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Top-Rated Cape Cod 4 HR Inshore Fishing Trip

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Cape Cod
  • $500 - $700 price range
  • Updated Date: October 10, 2025

Summary

Ready for a fishing adventure on Cape Cod? Join Fishon Fishing Charters for a half-day trip targeting striped bass, bluefish, and more. We'll hit prime spots like Monomoy Shoals, Billingsgate Shoal, and Race Point. Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned angler, you'll enjoy a mix of techniques - from deep sea fishing to light tackle. We might use spinning gear, troll, or try some bottom fishing depending on what's biting. Besides stripers and blues, there's a good chance to catch black sea bass, scup, and fluke. The waters around Cape Cod are teeming with fish, so get ready for some action. Our boat can take up to 5 guests, making it perfect for a small group or family outing. We've got the local knowledge to put you on the fish, so grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the water!
Top-Rated Cape Cod 4 HR Inshore Fishing Trip

Reels in Action

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Two people fishing for striped bass in MA

Afternoon Surprise on this Bass! - Dennis, MA.

Striped bass caught while fishing in MA

Reeled in a Big Striped Bass! - Dennis, MA.

Two people fishing in Massachusetts

Young angler enjoys the Charter - Dennis, MA.

Angler catching a sea bass in Yarmouth

Family Friendly Fishing Charter - Dennis, MA.

Striped bass caught while fishing in MA

Mom hooked a big Bass! - Dennis, MA.

Striped bass caught while fishing in Yarmouth

Striped Bass Reeled In! - Dennis, MA.

Two striped bass being caught in MA

Dual Stripes for today! - Dennis, MA.

Striped bass caught in Yarmouth while fishing

Successful day! - Dennis, MA.

Striped bass caught in Yarmouth

Proud Angler and his Trophy Catch!

Two anglers enjoying fishing in Yarmouth

Couple Goal! - Dennis, MA.

Two people fishing for striped bass in MA

Afternoon Surprise on this Bass! - Dennis, MA.

Striped bass caught while fishing in MA

Reeled in a Big Striped Bass! - Dennis, MA.

Two people fishing in Massachusetts

Young angler enjoys the Charter - Dennis, MA.

Angler catching a sea bass in Yarmouth

Family Friendly Fishing Charter - Dennis, MA.

Striped bass caught while fishing in MA

Mom hooked a big Bass! - Dennis, MA.

Striped bass caught while fishing in Yarmouth

Striped Bass Reeled In! - Dennis, MA.

Two striped bass being caught in MA

Dual Stripes for today! - Dennis, MA.

Striped bass caught in Yarmouth while fishing

Successful day! - Dennis, MA.

Striped bass caught in Yarmouth

Proud Angler and his Trophy Catch!

Two anglers enjoying fishing in Yarmouth

Couple Goal! - Dennis, MA.

Two people fishing for striped bass in MA

Afternoon Surprise on this Bass! - Dennis, MA.

Striped bass caught while fishing in MA

Reeled in a Big Striped Bass! - Dennis, MA.

Two people fishing in Massachusetts

Young angler enjoys the Charter - Dennis, MA.

Angler catching a sea bass in Yarmouth

Family Friendly Fishing Charter - Dennis, MA.

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Hook Into Cape Cod's Hottest Fishing Spots

Ready to reel in some monster stripers and blues? Our Half Day Guided Fishing Trip on Cape Cod is your ticket to some of the best inshore action around. We'll hit prime spots like Monomoy Shoals, Billingsgate Shoal in Cape Cod Bay, and the legendary Race Point off Provincetown. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, we've got the know-how to put you on the fish.

What to Expect on the Water

Hop aboard our well-equipped charter boat for a 4-hour fishing frenzy. We'll cruise out to where the big ones are biting, using top-notch sonar to pinpoint the honey holes. You'll get to try your hand at a variety of fishing styles - from deep sea fishing to light tackle jigging. We've got all the gear you need, so just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a cooler for your catch. With a max of 5 guests, you'll get plenty of personalized attention from the captain. And speaking of the captain, you're in for a treat with our experienced local guide who knows these waters like the back of their hand.

Techniques That Land the Big Ones

We don't just toss a line and hope for the best. On this trip, you'll learn the ins and outs of inshore and nearshore fishing techniques that really work. We'll mix it up with some bottom fishing for those tasty sea bass and fluke, then switch to trolling when we're after stripers and blues. Like a challenge? We'll break out the spinning gear for some light tackle action that'll test your skills. And when those big boys are hanging deep, we'll drop some jigs and show you how to work them just right. It's all about matching the technique to the target, and we've got years of experience to share.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"We booked a 4-hour fishing trip with Captain Rick for our family of four, starting bright and early at 6 AM, and it turned out to be the best striped bass fishing experience ever. Using just one rod, the action was non-stop—each of us caught at least three fish before we were happily exhausted." - Dmitry

"Captain Rick greeted us promptly when we arrived 20 minutes early for our 8 AM departure. The morning was incredibly foggy, and he kindly offered to refund our money due to the conditions. With three kids in tow—ages 6, 8, and 10—we debated whether to proceed, especially since our youngest was a bit hesitant. Ultimately, we decided to give it a go, and we couldn't be happier that we did!" - Rebecca

"What a great charter! Captain Rick is incredibly friendly and accommodating. We caught 10 striped bass in just three hours, making for an unforgettable experience. This was our very first charter, and I highly recommend fishing with Captain Rick for anyone looking for an amazing trip!" - Michael

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped Bass: The crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing, these hard-fighting brutes can top 50 pounds. They're known for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps. Stripers start showing up in May and stick around through October, with peak action in June and July. There's nothing quite like the thrill of battling a big striper in the surf or watching your line peel off as one takes off with your bait.

Bluefish: These toothy predators are the bullies of the bay. Pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish you'll tangle with. Blues typically show up in late spring and hang around until fall. They're known for their aggressive strikes and blistering runs. When a school of blues comes through, hold on tight - the action can be fast and furious!

Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you - these tasty bottom dwellers put up a scrappy fight. They start biting in May and stick around through October. Sea bass love structure, so we'll target them around rocky bottoms and wrecks. They're not just fun to catch; they're also delicious on the dinner table.

Summer Flounder (Fluke): These flatfish are masters of camouflage but can't hide from our expertise. Fluke season typically runs from May through September. They're ambush predators, so we'll use specific techniques to entice them off the bottom. Landing a big 'doormat' fluke is always a highlight of any trip.

Top Catches This Season

This year's been a banner one for striped bass. We've been seeing consistent catches in the 30-40 inch range, with some real monsters pushing 50 inches. The bluefish have been running a bit bigger than usual too, with plenty of 'gators' (big blues) in the 10-15 pound class. Sea bass fishing has been red hot, especially around some of the offshore wrecks we know. And for those looking to fill the cooler, the fluke fishing has been steady, with some nice 5-pounders mixed in.

What's Biting When

Spring (April-May): As the waters warm up, we start seeing schoolie stripers moving in, followed by the bigger fish. This is also prime time for trophy tautog (blackfish) if you're into bottom fishing.

Summer (June-August): Peak season for all our target species. Stripers and blues are in full force, sea bass fishing is at its best, and the fluke are fattening up. This is when we often hit the grand slam - striper, blue, sea bass, and fluke all in one trip.

Fall (September-October): The fall run can be spectacular. Big stripers start moving south, bluefish schools are thick, and the sea bass fishing remains strong before they move offshore. This is often when we see some of the biggest fish of the year.

Gear Up for Success

We provide all the fishing gear you'll need, from rods and reels to bait and lures. Our equipment is top-notch and well-maintained. For stripers and blues, we typically use medium-heavy spinning setups or conventional gear, depending on the technique. When we're bottom fishing for sea bass or fluke, we'll switch to lighter tackle for better feel.

While we've got you covered on the fishing front, there are a few things you should bring: - Sunscreen (trust me, you'll need it) - Polarized sunglasses (cuts glare and helps you spot fish) - Hat or visor - Weather-appropriate clothing (layers are always a good idea) - Non-slip, non-marking shoes - Camera or smartphone for those brag-worthy pics - Cooler or cooler bag if you plan to keep fish - Snacks and drinks (no glass containers, please) - And don't forget your fishing license!

Local Knowledge, Big Results

Fishing Cape Cod isn't just about dropping a line in the water. It's about knowing where the fish are holding, understanding the tides and currents, and reading the water. That's where our years of experience come in. We know which spots are producing and how to approach them for the best results. Whether it's drifting live eels for big stripers at Race Point or jigging wire line over Billingsgate Shoal, we've got the local intel to put you on the fish.

Conservation Minded

We're not just about catching fish; we're about preserving the fishery for future generations. We practice and encourage responsible fishing. This means using circle hooks when bait fishing for stripers, carefully releasing fish we're not keeping, and adhering to all size and bag limits. We'll show you the proper way to handle and release fish to ensure they swim away healthy.

More Than Just Fishing

While the fishing is the main event, don't forget to soak in the scenery. Cape Cod's coastline is stunning, and you never know what kind of marine life you might spot. Keep an eye out for seals, dolphins, and even the occasional whale. And the sunrises out here? They're worth the early wake-up call all on their own.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to get in on the action? Our Half Day Guided Fishing Trip on Cape Cod is perfect for anglers of all levels. Whether you're looking to bend a rod on some hard-fighting stripers, fill the cooler with tasty sea bass, or just enjoy a morning on the water, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait. Give us a call or book online to reserve your date. Trust me, once you fish these waters, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the boat!

Customer Reviews

Striper Frenzy

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We booked a 4-hour fishing trip with Captain Rick for our family of four, starting bright and early at 6 AM, and it turned out to be the best striped bass fishing experience ever. Using just one rod, the action was non-stop—each of us caught at least three fish before we were happily exhausted. Other boats reported some catches over the radio, but nothing came close to the frenzy we experienced. Thanks to the boat’s excellent sonar, Captain Rick found the perfect spot after trying four different locations. He was meticulous in measuring the fish, ensuring accurate records. Over half of the stripers were oversized and released, along with a few smaller ones. Our 13-year-old even managed to pull in two fish at once—twice! We ended up keeping three striped bass and one bluefish, which we’re still enjoying. The taste was exceptional—mild and fresh, likely due to their diet of calamari. It was our first time trying bluefish, and its flavor was pleasantly surprising. A couple of tips: bring a cooler bag if you’re planning to keep your catch (but don’t jinx it!) and pack gloves for handling fish during photos. This trip was a memorable experience for the whole family!

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Dmitry S

July 27, 2024

Family Fish Fest

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Captain Rick greeted us promptly when we arrived 20 minutes early for our 8 AM departure. The morning was incredibly foggy, and he kindly offered to refund our money due to the conditions. With three kids in tow—ages 6, 8, and 10—we debated whether to proceed, especially since our youngest was a bit hesitant. Ultimately, we decided to give it a go, and we couldn’t be happier that we did! Every member of our family of six caught multiple fish, making it an unforgettable experience for both the kids and the adults. Captain Rick went out of his way to accommodate us, even dropping anchor for our youngest to stabilize the boat despite knowing it might slightly impact the fishing. It didn’t slow us down one bit—we were catching fish faster than Captain Rick could bait the hooks! The entire morning was a fantastic adventure and created wonderful memories for our family. We’re so grateful for Captain Rick’s thoughtfulness and expertise—it truly made the trip special!

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Rebecca S

May 26, 2024

Striped Success

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What a great charter! Captain Rick is incredibly friendly and accommodating. We caught 10 striped bass in just three hours, making for an unforgettable experience. This was our very first charter, and I highly recommend fishing with Captain Rick for anyone looking for an amazing trip!

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Michael B

May 28, 2024

Striper Limit Pro

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Captain Rick is a master guide for fishing off Cape Cod. His deep knowledge of the waters and what to look for is truly impressive. While other boats were circling around, we hit our limit of Stripers in just two hours. You’d be crazy not to book a trip with him!

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Andy S

July 19, 2024

Top Choice

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Highly recommended!

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Chandler K

September 14, 2024

Bacons Best Catch

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I've been fishing Cape Cod with Captain Bacon for many years, and he always knows the best spots loaded with fish. Captain Bacon never fails to get us FISHON!

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Jamie R

May 4, 2024

Fish Filled Fun

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We had an amazing time! We caught plenty of fish, and Captain Rick was awesome—definitely an experience to remember!

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Jeremy S

June 21, 2024

Annual Fish Thrill

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I do a yearly trip with Fishon Fishing Charters, and honestly, I look forward to it every single year! Captain Rick is incredibly knowledgeable about where to fish and how to navigate the waters. Even though I'm still learning how to fish, Rick always guides us and ensures we have a great time. We enjoy catching and releasing fish for fun, and I can't wait for my next trip with FISHON!

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Angel L

June 24, 2024

Big Catch Bonanza

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Went fishing with Captain Rick, and what an incredible day! We all brought fish home, with catches ranging from 24” to 36”. Definitely a successful trip!

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Tony D

September 9, 2024

Kid Friendly Catch

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Captain Rick was great! He was very knowledgeable about the area and was really good with my son on his first time out. (8yrs old) I booked a private trip for just me and the kiddo and it was plenty affordable compared to other boats I looked into. He tailored the trip to accommodate a younger child and took it easy on us. First line in and pulled in a keeper. He even gave Dad a chance and trolled for blues for a bit, no luck this time. I would recommend Capt Rick for anyone looking to have a private outing 2-4 people, he provided everything we forgot sunblock and left my sons life preserver in the car, Capt Rick had it all. He cleaned the fish for us as well and we had an amazing dinner at the rental. He was prompt, considerate, and prepared. I will definitely be contacting him again if we are back in the area next year. FishOn!!!

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Clinton B

September 9, 2025

Learn more about the species

Black Sea Bass

## Black Sea Bass Fish Species (Centropristis Striata) ## Fish Description Black Sea Bass is a member of the Grouper family. They are plump-bodied with an extended pelvic and dorsal fin. The dorsal fin comes with a soft rayed rear section and a spiny forward section, marked with a sequence of white spots and bands. Their body color is gray to black, but the center of the scales is white. During the spawning season, males can turn bright blue in color and have a large hump on their heads. Juveniles are brown and have a dark stripe running down the body. ## Fish Size The Black Seabass can reach about 25 inches in length; weigh more than 8 pounds, although most of them caught is less than 4 pounds in weight. The Black Sea Bass world record catch is 10 lb 4 oz. and was caught in Virginia Beach, January 2000. ## Fun Facts About Black Sea Bass Up until recently, the furthest north the black bass was found was Massachusetts. Because of the warming climate, the bass has ventured up to the Gulf of Maine where the water temperatures have increased over the years. They are born as females then change to males. This generally happens when they reach 9 - 13 inches Social interaction can play a big role in this sex reversal. The removal of the big male from the Black Sea Bass population may cause one or more of the remaining bigger females to change sex and play the male role. The female Black Seabass normally matures at the age of 2 to 5 years and produces about 280,000 pelagic eggs. ## Fish Diet Adult and juvenile Black Sea Bass feed on a variety of invertebrates such as hermit crabs, rock crabs, squid, and razor clams. ## Distribution and Habitat ![BlackSea_Bass_HeatMap@1600x](https://guidesly-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/content/BlackSea_Bass_HeatMap%401600x_12e2b13d40.png) ## Fishing Method The best time to fish for Black Sea Bass is from late spring to summer when they congregate close to the shore. Underwater structures like jetties, piers, and wrecks, is where you will be likely to find them. The bigger males will be found in deeper water and a rocky bottom. The Black Seabass will put up a good fight until it breaks water. A medium-weight rod that's 6-8 feet long with a reel with a 20-30 pound fused, mono or braided line will be successful. They are mostly bottom feeders although they will occasionally strike at jigs, plugs, and lures including a 2 hook bait rig. Live bait such as squid or fish strips is a very good method. The Federal Recreational Black Sea Bass season is February 1 through 28, and May 15 through December 31. ## Habitat During the summer months, they will gather around sunken wrecks, rocky bottoms, old pilings, and wharves and are most abundant at depths of less than 120 feet. Juvenile seabass tend to prefer estuaries where they feed and avoid predators. During the winter months, they migrate to the more south Atlantic states and offshore. ## Distribution Black Seabass are found on the US eastern seaboard from the Gulf of Maine to the Florida Keys and then to the Gulf of Mexico.

Black Sea Bass

Bluefish

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) Fish Description

Bluefish is a common game fish that is known for its delicious taste. Bluefish is a warm-water migratory species living in the Atlantic Ocean from Nova Scotia to Argentina and Spain to southern Africa. In South Africa, the Bluefish is known as Shad or Elf; in New Zealand and Australia, it is called Tailor. Bluefish are seasonal visitors to Cape Cod waters, arriving in mid-June and remaining until mid-October. They spend the winter in warmer waters from North Carolina to Florida's tip.

The Bluefish has a moderately proportioned body; one of its distinctive features is its broad and corked tail and its spiny first dorsal and pectoral fins that are usually folded back in a grove. The Bluefish is generally grayish to blue-green in its dorsal area, whereas its belly and lower sides fade to white.

It is a voracious predator with a large mouth and flat, triangular teeth that are strong, sharp, and prominent teeth.

Bluefish Diet

As aggressively strong feeders, the Bluefish have a complex menu of prey. They can chase after schools of forage fish owing to their fast swimming speed. They usually go on a feeding frenzy by attacking these schools of fish even after having satisfied their stomachs. They especially like sardine-like fish, Menhaden, Weakfish, Grunt, Anchovy, Squid, and Shrimp. In return, the Bluefish serve as food for bigger fish like Dolphin, Billfish, Sharks, and Tuna, among others.

Bluefish Size

Commonly, the Bluefish can grow up to 7 inches; they weigh up to 40 lbs. However, most of the Bluefish population reaches only up to 20 lbs.

Interesting Facts About the Bluefish 

  • The Bluefish is the only remaining living species from the Pomatomidae family. It used to be grouped with Gnomefish, but the latter were separated.
  • Lophar miocaenus from Southern California is an extinct relative of the Bluefish from the Late Miocene Period.
  • Bluefish are reported to live up to 9 years.
  • The Bluefish are cannibalistic, and they sometimes eat their own young.
  • The Bluefish are known for churning water like a washing machine, attacking schools in shallow depths. This is called “Bluefish Blitz.”
  • Bluefish is a common host to many parasites; in particular, it is often inhabited by the parasite named Philometra saltatrix, which is found in the ovaries of the fish.
  • Despite being high in omega-3, children and adult women are warned against consuming Bluefish due to its significant mercury content.
  • When properly prepared, bluefish is extremely good to eat, with mild, flaky meat, though larger fish (those weighing more than 10 pounds) have a stronger flavor than their smaller brethren.

Bluefish — Fishing Techniques

To reel in lots of Bluefish, you can use the following harvesting methods: trawls, hook and line, and gillnet. Note that you can only use a circle hook and nothing else; recreational anglers can only capture up to three pieces of Bluefish per day (no minimum size). As for artificial lures or flies, you can use only up to a maximum of two treble hooks. Be careful when handling Bluefish since they can bite you, leading to some serious wounds. Oily fish, such as eels, make excellent bait for bluefish. However, almost any type of baitfish can be used. When learning how to catch bluefish, another option is to use cut bait. Try chunks shaped like a small lure.

You can best fish for Bluefish from tidal rivers, bays, and sandy harbors during summer. In late summer, small, juvenile bluefish known as "baby blues" or "snappers" can be caught in sandy harbors, bays, and tidal rivers. This is an excellent fish for young and inexperienced anglers to catch. Bluefish are frequently caught using gillnets in the commercial bluefish fishery, but they can also be nabbed using a hook, line, or trawl gear.

A permit must be secured to catch Bluefish in commercial fisheries. Some states also impose a specific catch limit for commercial and recreational fishing.

Bluefish Habitat and Distribution

As a marine pelagic fish species, the Bluefish generally inhabit subtropical and temperate waters all around the globe. Most thrive along the continental shelves of America (except in northern South America and south Florida), Australia, and Southeast Asia. Interestingly, the Bluefish is also not found on the north side of the Pacific Ocean.

Typically, anglers find school of Bluefish in various habitats, including brackish waters, estuaries, rock headlands, surf beaches, or above the continental shelf. From time to time, the Bluefish migrate to open waters in schools.

Bluefish fishery management employs a bag limit for recreational fishing and an annual quota distributed to states for commercial fisheries to avoid overfishing.

Bluefish

Striped Bass

Striped Bass (Morone Saxatilis) Description

The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), or Atlantic Striped Bass, Stripers, or Linesider, is a popular game fish for recreational and commercial fishers. As the name suggests, it has seven to eight stripes running down the sides of its body; its color can vary from light green and olive to brown and black. It also has a shimmering white belly and plump bodies that can grow as heavy as 70 pounds and as long as 5 feet, making it easily distinguishable from other species. 

Although this fish mostly lives in saltwater during its adult life, it’s anadromous as it spawns (and is even known to adapt well) in a freshwater environment.

It can naturally be found along the East Coast (from as far north as Canada to down south in the Gulf of Mexico). However, you can find it in most water bodies in North America as the species was introduced across the continent for recreational fishing and for controlling the gizzard shad population, which the Striped Bass is known to prey upon.

Interesting Facts 

Striped Bass spawn in freshwater and many of the Stripers become landlocked because of dams and other human-made obstructions; but, as earlier mentioned, they adapt well and can thrive in a freshwater habitat. 

If you’re fishing for food, the Striped Bass is excellent for eating not only for its plump and meaty body but also for its exquisite, sweet taste, similar to its close relative, the Black Sea Bass.

Striped Bass Size and Speed

For those of you who are planning to fish for this species, yes, they are known to be powerful swimmers, but they’re not particularly fast, making them reasonably easy to catch. Although they can grow much bigger, most caught weigh around twenty to forty pounds. 

Where do Striped Bass Live?

You can fish for Striped Bass pretty much any time of the year and can find them in nearly every body of water in the United States. It’s also worth noting that the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland is the major producer while the Hudson River in New York and New Jersey is the second. 

However, if you’re on the West Coast, you may want to try your luck in the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding coastline. Colorado rivers and lakes such as Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Powell, Lake Pleasant, and Lake Mohave are also known to have a great abundance of Striped Bass. 

Striped Bass is a structure-oriented fish meaning they can be found around physical structures such as coral reefs, sand bars, and drop-offs. They stay at the bottom of the ocean along the shores as it looks for food.  And because they love to swim in moving waters, you can most locate Stripers within yards of the shorelines.

Striped Bass Migration

One of the most exciting aspects of striped bass is their annual migration patterns. These fish are known to migrate long distances, sometimes thousands of miles, which makes them a fascinating subject for study. Striped bass prefers moderate temperatures between 55° F and 68° F. To stay within this temperature range, most striped bass migrate up and down the Atlantic coast from spring to fall. 
Scientists have been studying striped bass migration for many years, and they have discovered that these fish travel from estuaries to the open ocean and back again each year. Striped bass can migrate up to 2,000 miles during their lifetime! They typically move northward in the spring and summer months when water temperatures warm up, then head south towards warmer waters in the fall.

Striped Bass or Striper
A Striped Bass Close Up

The spring striped bass migration begins from the deeper waters off the Virginia and North Carolina coasts. In the spring, the stripers start their northern migration stopping to spawn in the rivers, estuaries, and bays such as the Delaware River, the Hudson River, and the Chesapeake Bay. The Stripers continue north and eventually spend their summers in the cool waters in New England, and sometimes further North to Canada. 

The striper migration bait typically begins in the fall as the water cools. If you want to experience this unique opportunity, you'll want to head for one of the most amazing events that an angler can experience. Striper bait, including pogies, peanut bunker, and silversides, will come out of bays and into the ocean early. The hungry stripers want to fatten up for the cold season as winter approaches, so they're actively searching out prey. Stripers seek out the enhanced bait pods that create feeding frenzies. Look for baitfish volcanoes erupting from the water or birds signaling the wounded baitfish. If you are truly fortunate, you will see whales coming from below the baitfish volcano. Fall migration continues all the way until December around the New Jersey coast and parts of January in the Virginia region.

Check out this detailed Striped Bass Migration article. 

Is Striped Bass Good to Eat?

Striped bass, also known as "striper," is a popular saltwater fish that can be found along the Atlantic coast of North America. Many people wonder if striped bass is good to eat, and the answer is yes! Striped bass is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that can benefit your health. 

One of the benefits of eating striped bass is its high omega-3 content. Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that help reduce inflammation in the body, improve brain function, and even lower your risk of heart disease. Striper meat contains about 0.5 grams of omega-3s per 100 grams, making it an excellent nutrient source. Additionally, striped bass is rich in protein - a crucial component for building and repairing tissues in your body. A serving size of just 100 grams provides approximately 20 grams of protein.

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Striped Bass

Striped Bass can be caught year-round and in almost any condition; you can, however, increase your chances if you know exactly what, when, where, and how to look. Stripers are known to swim around and feed in moving waters, near structures along the shores, and you will find them where the water is cooler near the surface during dusk and dawn.  Cast your lines out early or late in the day from bridges, piers, bulkheads, or even while wading in the surf.

Choosing the Right Bait

Striped Bass are mostly finicky predators being picky about the baits they will take. It’s best to use live baits such as herring, menhaden, mackerel, eels, squid, anchovies, bloodworms, or shad as it will help attract them with the live bait’s movement.

Choosing the Right Equipment

Although you can use almost any rod and reel for Striped Bass fishing, you can be more successful using rods that are 8 to 14 feet in length, especially for fly fishing.  You should use a thinner and more sensitive yet stronger line with little stretch like a  braided line. If you prefer using the monofilament type, make sure that it’s strong enough to withstand up to 20 pounds of weight as these fish are not only big, heavy fish, but also strong fighters.

Find fishing tips, techniques, and the best destinations for Striped Bass Fishing

Why are Striped Bass Called Striper?

Striped bass, or Morone saxatilis, is a popular game fish native to the Atlantic coast of North America. It is widely known as "striper," which begs the question: Why do they call striped bass striper? The answer to this question lies in the distinct markings on the fish's body. 
The name "striped bass" comes from its characteristic stripes running along its sides. These stripes are typically seven to eight in number and run from just behind the gills to the base of the tail. When viewed from afar, these stripes can appear like bars or lines that make up a striped pattern on their silver-green skin.

Given that this species has such distinctive vertical stripes, it makes sense why they are called stripers. The name has become so widely used among anglers and fishing enthusiasts that it is now more common than calling them by their scientific name.

What is the Hybrid Striped Bass?

Hybrid striped bass is a popular fish species among anglers and seafood enthusiasts. As the name suggests, it's a crossbreed between two different types of bass: striped and white. The hybridization process has resulted in a fish with desirable traits such as rapid growth, aggressiveness, and resistance to diseases and parasites. 

Hybrid striped bass can grow up to 30 inches in length and weigh as much as 15 pounds. They have streamlined bodies with dark stripes running along their sides, which give them an attractive appearance. Moreover, these fish are known for their delicious taste and versatility in cooking methods.

Due to its popularity, hybrid striped bass is widely farmed across several regions in the United States. It's commonly used by chefs in various dishes such as sushi rolls, grilled fillets, or stews.

Striped Bass Population

The wild striped bass population is an essential aspect of marine fisheries conservation efforts. Striped bass are a popular game fish that attract recreational anglers from all over the world. Stripers also play an essential role in the natural resources ecosystem in the Atlantic Ocean and the many tributaries like Delaware Bay, Delaware River, Hudson River, and many coastal rivers.  Striped bass are a top predator in many coastal habitats, feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans. 

Unfortunately, the striped bass population has been under pressure for several decades due to overfishing and habitat loss. One of the primary conservation efforts underway is the implementation of regulations aimed at protecting striped bass populations from overfishing. This includes restrictions on fishing methods and gear, as well as limitations on catch limits for both recreational and commercial fishermen. Additionally, many states have implemented size limits for the fish that can be caught to allow younger fish to reach their reproductive age.

Despite these efforts, the future of the striped bass population remains uncertain. Climate change is causing significant shifts in ocean temperatures and currents that could impact the availability of prey species for striped bass.

A Few Striped Bass Resources:

-Striped Bass Migration, article tracking the Striped Bass Atlantic Coast migration

-Striped Bass Lures, expert guides weigh in with the best striped bass lures

-Striped Bass Bait, top 10 striped bass baits

-Striped Bass Cape Cod, expert guide talks about catching striped bass on Cape Cod 

-Striped Bass Chesapeake Bay, expert guides talk about catching striped bass on Chesapeake Bay

 

Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) Fish Description 

Summer Flounder are a flatfish species. This fish is one of several “sand flounders”, with both eyes on the left side of the head; this means that Summer Flounder live on the seafloor, lying on the blind side of their bodies, facing the open water column. 

Summer Flounder are grayish-brown with lighter spots, helping them blend in with the areas surrounding the seabed. When they hatch from their eggs, the Summer Flounder resemble normal fish, with an eye on each side of the head. As they mature, the bones on the right side of the skull grow significantly faster, so the right eye and nostril slowly migrate to the left side. Their jaws do not change significantly, so they bite sideways, from left to right.

 

Diet and Size

Summer Flounder are active ambush predators, which mean that they utilize their camouflage to blend in with their surroundings to catch unsuspecting prey. They also chase them down using their excellent swimming ability when dealing with prey that move faster. Their diet consists of a variety of bony fish including the sand lance, menhaden, atlantic silverside, mummichog killifish, small bluefish, porgies and a wide range of invertebrates like crabs, shrimps, and squids.

The average Summer Flounder is typically 15-20 inches in length, though they have the capability to grow as large as 26 pounds and live up to 20 years. The females make up the largest and oldest specimens having a maximum observed age of 17 years, while male Flounder have a maximum observed age of 15 years.

 

Interesting Facts about Summer Flounder

  • Summer Flounder are nicknamed “chameleons of the sea” since they are capable of changing their coloring to blend in with the texture and color of the bottom where they live.
  • Most of the Summer Flounder spawn in the peak months of October and November when water temperatures change and plankton is at its most abundant period. Combining these elements improves the chance of survival for the larval Summer Flounder.
  • Larval and juvenile Summer Flounder are preyed upon by species like spiny dogfish, monkfish, cod, hakes, sea raven, longhorn sculpin, and fourspot flounder until they grow large enough to fend for themselves. Adult Summer Flounders are preyed by large sharks, rays, and monkfish.
  • Female Flounder have between 460,000 to more than 4 million eggs, hatching in waters of the continental shelf.
  • A permit is required for the sale and purchase of the summer flounder

 

Summer Flounder Fishing Techniques 

Summer Flounder can be fished all year round, but they're easier to catch between September and November. Summer Flounder have a great response to live fish such as minnow, mullet and croakers. Sea worms and clams are also effective baits that Summer Flounder love. It is recommended that you use a circle hook, because it is easier for Flounders to bite. 

An effective angling technique would be hooking smaller baitfish through the eye and larger baitfish through the lips. Using a casting rod which is 7 ft long is the standard method of anglers for catching Flounder. It is advised that you use a line that's sturdy enough to handle larger fish that might take the bait. You may need a sinker to make sure the hook is within reach of the Flounder down below

 

Summer Flounder Habitat & Distribution 

Summer Flounder are mainly found in the East Coast of the United States and Canada. They are very abundant in the waters stretching from North Carolina to Massachusetts. Summer Flounder also thrive best from Nova Scotia to the eastern part of Florida.

This fish is usually located offshore and inshore, especially in estuaries. They are demersal; thus, Summer Flounder are usually captured using bottom otter trawls or by gillnets and pound nets.

Summer Flounder

About the Fishon Fishing Charters

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Ready for some wicked good fishing on Cape Cod? We'll take you out to the prime spots like Monomoy Shoals, Billingsgate Shoal, and Race Point where the stripers and blues are biting. Whether you're a pro or just starting out, these waters offer plenty of action for everyone. We'll mix it up with different techniques - deep sea fishing, bottom fishing, trolling, you name it. And it's not just bass and bluefish on the menu. You might also hook into some tasty black seabass, scup, or fluke. Our boat comfortably fits up to 5 people, so bring your buddies or the family along for a half day of reeling in the big ones. No need to worry about gear - we've got you covered with everything you'll need to land some keepers. Just come ready to have a blast out on the water and maybe bring home some fresh fish for dinner!
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