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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 Cape Cod's most prized gamefish, drawing anglers from across the region to Barnstable's productive waters. These powerful fish, identifiable by their distinctive horizontal black stripes, typically measure between 20 and 55 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 81 pounds when fully grown. - Stripers inhabit diverse environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, making Cape Cod's varied ecosystem an ideal habitat. - Their fighting ability and table quality make them highly sought-after by both recreational and commercial fishermen. - Barnstable Harbor provides excellent access to prime Striped Bass fishing grounds, particularly during summer months.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jarred Bolduc in August
Meet your Captain Jarred Bolduc
- Annie Bee Sportfishing is the charter for you!
Summary
Sunday July's fishing charter in Barnstable Harbor delivered outstanding results for Danielle and crew aboard Annie Bee Sportfishing. Captain Jarred Bolduc guided this 4-hour inshore fishing adventure through partly cloudy skies—perfect conditions for targeting Striped Bass. The group employed multiple techniques including trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing, resulting in an impressive combined catch of 1190 inches of Striped Bass. Cape Cod's waters consistently produce quality fish, and this trip showcased why Barnstable is considered a premier destination for Striped Bass fishing. Whether you're experienced or new to fishing, this private charter offers everything needed for a successful day on the water, with expert guidance and all necessary equipment provided for groups up to 5 guests.
Fishing Charter with Jarred Bolduc – Rates & Booking
Captain Jarred Bolduc of Annie Bee Sportfishing offers Sunday July charters targeting Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Black Sea Bass, Bonito, and Mackerel. This Half Day Fishing Trip runs for four action-packed hours, typically starting between 7:00-9:00 AM (please confirm before booking). All fishing gear and professional guidance are included in this private charter experience that accommodates up to 5 guests. Captain Jarred brings local expertise to ensure you maximize your time on Cape Cod's productive waters. His 4-hour trips provide the perfect balance of fishing time without overwhelming newer anglers, while still giving experienced fishermen plenty of opportunity to land quality catches.
Highlights of Half Day Fishing Trip On Cape Cod - Mackerel, Bass And More
This 4-hour adventure focuses on Cape Cod Bay's abundant fishery. The trip stands out for its mixed-technique approach—Captain Jarred alternates between trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing to cover multiple productive scenarios and increase your chances of success. This versatility has proven effective, as demonstrated by the impressive 1190 inches of Striped Bass caught on recent outings.
Barnstable Harbor provides the perfect starting point to access prime fishing grounds quickly, maximizing your time with lines in the water. The partially sheltered harbor waters offer comfortable fishing even on days with moderate wind, making this trip suitable for families and anglers of all experience levels. Annie Bee Sportfishing prioritizes creating memorable experiences with quality equipment and patient instruction for those new to saltwater fishing.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass thrive in Barnstable's diverse coastal environment, where nutrient-rich waters create ideal feeding grounds. These fish move between deeper channels and shallow flats depending on tide, time of day, and water temperature. Summer brings consistent action as bass feed aggressively on abundant baitfish. Captain Jarred's local knowledge helps target these fish effectively using artificial lures that mimic local prey like mackerel and herring. The excitement of fighting a large Striper—known for powerful runs and determined fights—creates unforgettable fishing memories. Barnstable's location provides anglers access to both Cape Cod Bay and nearby coastal structures where Striped Bass concentrate during summer months.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Annie Bee Sportfishing provides a well-equipped vessel designed for comfort and fishing success. All necessary tackle, bait, licenses, and equipment are included—just bring weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and any preferred snacks or drinks. Consider bringing a camera to document your catches, as Striped Bass make impressive photo opportunities. Early morning departures (7:00-9:00 AM) take advantage of prime fishing times, though specific departure times can be confirmed when booking. The boat comfortably accommodates groups up to 5 people, making this an excellent option for family outings or friends looking to share a quality fishing experience on Cape Cod.
Fishing in Cape Cod: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), belonging to the Moronidae family within the order Perciformes, is one of the most coveted gamefish along the Atlantic coast. These distinctive fish feature seven to eight dark horizontal stripes running along their silvery sides, making them instantly recognizable to anglers in Barnstable waters this July. Often called "stripers" or "rockfish" depending on the region, they represent both a thrilling sporting challenge and a delicious culinary prize.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are anadromous fish, meaning they spawn in freshwater but spend most of their lives in saltwater. They're highly prized by anglers for their fighting ability, size potential, and excellent taste. Their popularity has led to careful management practices to ensure sustainable populations for future generations of fishermen.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in various environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Along the Atlantic coast, they range from the St. Lawrence River in Canada to the St. Johns River in Florida. In Barnstable, they're frequently found around harbor entrances, jetties, sandy beaches, and rocky structures where tidal currents concentrate baitfish.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Stripers typically measure between 20 and 55 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 81 pounds, though exceptional specimens can grow larger. In Cape Cod waters, the average keeper-sized fish runs about 28-36 inches, with trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches and 30 pounds not uncommon during peak season.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Striped Bass are opportunistic predators that feed on a variety of prey including menhaden, herring, mackerel, squid, crabs, and worms. They typically feed most actively during dawn and dusk, though in Barnstable Harbor, the changing tides often dictate feeding patterns more than time of day. They're known for aggressive feeding frenzies when baitfish are concentrated.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Stripers typically spawn in freshwater during spring when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. After spawning in major river systems like the Hudson and Chesapeake, many large female bass migrate northward along the coast, reaching Cape Cod waters by early summer, making July an excellent time to target them in Barnstable.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Several effective methods work well for Barnstable stripers. Casting large swimming plugs or soft plastic jigs near structure during moving tides often triggers aggressive strikes. Live bait fishing with mackerel, menhaden or eels produces consistently, especially for larger specimens. In July, Barnstable anglers find success trolling tube-and-worm rigs along depth contours at first light, or drifting live eels near harbor entrances during evening tides.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat that's mild and sweet. It's versatile in the kitchen—perfect for grilling, baking, or broiling. The fillets are high in protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. However, due to their position in the food chain, larger specimens may contain higher mercury levels, so consumption advisories should be checked, especially for children and pregnant women.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live eels, mackerel, menhaden (pogies), and bunker chunks are top natural baits in Barnstable waters. For artificial lures, swimming plugs, soft plastic jigs, and tube-and-worm rigs consistently produce strikes from hungry stripers.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Barnstable?
A: Barnstable Harbor, Sandy Neck Beach, the edges of the Cape Cod Canal, and nearby structure like jetties, sandbars, and channel edges are productive locations. Focus on areas with strong current flow that concentrates baitfish.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is excellent eating with firm, white, flaky meat that has a mild, sweet flavor. Smaller to mid-sized fish (under 36 inches) generally offer the best eating quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Barnstable, peak season runs from June through September, with July often providing consistent action. The best daily times typically coincide with moving tides, especially early morning, evening, and night hours.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Current regulations specify a slot limit where fish between 28-31 inches may be kept, with a one fish per angler daily limit. Always check the latest regulations before fishing as they may change seasonally.
Q: How do you clean and fillet Striped Bass?
A: After scaling, make an incision behind the gill plate down to the backbone, then run your knife along the backbone toward the tail. Separate the fillet from the ribs by cutting carefully along the rib cage. The firm flesh makes Striped Bass relatively easy to clean compared to more delicate fish species.
