Half Day Striped Bass Fishing - South Shore MA
Captain Horte knows these South Shore waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious stripers. This 4-hour private charter with Blueline Fishing Charters takes you to the hottest spots along Massachusetts' productive coastline - from Hingham Bay down to Boston Harbor. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, you'll have everything you need for a top-rated fishing experience, including all gear, bait, and licenses. With flexible departure times and space for up to 4 anglers, this trip is perfect for families, solo fishing enthusiasts, or small groups looking to chase some of New England's most prized gamefish.
What to Expect on the Water
Your morning starts with Captain Horte and his experienced first mate getting the boat prepped and gear sorted while you grab your coffee. The South Shore offers some of the most consistent inshore fishing on the East Coast, and these guys know exactly where the fish are holding. You'll be targeting prime structure and current breaks in areas like Hull, Weymouth, Quincy, and the productive flats of Hingham Bay. The captain reads the water conditions, tide charts, and fish activity to put you in the best position for success. This isn't a cattle boat operation - it's a private charter where you get personalized attention and instruction tailored to your skill level. The first mate works hard before, during, and after each trip to ensure all equipment is in perfect condition, and a 20% cash tip is customary and expected for their dedicated service.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
Inshore striped bass fishing along the South Shore requires a mix of techniques depending on conditions and fish behavior. Captain Horte typically runs medium-heavy spinning setups with circle hooks for live bait presentations, plus casting rods rigged with soft plastics and topwater plugs when the fish are actively feeding. You'll learn proper bait presentation, how to read your fishfinder, and the art of setting the hook on these powerful gamefish. The boat carries a variety of baits including live mackerel, pogies, and sea worms, plus an arsenal of proven lures like paddle tails, bucktails, and surface poppers. When conditions are right, nothing beats the explosive strike of a striper hitting a topwater plug in shallow water. The captain will teach you how to work different lures effectively and position yourself for the best hookup opportunities in structure-rich areas where these fish love to ambush prey.
Customer Stories
"We fished 3 days with Captain Dave and his deck hand Steve. These guys are pros and very informative all day looong. We caught striped bass, haddock, cod, our limit of 15 lobster, and many other fish with these Boston guys!! My daughter, cousins, and friends have made lasting memories with bluelines fishing charters." - Mark
"Captain Dave and his first mate Steve were absolutely phenomenal! I booked this trip for family coming into town every though it's not typical fishing season (for us general folk), but we were not disappointed. It was a chillier day and the forecast called for high winds. Capt Dave was so communicative and offered recommendations to make the trip a better experience beforehand. Capt Dave and Steve were so kind and knowledgeable, it was clear they are not only good at what they do, but they love and respect the sport." - Jackie
"We had the best morning with Capt. Dave and mate Matt! It was my birthday and wanted to take my grandkids fishing, and they both caught big strippers! Will definately return and Recommend to anyone especially with kids, they learned so much from them!" - Susan
Species You'll Want to Hook
Striped bass are the crown jewel of New England inshore fishing, and the South Shore consistently produces some excellent fish. These powerful gamefish can range from schoolie bass around 20 inches up to trophy-class fish pushing 40+ pounds. Stripers are most active during moving tides, especially the first two hours of incoming water when they push into shallow areas to feed on baitfish. Spring and fall offer the best action, with fish staging in large schools during their migrations. What makes striped bass so special is their incredible fight - they'll make long, powerful runs and use their broad shoulders to stay deep. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within legal size limits. The Massachusetts slot limit protects the breeding stock while allowing anglers to keep fish between 28-35 inches, making every legal fish a rewarding catch.
Bluefish bring a different kind of excitement to South Shore fishing adventures. These aggressive predators are known for their razor-sharp teeth and relentless feeding behavior when they move into local waters during summer months. Blues typically show up in large schools, creating some of the most fast-paced fishing action you'll experience. They'll hit just about any lure or bait with savage strikes, often jumping and tail-walking when hooked. While smaller "snapper" blues are common in harbors and shallow areas, the boat-side blues ranging from 3-10 pounds provide serious battles on appropriate tackle. Captain Horte knows when and where these fish typically show up, often following the massive bait schools that move through Boston Harbor and surrounding waters. When the blues are in, you can expect non-stop action and plenty of fish in the cooler.
Time to Book Your Spot
The South Shore's reputation as a world-class striped bass fishery isn't just hype - it's built on consistent results and knowledgeable captains like Horte who put in the work to find fish. This customer favorite charter gives you access to some of Massachusetts' most productive inshore waters without the crowds of larger party boats. With all gear, bait, and licenses included, plus the flexibility to adjust departure times, you're getting serious value for a private fishing experience. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers, making it
4.5(13 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Boston, MA
Private 4-hour inshore charter targeting striped bass and bluefish
