%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fusers%2F2018a92c-74d2-43d3-8914-d62ae3ab6710%2Fimages%2F279eebaf-167c-4ccf-80c3-0ada1212c91c.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a trophy Striped Bass in Barnstable
Striped Bass Fishing in Barnstable
%2F%2Fusers%2F2018a92c-74d2-43d3-8914-d62ae3ab6710%2Fimages%2Fstriped-bass-deep-sea-jigging-11606.png&w=1200&q=75)
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of Cape Cod's most prized gamefish species. Known for their distinctive horizontal stripes and powerful fights, they're a favorite target for anglers in Barnstable Harbor. These fish typically measure between 20 and 55 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 81 pounds. They're perfectly adapted to the coastal environments around Cape Cod, moving between freshwater rivers and nearshore ocean habitats throughout the year. - Striped Bass are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs when hooked. - They respond well to various fishing techniques including trolling, jigging, and bait fishing. - July is an excellent month for targeting these fish in Barnstable's waters.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jarred Bolduc in August
Meet your Captain Jarred Bolduc
- Annie Bee Sportfishing is the charter for you!
Summary
Enjoy an action-packed Striped Bass fishing charter in Barnstable Harbor this Sunday July with Captain Jarred of Annie Bee Sportfishing. Our 4-hour inshore fishing adventure delivers consistent results targeting the trophy Striped Bass that Cape Cod is famous for. We'll employ effective techniques including trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing to maximize your chances at landing impressive catches. With all fishing gear provided and room for up to 5 guests, this private charter offers the perfect mix of professional guidance and personalized attention. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, Captain Jarred's local knowledge of Barnstable's productive waters ensures an exciting and memorable day on the water.
Fishing Charter with Jarred Bolduc – Rates & Booking
Captain Jarred of Annie Bee Sportfishing on Sunday July offers a high-value 4-hour fishing adventure targeting Striped Bass in Barnstable Harbor. This Half Day Fishing Trip provides the perfect balance of fishing action and convenience, starting between 7:00-9:00 AM (please confirm exact time before booking). All necessary fishing gear, licenses, and expert guidance are included in your charter. With capacity for up to 5 guests, this private trip ensures personalized attention whether you're a seasoned angler or complete beginner.
Annie Bee Sportfishing specializes in creating memorable Cape Cod fishing experiences with a licensed captain who knows exactly where to find the Striped Bass action. Captain Jarred's local expertise and professional approach mean you'll maximize your time on the water with proven techniques that deliver results.
Highlights of Half Day Fishing Trip On Cape Cod - Mackerel, Bass And More
This 4-hour Barnstable Harbor fishing charter delivers exciting action targeting the prized Striped Bass that Cape Cod is famous for. Captain Jarred employs various effective techniques including trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing to put you on the fish. The partly cloudy summer conditions provide ideal fishing weather, with comfortable temperatures and good visibility on the water.
Previous trips have resulted in impressive catches, with groups landing significant numbers of Striped Bass. The versatility of fishing approaches means everyone aboard can participate regardless of experience level. All equipment is provided, so you can focus entirely on enjoying the stunning coastal scenery and the thrill of hooking into hard-fighting Striped Bass.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing, and Barnstable Harbor offers prime habitat for targeting these powerful gamefish. These fish are drawn to the harbor's productive waters with its ideal mix of structure, bait concentrations, and tidal flows. Captain Jarred's specialized knowledge of local Striper patterns means you'll be fishing the most productive spots at optimal times.
During summer months, Barnstable's Striped Bass respond well to various techniques, with deep sea jigging often producing the best results when the fish are holding deeper. The partly cloudy days that Cape Cod experiences in July create perfect light conditions that trigger active feeding without making the fish too wary. Whether you're an experienced bass angler or trying for your first Striper, this trip provides the ideal platform to connect with these prized gamefish in their natural environment.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Annie Bee Sportfishing provides a comfortable, well-equipped vessel for your Barnstable Harbor adventure. The boat accommodates up to 5 guests comfortably, with all necessary safety equipment on board. Morning departures (between 7:00-9:00 AM) take advantage of prime fishing times when Striped Bass are most active.
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and bring sun protection, as Cape Cod's summer weather can change throughout the day. A camera is highly recommended to document your catches. While all fishing gear is provided, you're welcome to bring your own favorite tackle if preferred. Captain Jarred encourages bringing water and snacks to stay refreshed during your 4-hour adventure on Barnstable's productive waters.
Fishing in Cape Cod: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), a member of the Moronidae family in the order Perciformes, is arguably the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic coast. Distinguished by its seven to eight dark horizontal stripes running along silvery sides, this powerful fish has earned a dedicated following among anglers visiting Barnstable waters this July for its fighting spirit and table qualities.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass, often called "stripers" or "rockfish" by locals, are anadromous fish that spend most of their adult lives in saltwater but return to freshwater to spawn. They're highly prized by recreational anglers for their size, fighting ability, and delicious white flesh. In Cape Cod, particularly around Barnstable, they represent the premier inshore gamefish that drives the recreational fishing industry.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish inhabit various environments including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. In Barnstable Harbor, they're commonly found around structure like jetties, rocky shorelines, channels, and sandbars where tidal currents create feeding opportunities. During summer months in Cape Cod, they tend to seek cooler, deeper waters during day hours, moving to shallower feeding grounds during dawn and dusk.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length, with weights between 10 and 81 pounds. Trophy specimens in Barnstable waters often exceed 40 inches and 30 pounds, though the average keeper-sized fish runs 28-36 inches. The Massachusetts state record stands at 73 pounds, giving anglers something to dream about on every trip.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Stripers are opportunistic predators with a diverse diet including smaller fish like mackerel, herring, and menhaden, along with crabs, worms, and squid. They're structure-oriented and often ambush prey around current breaks. In Barnstable Harbor, they follow predictable feeding patterns based on tidal movements, typically feeding most aggressively during moving tides when baitfish are more vulnerable.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped Bass spawn in freshwater from April through June, with most Cape Cod fish being migrants from the Chesapeake Bay and Hudson River spawning grounds. By July in Barnstable, they've completed spawning and are actively feeding to regain condition, making this an excellent time for anglers to target them as they aggressively pursue baitfish.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
For Barnstable stripers, three proven techniques stand out. Live-lining mackerel or pogies (menhaden) produces larger fish, particularly during morning hours. Trolling umbrella rigs or tube-and-worm setups along drop-offs works consistently during midday. Casting topwater plugs or swimming lures near shoreline structure during moving tides can trigger explosive strikes. In July, Barnstable anglers find stripers congregating around deeper harbor channels in the morning before they move to adjacent flats as the tide rises.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, mildly sweet flesh that works well in various preparations. Fillets can be grilled, baked, broiled, or fried with consistent results. They're nutritionally valuable, providing high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, due to conservation efforts, many Cape Cod anglers practice catch-and-release with larger breeding-sized fish while keeping only mid-sized specimens when harvesting for the table.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass in Barnstable?
A: Live mackerel and menhaden (pogies) are top producers for Barnstable stripers, especially for larger specimens. Fresh sea clams, sandworms, and eels are also highly effective natural baits. For artificial lures, soft plastic swimbaits in 6-9 inch sizes and topwater plugs consistently produce strikes.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Barnstable?
A: Barnstable Harbor's channels, sand flats, and jetties are prime locations, especially during moving tides. The harbor entrance and nearby Sandy Neck offer excellent structure that holds fish throughout summer. Cape Cod Bay beaches adjacent to Barnstable also produce good fishing, particularly during dawn and dusk hours.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is considered excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and firm white flesh. Fish between 24-32 inches typically offer the best eating quality. The meat works well with various cooking methods and takes on seasoning nicely while maintaining its moisture.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Barnstable, the prime Striped Bass season runs from late May through October, with July and August offering consistent action. Daily, the best fishing typically coincides with moving tides, especially the first few hours of incoming tide and last few hours of outgoing tide. Dawn and dusk periods almost always outproduce midday hours.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in Massachusetts?
A: Massachusetts regulations currently allow harvest of Striped Bass between 28-35 inches (slot limit). Always check current regulations before fishing as rules may change seasonally. A valid Massachusetts saltwater fishing permit is required for anglers over 16 years of age.
Q: What tackle should I use for Striped Bass?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or conventional tackle with 15-30 lb test line works well for most Barnstable Striper fishing. A 7-8 foot rod provides good casting distance and fish-fighting leverage. Braided line with a fluorocarbon leader offers sensitivity for detecting strikes while providing necessary abrasion resistance.
