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Caught trophy Striped Bass Fishing in Barnstable
Striped Bass Fishing in Barnstable
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The mighty Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of the most sought-after gamefish on the East Coast, particularly around Cape Cod's waters. These powerful fish belong to the Moronidae family and can reach impressive sizes between 20-55 inches and 10-81 pounds, making them a prized catch for anglers visiting Barnstable. - Identified by their distinctive horizontal black stripes running along silvery sides - Known for their aggressive strikes and strong fighting ability - Seasonal migrations make timing crucial for successful fishing trips
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 an exciting Tuesday July fishing charter in the productive waters of Barnstable Harbor. This 4-hour inshore fishing adventure delivers consistent action targeting Striped Bass, with opportunities for Bonito, Mackerel, and Bluefish as well. During our recent trip, we employed multiple techniques including bottom fishing, trolling, and jigging, resulting in successful catches of Striped Bass. Cape Cod's inshore waters offer some of the best fishing in Massachusetts, with Barnstable Harbor providing reliable access to prime fishing grounds. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, Captain Jarred has the local knowledge to put you on fish, with all gear provided and a focus on creating a memorable fishing experience for everyone aboard.
Fishing Charter with Jarred Bolduc – Rates & Booking
Captain Jarred Bolduc of Annie Bee Sportfishing on Tuesday July offers his Half Day Fishing Trip on Cape Cod, a 4-hour adventure targeting Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Black Sea Bass, Bonito, and Mackerel. This charter accommodates up to 5 guests, making it perfect for small groups and families. All fishing gear and licenses are provided, so you can focus on enjoying your time on the water. Trips typically start between 7:00 am and 9:00 am (please contact Captain Jarred to confirm before booking). Cape Cod Bay fishing varies seasonally, with Striped Bass being a primary target during summer months. Book early to secure your preferred date as prime summer slots fill quickly.
Highlights of Half Day Fishing Trip On Cape Cod - Mackerel, Bass And More
Fishing from Barnstable Harbor provides quick access to some of Cape Cod's most productive waters. During our recent trip, we experienced non-stop action with multiple Striped Bass including a nice 22-inch catch. The variety of fishing techniques keeps the day interesting, as Captain Jarred switches between bottom fishing, trolling, and jigging based on conditions and fish activity.
Annie Bee Sportfishing combines local knowledge with quality equipment to maximize your fishing success. The comfortable, well-maintained boat provides a stable platform for fishing Cape Cod Bay. Captain Jarred's experience means you'll be targeting the right species at the right locations, whether you're after hard-fighting Striped Bass or fast-action Mackerel and Bluefish.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass thrive in the waters around Barnstable Harbor, with summer being prime time for targeting these prized game fish. These powerful predators patrol the shallow flats and deeper channels of Cape Cod Bay, feeding aggressively during moving tides. Captain Jarred specializes in multiple techniques for catching Stripers, including live bait fishing with mackerel, trolling tube and worm rigs, and casting artificial lures over structure. The Bass in Barnstable Harbor range from schoolie-sized fish up to trophy specimens over 40 inches, with the average catch measuring 22-30 inches. July and August typically offer the most consistent Striper action, as water temperatures reach optimal levels and bait becomes abundant throughout the area.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Annie Bee Sportfishing provides a well-equipped boat with all the necessary fishing gear and safety equipment. The vessel comfortably accommodates up to 5 guests, making it ideal for small groups, families, or solo anglers looking for personalized attention. Morning trips typically offer the best fishing conditions, with departures from Barnstable Harbor providing quick access to productive fishing grounds. Wear layers appropriate for variable weather conditions, bring sun protection, and don't forget your camera to document your catch. Captain Jarred welcomes anglers of all experience levels and will adapt the trip to match your preferences and abilities.
Fishing in Cape Cod: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), a member of the Moronidae family and order Perciformes, is arguably the most iconic and sought-after gamefish in the waters around Cape Cod. In Barnstable during July, these fish are at their seasonal peak, characterized by their distinctive dark horizontal stripes running along silvery sides and their powerful, streamlined bodies that can deliver spectacular fights on the line.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass, affectionately called "stripers" by local anglers, represent the pinnacle of inshore fishing around Barnstable. These anadromous fish migrate seasonally along the Atlantic coast, making them both challenging and rewarding quarry for recreational anglers. They're highly valued for their fighting ability, table quality, and the pure sport they provide.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
While primarily coastal, Striped Bass inhabit various environments including rivers, lakes, nearshore waters, and estuaries. They thrive in Barnstable Harbor's dynamic ecosystem, where freshwater meets saltwater. They're typically found around structure like jetties, rocky shorelines, sand bars, and channels where tidal currents create feeding opportunities. In Cape Cod, they're most abundant from late spring through fall.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
These impressive fish typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length and can weigh between 10 and 81 pounds. The average catch in Barnstable Harbor tends to be in the 22-30 inch range (5-15 pounds), though trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches and 30+ pounds are caught each season by fortunate anglers.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Stripers are opportunistic predators feeding primarily on smaller fish like herring, mackerel, menhaden, and sand eels. They're most active during dawn and dusk, but will feed throughout the day during strong tidal movements. In Barnstable Harbor, they often ambush prey in channels and around structure during moving tides.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped Bass spawn in freshwater rivers in spring, typically from April to June when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. After spawning, they migrate to coastal feeding grounds like Cape Cod Bay, which explains their strong presence in Barnstable's waters during summer months when they're actively feeding and recovering from the spawning process.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
In Barnstable Harbor, three techniques prove particularly effective: live bait fishing with mackerel or herring, casting soft plastic lures around structure during moving tides, and trolling tube-and-worm rigs along channel edges. In July, Barnstable anglers often find success during early mornings by targeting the harbor's outflow areas where stripers ambush baitfish being swept out with the tide. Jigging with bucktails tipped with soft plastic tails works exceptionally well when bass are holding deeper in channels.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass is highly regarded as table fare, offering firm, white, flaky meat with a mild, sweet flavor. It's versatile for cooking—excellent grilled, baked, or broiled. Nutritionally, it's rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, many anglers in Massachusetts practice catch-and-release for larger breeding-sized fish to help maintain sustainable populations.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass in Barnstable?
A: Live mackerel, herring, and eels are top natural baits in Barnstable Harbor. For artificial lures, soft plastic swimbaits in white, pearl, or mackerel patterns work exceptionally well, especially when rigged on jigheads between 3⁄4-2oz depending on current strength.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Barnstable?
A: Barnstable Harbor's channels, sand bars, and harbor mouth are prime locations, particularly during moving tides. The flats around Sandy Neck and the deeper water structure throughout Cape Cod Bay also hold good numbers of stripers throughout the summer.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is excellent eating with firm, white meat and a mild flavor. It's versatile for various cooking methods and contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Just be aware of local size limits and consumption advisories.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass in Barnstable?
A: The peak season runs from late May through September, with July and August typically offering the most consistent action. Early morning and evening periods during moving tides (especially the last two hours of outgoing tide) provide the best opportunities in Barnstable Harbor.
