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Landed a 39inch Striped Bass in Barnstable
Striped Bass Fishing in Barnstable, MA
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The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of Cape Cod's most prized gamefish species, known for its fighting ability and table quality. These powerful fish typically measure between 20-55 inches and can weigh from 10-81 pounds, making them a worthy challenge for anglers. - Barnstable Harbor provides ideal habitat with its mix of structure, current, and baitfish. - Summer months offer peak Striped Bass fishing as they feed actively in Cape Cod Bay.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jarred Bolduc in August
Meet your Captain Jarred Bolduc
- Annie Bee Sportfishing is the charter for you!
Summary
A summer day on Cape Cod's waters delivered impressive Striped Bass action during this Sunday July fishing charter with Annie Bee Sportfishing. Captain Jarred Bolduc guided clients through Barnstable Harbor using varied techniques including trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing—all proving effective for targeting trophy Stripers. The highlight was landing a massive 39-inch Striped Bass among a successful total haul. This 4-hour private charter accommodates up to 5 guests and includes all necessary tackle and equipment. Whether you're a seasoned angler or complete beginner, Barnstable Harbor offers prime inshore fishing opportunities with reliable seasonal action. Cape Cod's partly cloudy summer conditions provided the perfect backdrop for this productive day on the water.
Fishing Charter with Captain Jarred – Rates & Booking
Captain Jarred Bolduc of Annie Bee Sportfishing on Sunday July offers an exciting 4-hour inshore fishing adventure departing from Barnstable Harbor. This private charter accommodates up to 5 guests and includes all necessary fishing equipment, tackle, and bait. The Half Day Fishing Trip is ideal for targeting Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Black Sea Bass, Bonito, and Mackerel in the productive waters of Cape Cod Bay. Trips typically start between 7:00 am and 9:00 am, giving you prime morning fishing hours when fish are most active. Captain Jarred is a licensed guide with extensive local knowledge of Barnstable's waters and seasonal patterns.
Annie Bee Sportfishing welcomes anglers of all experience levels, from complete beginners to seasoned pros. All necessary gear is provided, so you just need to bring sun protection, appropriate clothing, and any personal snacks or drinks. For the best availability, book your trip in advance, especially during peak summer months when Cape Cod fishing charters fill quickly.
Highlights of Half Day Fishing Trip On Cape Cod - Mackerel, Bass And More
This 4-hour charter showcases why Barnstable Harbor is a premier destination for Striped Bass fishing. On a recent trip, Captain Jarred's clients landed an impressive 39-inch Striped Bass—a trophy catch that demonstrates the quality of fishing in these waters. The mixed approach of trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing ensures you'll have opportunities to hook into fish throughout your trip.
Cape Cod Bay's ecosystem provides the perfect habitat for Striped Bass, with abundant baitfish drawing in predators during the summer months. The partly cloudy skies created ideal conditions, with moderate temperatures and good visibility in the water. Annie Bee Sportfishing's private charter format means you'll receive personalized attention and guidance tailored to your group's preferences and skill level.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing, particularly in Barnstable Harbor. These powerful gamefish feature distinctive horizontal stripes running along their sides and can grow to impressive sizes. The 39-inch specimen caught on this trip represents a quality fish, though they can reach even larger dimensions in these waters.
Summer is prime time for targeting Striped Bass in Barnstable, as they follow bait movements through Cape Cod Bay. Captain Jarred utilizes his extensive local knowledge to locate feeding patterns and structure where these fish congregate. Water temperature, tide cycles, and bait presence all influence where you'll find the best action. The varying techniques employed—trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing—demonstrate the versatility required to consistently connect with these prized gamefish.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
When booking your 4-hour adventure with Annie Bee Sportfishing, plan to arrive at Barnstable Harbor about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and bring sun protection, including sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. The boat provides comfortable fishing spaces for up to 5 guests, with all necessary safety equipment on board.
Captain Jarred handles all the technical aspects of fishing, from rigging lines to finding productive spots. He'll teach proper techniques and help you land your catch successfully. For photography enthusiasts, bring a waterproof camera or phone case to capture your memorable catches. Remember that morning departures (between 7:00-9:00 am) typically offer the most comfortable conditions and active fishing.
Fishing in Cape Cod: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), a member of the Moronidae family in the order Perciformes, is Cape Cod's premier gamefish. Distinguished by its seven to eight dark horizontal stripes running along silvery sides, this powerful predator draws anglers to Barnstable waters throughout the summer season. Their impressive size potential and strong fighting ability make them a bucket-list catch for many fishing enthusiasts.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are anadromous fish, meaning they spawn in freshwater but spend most of their lives in saltwater environments. They're highly prized for both their sporting qualities and excellent table fare. Anglers specifically target these fish for their challenging fights, substantial size, and the skill required to consistently catch them in varying conditions.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in diverse environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Around Barnstable, they're commonly found near shorelines, inlets, and harbor mouths where current and structure create ideal feeding zones. Striped Bass prefer areas with good water movement and abundant baitfish, making Cape Cod's dynamic coastal environment perfect for supporting healthy populations.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length, with weights varying from 10 to 81 pounds. The 39-inch specimen caught during this Barnstable trip represents a quality fish, though trophy-class Stripers exceeding 40 inches are not uncommon in Cape Cod waters during peak season.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed primarily on smaller fish including menhaden, mackerel, herring, and sand eels. They're structure-oriented fish that often hunt around current breaks, drop-offs, and rocky areas. Stripers are most active during dawn and dusk, though in Barnstable Harbor, they can be caught throughout the day when conditions align with feeding patterns.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped Bass typically spawn in freshwater from April through June when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. After spawning, many mature fish migrate to coastal waters like those around Cape Cod, explaining their strong presence in Barnstable during summer months. This post-spawn period creates excellent fishing opportunities as recovered fish feed aggressively.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Multiple effective approaches exist for targeting Striped Bass in Barnstable waters. Trolling with tube and worm rigs or umbrella rigs works well along channel edges. Casting artificial lures like swimbaits, topwater plugs, or soft plastics produces results near structure and shorelines. In July, Barnstable anglers often find success focusing on moving tides around harbor entrances where Bass ambush baitfish schools. Live bait fishing with mackerel or eels remains consistently productive throughout the season.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat and a mild flavor. They're versatile for various cooking methods including grilling, baking, and broiling. Nutritionally, they provide a good source of protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Many anglers practice catch-and-release with larger breeding-sized specimens while keeping moderate-sized fish (within legal limits) for consumption.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass in Barnstable?
A: Live mackerel, eels, and fresh chunk bait produce consistent results. Artificial options like soft plastic paddletails in white, bone, or mackerel patterns also work well during active feeds.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Barnstable?
A: Focus on Barnstable Harbor's channel edges, nearby flats during moving tides, and structure around Sandy Neck. The harbor entrance and adjacent beaches also hold fish, particularly during dawn and dusk feeding periods.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is excellent table fare with firm white meat and mild flavor. Medium-sized fish between 24-32 inches generally provide the best eating quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Barnstable, the prime season runs from June through September, with July and August offering peak action. Daily, the first few hours after sunrise and before sunset typically produce the most consistent fishing.
Q: What tackle should I use for Striped Bass?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or conventional gear with 15-30 pound test line works well. Match your rod strength to expected fish size and fishing method, using heavier tackle when targeting trophy specimens.
Q: What are the size regulations for Striped Bass in Massachusetts?
A: Always check current regulations before fishing, as limits change, but Massachusetts typically requires Striped Bass to be between 28-35 inches for recreational harvest with specific bag limits enforced.
