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Caught a Striped Bass Inshore in Barnstable
Striped Bass Fishing in Barnstable, MA
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Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) are one of Cape Cod's most prized gamefish, known for their fighting spirit and delicious taste. These powerful predators can grow from 20 to 55 inches long and weigh between 10 to 81 pounds when fully mature. - They feature distinctive horizontal black stripes running along their silver sides. - Stripers are anadromous fish, spawning in freshwater but spending most of their lives in saltwater. - They're commonly found near shorelines, inlets, and estuaries where they hunt for baitfish.
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 this Tuesday July for a prime Striped Bass fishing charter in Barnstable, MA. Our 4-hour inshore fishing trips offer non-stop action in the productive waters of Cape Cod Bay. We'll use multiple techniques including bottom fishing, trolling, and jigging to maximize your chances at landing Striped Bass, Bluefish, Mackerel, and Bonito. Whether you're a seasoned angler or complete beginner, this private charter accommodates up to 5 guests with all necessary equipment provided. Departing from Barnstable Harbor in the early morning, we'll target the local hotspots where Stripers feed. With consistent summer fishing and Captain Jarred's local knowledge, you'll experience some of the best inshore fishing Cape Cod has to offer.
Fishing Charter with Jarred Bolduc – Rates & Booking
Captain Jarred Bolduc of Annie Bee Sportfishing offers Tuesday July half-day fishing charters targeting Striped Bass and other inshore species. Our 4-hour trip is perfect for families and anglers of all skill levels, with early morning departures (typically between 7:00-9:00 AM) from Barnstable Harbor. All fishing equipment, licenses, and bait are provided—just bring sunscreen, a hat, and appropriate clothing. Our private charter accommodates up to 5 guests comfortably.
This half-day charter provides ample time to explore Cape Cod Bay's productive fishing grounds while keeping the day open for other activities. As a licensed captain with extensive local knowledge, I'll put you on the best fishing spots based on current conditions and seasonal patterns. Don't miss the opportunity to experience world-class Cape Cod fishing—check availability and book your trip today!
Highlights of Half Day Fishing Trip On Cape Cod - Mackerel, Bass And More
Our exciting 4-hour inshore fishing adventure offers consistent action targeting multiple species. We focus primarily on Striped Bass—the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing—while also pursuing Bluefish, Flounder, Black Sea Bass, Bonito, and Mackerel depending on seasonal availability. We employ various fishing techniques including bottom fishing, trolling, and jigging to maximize your chances of success.
What makes this trip special is the blend of scenic Cape Cod views combined with fast-paced fishing action suitable for everyone from children to experienced anglers. The morning departure from Barnstable Harbor puts us on the water during prime feeding times, and our local knowledge ensures we visit productive fishing grounds that consistently produce quality catches. Recent trips have yielded nice Striped Bass in the 22-inch range—perfect for photos and memorable fishing stories.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass thrive in Barnstable's waters, particularly during summer months when they feed aggressively in Cape Cod Bay. These prized gamefish are known for powerful strikes and strong fights, making them a favorite target for both novice and experienced anglers. The rocky structure and sandy flats around Barnstable Harbor create perfect ambush points for Stripers hunting baitfish.
July is prime time for targeting Striped Bass as they actively feed throughout Cape Cod Bay. Water temperatures are ideal, and the bass are typically found in depths ranging from shallow flats to deeper channels depending on tide cycles. Our most productive technique varies by conditions—sometimes jigging works best, while other days require trolling or drifting with live bait. Local knowledge is crucial for finding these fish, as they move with tide and bait migrations throughout the season.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your fishing adventure begins at Barnstable Harbor where you'll meet Captain Jarred at the Annie Bee Sportfishing vessel. Our well-maintained boat is equipped with quality rods, reels, and safety equipment for a comfortable and productive day on the water. We recommend wearing layers as morning temperatures can be cool even in summer, and bringing sun protection, a camera, and any preferred snacks or drinks.
Most trips start between 7:00-9:00 AM to take advantage of prime fishing times, though we'll confirm exact departure time when you book. The 4-hour trip allows plenty of time to reach productive fishing grounds while keeping the experience enjoyable for everyone. Guests of all ages and experience levels are welcome—Captain Jarred provides patient instruction for beginners while offering advanced techniques for experienced anglers seeking to improve their skills.
Fishing in Cape Cod: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), belonging to the Moronidae family of the order Perciformes, is one of the most sought-after gamefish in the Northeast. These distinctive fish feature seven to eight dark horizontal stripes running along their silvery sides, making them easily identifiable among Barnstable's summer fishing targets. Their powerful build and fighting spirit have earned them a devoted following among anglers visiting Cape Cod.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are anadromous fish that historically spawn in freshwater rivers but spend most of their adult lives in saltwater environments. They're prized for their strong fights, substantial size, and excellent table fare. Along the Atlantic coast, they represent both a valuable commercial fishery and a premier recreational target that drives significant tourism to coastal communities like Barnstable.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish inhabit coastal waters from the St. Lawrence River in Canada to the St. Johns River in Florida, with the Chesapeake Bay and Hudson River serving as major spawning grounds. Around Barnstable and Cape Cod Bay, Stripers are typically found near structure—rocky shorelines, sandy flats, channel edges, and areas with current that concentrates baitfish. They migrate northward in spring and summer, making Cape Cod waters prime territory from May through October.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Adult Striped Bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length, with weights varying from 10 to 81 pounds. Most recreational catches in Barnstable Harbor average 24-36 inches and 8-25 pounds, though trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches and 30+ pounds are caught each season. The Massachusetts state record stands at 73 pounds, demonstrating the impressive growth potential of these powerful gamefish.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Stripers are opportunistic predators feeding primarily on various baitfish including mackerel, herring, sand eels, and menhaden. They also consume crustaceans, squid, and even small lobsters. These fish often hunt in schools, trapping baitfish against structure or shorelines. They're most active during dawn and dusk, though in Barnstable's summer waters, they can feed throughout the day, especially during moving tides when baitfish are disoriented.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped Bass typically spawn in freshwater rivers from April through June when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. While Cape Cod doesn't host major spawning grounds, the bass that arrive in Barnstable waters by July have typically completed their spawning cycle and are actively feeding to recover lost body weight. This post-spawn feeding frenzy creates excellent fishing opportunities throughout the summer months.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
In Barnstable Harbor, several techniques consistently produce Striped Bass. Jigging with soft plastics or metal jigs works well when bass are holding near bottom structure. Live bait fishing with mackerel, herring or eels is particularly effective during slower tides. Trolling with tube-and-worm rigs or diving plugs produces when covering water is necessary. In July, Barnstable anglers often find success targeting bass along the harbor channel edges and nearby flats during the first few hours of the falling tide when stripers ambush baitfish being swept out with the current.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat that has a mild, sweet flavor. It's versatile for cooking—suitable for grilling, baking, or pan-searing—and provides good nutritional value with high protein content and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. However, many anglers practice catch-and-release with larger specimens to help maintain healthy breeding populations, focusing harvest on mid-sized fish that typically have lower contaminant levels.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass in Barnstable?
A: Live mackerel, herring, and sand eels are top natural baits in Barnstable Harbor. For artificial lures, soft plastic paddletails in white or pearl colors, bucktail jigs tipped with pork rind, and swimming plugs that imitate local baitfish are consistently productive.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Barnstable?
A: Productive areas include the main harbor channel edges, nearby sandy flats on the falling tide, and the deeper water just outside the harbor entrance. The numerous bars and rips along Sandy Neck are also excellent locations, especially during moving tides.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass offers excellent eating with firm, white flesh and mild flavor. Smaller to mid-sized fish (under 30 inches) generally provide the best table fare. Always check current consumption advisories and regulations before keeping fish.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass in Cape Cod?
A: The prime Striped Bass season in Barnstable runs from late May through October, with July and August typically offering the most consistent action. Dawn and dusk fishing is most productive, along with periods of moving tide when bass actively feed.
Q: What size Striped Bass can be kept in Massachusetts?
A: Massachusetts regulations require Striped Bass to be between 28-31 inches for recreational harvest, with a one fish daily limit per angler. Always check current regulations before your trip as they can change seasonally.
Q: Do I need a fishing license for Striped Bass in Barnstable?
A: Yes, anglers need a Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Permit, though when fishing with a licensed charter captain like Captain Jarred, your trip is covered under the vessel's permits and you don't need an individual license.
