.
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 slight sweetness. It's versatile for cooking methods including grilling, baking, and broiling. Nutritionally, it's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to other large predatory fish. Many anglers practice selective harvest, keeping mid-sized fish while releasing larger breeding females.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live baits like mackerel, herring, eels, and menhaden are top producers for Striped Bass in Barnstable waters. For artificial lures, swimming plugs that imitate these baitfish, soft plastic paddle tails, and metal jigs all produce consistently when fished around structure and during active feeding periods.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Barnstable?
A: Barnstable Harbor channels, nearby flats, jetties, and beach fronts all hold Striped Bass during summer months. The harbor entrance and surrounding structure are particularly productive during moving tides when bass ambush baitfish being swept through these areas.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is considered excellent eating with firm, white, flaky meat that has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It's versatile for various cooking methods and contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Most anglers consider mid-sized fish (24-32 inches) ideal for the table.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Barnstable, prime Striped Bass fishing typically runs from late May through October, with July and August offering consistent action. Daily, the best fishing often occurs during dawn and dusk, or during moving tides when bass feed most actively.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep?
A: Massachusetts regulations for Striped Bass require checking current size and bag limits as they change periodically. Currently, anglers must adhere to specific slot limits designed to protect both young fish and larger breeding females. Always check with Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries for the most current regulations before harvesting.
Q: What tackle should I use for Striped Bass?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or conventional tackle with 15-30 pound test line works well for most Barnstable Striped Bass fishing. A 7-8 foot rod provides good casting distance and fighting leverage. For larger specimens, heavier tackle may be necessary, especially when fishing near structure.
