Massachusetts Striped Bass & Bluefish Charters with Mass Bay Guides
Striped Bass Fishing & Bluefish Fishing Trip Length:
10hr, 8hr, or 5hr booking required
Time of year:
Striped bass show up in our local waters in the middle of May and mostly depart in early September. We typically run striper charters mid-May through end of July but we can catch them our entire season. Bluefish typically show up in July and leave early September.
Daily Bag Limit:
Striped bass 1 fish between 28-31 inches per person in the charter group. Fish under 28 inches or over 31 inches will be let go which is still a lot of fun! These limits change every year! Bluefish regulations adjusted yearly.
See below Striped Bass Fishing Charter Pictures
What to expect on a Massachusetts Striped bass trip with Mass Bay Guides?
10 hr Full Day Striped bass fishing trips: we will be leaving the dock early in the morning, typically in the dark, and returning around 3pm. We travel an average of 20 miles offshore (or wherever the best bite is) and either fish live bait or troll. We usually hit several spots throughout the day. This trip gives you your best change to tangle with some monster bass or bring home some meat. Book!
8 hr 3/4 Day Striped bass fishing trips: we may head offshore a bit depending on the bite location. The time we leave the dock depends on the tide for the day. If the bite is amazing inshore we typically to a combination of live bait and trolling several different areas to have the best possible trip. This trip gives you a solid change to find the big ones or bring a few fillets home. Book!
5 hr Half Day Striped bass fishing trips: we typically target one area inshore and we are either bait fishing or trolling. The time we leave the dock depends on the tide for the day. We generally can find some quality fish on a trip like this. Book!
Want to learn more about fishing for these fish in Massachusetts?
The Legendary Striped Bass Migration of Massachusetts
Every spring, the Massachusetts South Shore becomes a focal point for one of the most exciting migrations in the Atlantic. Striped Bass begin their journey north from the Chesapeake Bay and Hudson River, arriving in our local waters as the ocean temperatures climb toward the 50-degree mark. By mid-May, the bays and ledges surrounding Scituate Harbor are teeming with “schoolies,” followed shortly by the massive “trophy cows” that New England is famous for.
Prime Tactics: Why Scituate is a Striper Stronghold
Scituate Harbor serves as the perfect jumping-off point for bass fishing charters because of its proximity to diverse underwater structures. We utilize several specialized techniques depending on the season and the specific behavior of the fish:
- Live Baiting with Mackerel: This is the gold standard for South Shore striper fishing. We often start our day by “filling the well” with fresh mackerel found just outside the harbor. Slow-trolling or drifting these live baits near submerged ledges and rock piles is a high-percentage way to fool a 40-pound-plus bass.
- Topwater and trolling: During the summer months, when sand eels, mackerel, pogies, and herring are getting devoured by these fish, we do a lot of casting and trolling. Mid summer the fish are in large biomasses near Race Point.
- Structure Fishing: The North and South Rivers, along with the “Three Bays” (Plymouth, Kingston, and Duxbury), provide shallow-water sanctuary for bass. These areas offer some of the most consistent action for those looking to master the art of the drift.
Conservation and the “Slot Limit”
At Mass Bay Guides, we are committed to the long-term health of the Striped Bass fishery. We strictly adhere to the Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries (DMF) regulations, which currently include a “slot limit” designed to protect the large, breeding females.
Beyond just following the law, we practice best handling techniques to ensure every released fish swims away strong. This includes using circle hooks when fishing with bait to prevent deep hooking, minimizing the time a fish spends out of the water for photos, and using rubber-coated nets that protect the fish’s delicate slime coat.
Plan Your South Shore Fishing Adventure
Whether you are a seasoned angler looking for a new personal best or a family wanting to experience the thrill of the Atlantic, our Scituate-based charters provide everything you need. From high-end Penn reels to the local knowledge required to find the fish in any tide, we ensure your time on the water is productive and memorable.
Striped Bass Fishing Gallery
