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Caught a trophy 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, known for its powerful fights and excellent table fare. These fish feature distinctive horizontal black stripes running from gills to tail along a silver-green body, making them easily identifiable in the waters around Barnstable. - Can grow to impressive sizes, with specimens ranging from 20-55 inches and weights between 10-81 pounds. - Inhabit diverse environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, making them accessible to both inshore and near-shore anglers. - Migrate seasonally along the Atlantic coast, with peak Cape Cod fishing typically occurring from late spring through fall.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jarred Bolduc in August
Meet your Captain Jarred Bolduc
- Annie Bee Sportfishing is the charter for you!
Summary
What a day on the water with Annie Bee Sportfishing on this Monday June! We set out from Barnstable Marina for a 4-hour inshore fishing adventure in the productive waters of Cape Cod Bay. The partly cloudy skies created perfect conditions as we employed multiple techniques—trolling, bottom fishing, and jigging—to target the local striped bass population. Our persistence paid off when we hooked into a monster 37-inch striper, definitely the highlight of our trip. Barnstable Harbor offers some of the finest striped bass fishing in Massachusetts, combining the thrill of battling these hard-fighting fish with the picturesque backdrop of Cape Cod. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to the sport, our inshore fishing charter provides all the gear and expertise you need for a successful day on the water.
Fishing Charter with Jarred Bolduc – Rates & Booking
Captain Jarred Bolduc of Annie Bee Sportfishing offers this Monday June 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure from Barnstable Harbor. This trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to target striped bass, bluefish, flounder, black sea bass, bonito, and mackerel in the waters around Cape Cod. All fishing equipment and licenses are provided—just bring your sense of adventure and something to eat and drink for the day. With room for up to 5 guests, this is an excellent opportunity for families, friends, or solo anglers to experience what makes Cape Cod fishing so special. Morning trips typically start between 7:00-9:00 AM, but please confirm with Captain Jarred before booking.
Highlights of Half Day Fishing Trip On Cape Cod - Mackerel, Bass And More
This 4-hour fishing charter offers the perfect balance of time on the water and action-packed fishing. The highlight of our recent trip was landing that impressive 37-inch striped bass after using various techniques to locate active fish. The combination of trolling, bottom fishing, and jigging gives us versatility to target these prized gamefish regardless of conditions.
Captain Jarred's local knowledge of Barnstable Harbor and surrounding Cape Cod waters ensures you'll be fishing the most productive spots for the season. The Annie Bee is well-equipped for inshore fishing, providing a stable, comfortable platform for anglers of all experience levels. Whether you're looking to catch your personal best striper or just enjoy a beautiful day on Cape Cod Bay, this charter delivers memorable fishing experiences.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing, and Barnstable Harbor provides the perfect habitat for these powerful gamefish. These fish migrate through our waters seasonally, with peak fishing typically occurring from late spring through summer. The intricate channel structure and abundant bait in Barnstable Harbor create ideal feeding grounds for stripers of all sizes.
During summer months, we target stripers using various techniques depending on conditions. Trolling tube-and-worm rigs along channel edges can be extremely productive, while jigging around structure often triggers aggressive strikes from larger fish. The waters around Cape Cod provide some of the best striped bass fishing on the East Coast, with fish commonly ranging from schoolies to trophy-sized specimens exceeding 40 inches. The excitement of hooking into a big striper in the shallow waters of Barnstable Harbor is something every angler should experience.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your day with Annie Bee Sportfishing, we recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, and weather-appropriate clothing—layers are always a good idea on the water as temperatures can vary. Don't forget to pack water and snacks for your time on the boat. Our vessel comfortably accommodates up to 5 guests and is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment and fishing gear you'll need for a successful trip.
Morning trips typically start between 7:00-9:00 AM, which allows us to take advantage of the best fishing times. We'll meet at Barnstable Marina where Captain Jarred will have everything prepared for a day of fishing. The 4-hour trip length is perfect for both serious anglers and families with children who might not be ready for a full-day excursion. Please contact Captain Jarred before booking to confirm exact departure times and any special arrangements you might need.
Fishing in Cape Cod: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) belongs to the Moronidae family within the Perciformes order and stands as one of Cape Cod's most iconic gamefish. These distinctive fish, instantly recognizable by their seven to eight horizontal black stripes against a silvery-green body, create some of the most exciting fishing opportunities in Barnstable waters during summer months.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are anadromous fish, meaning they migrate from saltwater to freshwater to spawn. They're highly prized among anglers for their challenging fights, substantial size, and excellent taste. In the Northeast, particularly around Cape Cod, they represent the premier inshore gamefish that draws thousands of anglers to the region annually.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in diverse environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. In Barnstable Harbor, they're typically found around structure, channels, sandy flats, and rocky areas where baitfish concentrate. Stripers migrate seasonally along the Atlantic coast from the Chesapeake Bay up through Maine, with Cape Cod representing a prime feeding ground during warmer months.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass commonly range from 20 to 55 inches in length, with weights varying from 10 to 81 pounds. Trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches are not uncommon in Cape Cod waters, with the Massachusetts state record weighing over 70 pounds. The 37-inch fish caught on our recent trip represents a quality specimen for Barnstable Harbor.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed primarily on baitfish including mackerel, herring, menhaden, and sand eels. They're known to chase schools of bait, creating the famous "blitzes" where stripers aggressively feed at the surface. They typically feed most actively during dawn and dusk, though they can be caught throughout the day when conditions are right.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped Bass typically spawn in freshwater from April through June, with most Cape Cod fish originating from spawning grounds in the Hudson River and Chesapeake Bay. Water temperatures between 60-67°F trigger spawning activity. After spawning, adult fish migrate to coastal feeding grounds like Barnstable Harbor where they remain until fall.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Several techniques prove effective when targeting Barnstable stripers. Trolling tube-and-worm rigs or swimming plugs along channel edges works well during moving tides. Casting topwater plugs at dawn and dusk can produce exciting strikes in shallow water. In June around Barnstable, focusing on the outgoing tide near structure where baitfish concentrate typically yields the best results. Jigs, soft plastics, and live bait like mackerel or eels are all productive depending on conditions.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat and a mild flavor that's not overly fishy. It's versatile for cooking—whether grilled, baked, or broiled—and provides substantial nutritional benefits including lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, many conservation-minded anglers practice catch-and-release for larger breeding-sized fish to support population sustainability.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass in Barnstable?
A: Live mackerel, eels, and fresh chunks of menhaden (pogies) are top natural baits in Barnstable Harbor. For artificial lures, swimming plugs, soft plastic jigs, and tube-and-worm rigs consistently produce stripers in Cape Cod waters.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Barnstable?
A: Striped Bass congregate around Barnstable Harbor's channel edges, sandy flats, and structure during summer months. The harbor entrance, nearby marshes, and tidal creeks all hold fish at different tide stages.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor and firm, white flesh. However, many anglers choose to release larger breeding fish (over 36 inches) to support conservation efforts.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass in Cape Cod?
A: The peak season runs from late May through October, with June through August offering the most consistent action. Dawn and dusk fishing during moving tides typically produces the best results in Barnstable Harbor.
Q: What size Striped Bass is legal to keep in Massachusetts?
A: Massachusetts regulations typically allow harvesting fish within a slot limit. Always check current regulations before fishing as these change periodically to protect the species.
Q: Do I need a fishing license to catch Striped Bass in Barnstable?
A: Yes, a Massachusetts saltwater fishing permit is required, though when fishing with a licensed charter captain like Jarred Bolduc, his license covers clients on his boat.
