Half Day Striped Bass Fishing - South Shore MA
Looking for a solid fishing trip that won't eat up your whole day? Captain Horte's 4-hour inshore charters with Blueline Fishing Charters hit the sweet spot. You'll be fishing some of the most productive waters along Massachusetts' South Shore, from Hingham Bay down to Boston Harbor, targeting stripers and blues in spots where the fish actually show up. This isn't some cookie-cutter operation – it's a private charter that adapts to what's working, whether you're a first-timer or you've been chasing bass for decades. All your gear, bait, and licenses are covered, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks for the ride.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Horte knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about moving around to find where the fish are holding. You'll launch into areas like Hull, Weymouth, Quincy, and the productive flats of Boston Harbor – all prime real estate for striped bass and bluefish. The boat holds up to 4 anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with a crowd. Your first mate works hard to keep everything running smooth, from rigging your lines to netting your fish, and remember that 20% cash tip – these guys earn every dollar of it. The flexible departure times mean you can work this trip around your schedule, whether you want to get out early or prefer a later start.
Techniques and Tackle Setup
Inshore fishing here means working structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where bass and blues ambush baitfish. You'll be using a mix of live bait and lures depending on what's producing – maybe chunking with fresh pogies, working soft plastics along the bottom, or casting topwater when the fish are busting on the surface. The captain provides quality spinning and conventional tackle rigged for the conditions, from lighter setups for schoolie bass to heavier gear when the big fish are around. Expect to fish anywhere from 10 to 40 feet of water, targeting rocky points, sandy flats, and the drop-offs where the South Shore's structure creates perfect feeding zones. The first mate keeps your hooks sharp and your bait fresh, so you can focus on feeling that thump on the line.
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 main event here, and for good reason. These fish run the South Shore waters from late spring through fall, with the best action typically from May through October. You'll find everything from schoolies in the 18-20 inch range to keeper bass pushing 30+ inches. Stripers are smart fish that feed aggressively on the moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk. They love structure – rocks, drop-offs, and current breaks where they can pin baitfish. What makes catching them so addictive is their fight. A good bass will make multiple runs, and when you're using lighter tackle inshore, even a 25-inch fish will test your drag. The slot limits and regulations here help keep the population healthy, so you're looking at fish between 28-35 inches for keepers.
Bluefish bring pure aggression to your fishing day. These toothy predators show up in big schools during summer and early fall, and when they're feeding, the action gets wild fast. Blues hit hard and fight dirty – they'll run, jump, and try everything to throw your hook. You'll typically find them in the 3-8 pound range inshore, though bigger choppers do cruise through. What's great about targeting blues is they're not picky eaters. Fresh chunks, metals, plugs, soft plastics – if it moves and looks like food, they'll crush it. The downside is their razor-sharp teeth, which is why the mate handles them with pliers and why you'll go through some terminal tackle. But that first screaming run when a blue hits your lure makes it all worth it.
Time to Book Your Spot
This half-day format gives you the perfect taste of South Shore fishing without the full-day commitment. Captain Horte's local knowledge and the crew's dedication to putting you on fish make this a top-rated choice for both visiting anglers and locals looking for consistent action. The flexible scheduling means you can work a morning or afternoon trip around other plans, and the private charter setup ensures you're not dealing with crowded party boats or strangers hogging the good spots. With all gear and licenses included, you're getting solid value for a legitimate fishing experience. The South Shore's striped bass and bluefish populations stay strong, and this crew knows how to find them. Book your dates early, especially during peak season, and don't forget that cash tip for the first
4.5(12 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Boston, MA
Private 4
