Boston's Premier Inshore Striped Bass Fishing

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Boston
$500 - $1,200 price range

Summary

Ready for a classic Boston fishing experience? Join us for a half-day morning trip chasing striped bass in the harbor. We'll head out as the city's waking up, cruising through calm inshore waters to find the best spots. Stripers are a local favorite - they put up a great fight and taste amazing. Our crew knows these waters inside and out, so whether you're an old hand or trying fishing for the first time, we'll make sure you're set up for success. You'll get to see Boston from a whole new angle, learn some new techniques, and hopefully land a few good-sized bass. It's a perfect way to start your day on the water without taking up your whole schedule. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so check our Trips & Rates page for all the details before you book. Grab your sunscreen and let's get out there!

Boston's Premier Inshore Striped Bass Fishing

Boston Bass Bonanza

Boston Harbor striped bass haul

Reel-time action in Boston waters

Striped bass, 34-inch fish caught while fishing in MA

Big catch near Boston Light

Sunrise bite in Boston Harbor

Boston's Best: Half-Day Striped Bass Bonanza

Ready to kick off your morning with some world-class fishing right in Boston's backyard? Our Half-Day Striped Bass Trip is the perfect way to squeeze in some quality angling without eating up your whole day. We'll hit the water early, when the stripers are most active and the harbor's still nice and calm. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered with all the gear and know-how you'll need to land some impressive fish.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: you're cruising out of Boston Harbor just as the sun's starting to warm things up. The skyline's behind you, and ahead? Miles of prime striper territory. We'll hit all the local hotspots - from structure-rich areas near the islands to productive rips where the bass love to feed. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll put you right on the fish. And don't worry if you're new to this - we'll walk you through everything from baiting up to landing your catch. Just be ready for some serious action when those stripers start hitting!

Tackle Talk & Techniques

On this trip, we're all about versatility. We'll have a mix of light and medium tackle setups ready to go, perfect for the size of stripers we typically see in these parts. Depending on what the fish are biting, we might do some trolling with tube and worm rigs, or switch it up with some casting using topwater plugs or soft plastics. If the bite's really on, there's nothing quite like the thrill of watching a big striper blow up on a surface lure. And hey, if you've got a favorite lure or technique you want to try, bring it along - we're always game to switch things up.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped Bass: These are the stars of the show, and for good reason. Stripers in Boston Harbor can range anywhere from schoolies in the 20-inch range up to trophy-sized fish pushing 40 inches or more. They're known for their powerful runs and head-shaking fights, so be ready to hold on tight when you hook into a big one. Spring through fall is prime time for stripers here, with the fishing often peaking in June and July. What makes them so special? It's that perfect mix of being challenging to catch but delicious on the plate (if you decide to keep one for dinner).

Bluefish: While we're targeting stripers, don't be surprised if we run into some hard-fighting bluefish too. These toothy predators are like the pit bulls of the sea - all muscle and attitude. They'll hit lures with incredible aggression and give you a run for your money on light tackle. Bluefish typically show up in Boston waters from late spring through summer, often mixing in with the schools of stripers. They're a blast to catch and can really spice up a trip with their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs.

Flounder: If the stripers are playing hard to get, we might switch gears and drop some baits down for flounder. These flatfish might not look like much, but they're crafty bottom-dwellers that can put up a surprisingly good fight on light gear. Plus, they're absolutely delicious if you're looking to take home some fresh fish for the pan. We usually find them hanging around sandy or muddy bottoms in the harbor, and they're a great target for kids or anyone who wants to practice their technique.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing Boston Harbor that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the city skyline looks as you're reeling in a monster striper, or how you can go from downtown to deep water in just minutes. Our half-day trips are perfect for fitting some serious fishing into a busy schedule - whether you're a local looking to unwind after work or a visitor trying to squeeze in some angling between sightseeing. And let's be real, there's nothing quite like the bragging rights that come with landing a big bass right in the shadow of the city.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, what do you say? Ready to get out there and tangle with some Boston stripers? Our half-day trips fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait too long to lock in your date. Remember, we've got all the gear you'll need, but feel free to bring along your lucky hat or that special lure you swear by. Just come ready for some action, a few laughs, and the chance to make some serious fishing memories. Give us a call or hit that 'Book Now' button - we can't wait to show you what Boston fishing is all about!

Learn more about the species

Albacore Tuna

Albacore tuna are the speedsters of the tuna world. These bullet-shaped fish typically weigh 20-45 pounds and are known for their long pectoral fins and big eyes. You'll find them in deep, subtropical waters of the Atlantic, often in massive schools. These fish are always on the move, which makes for exciting fishing. We usually target them by trolling with lures like swimming plugs or tuna feathers, set about 50-90 feet behind the boat. Live bait like mackerel or squid works great too. Albacore are daytime feeders, so early morning trips give you the best shot. Once we hook one, there's a good chance we'll catch more from the same school. Just be ready - if that first fish gets away, the whole school might disappear. Anglers love albacore for their hard-fighting nature and their tasty, light meat. In fact, it's the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat tuna." Remember, while there's no size or bag limit, it's best to eat them in moderation due to mercury content.

Atlantic Bonito

Atlantic bonito are like the scrappy cousins of tuna - smaller, but full of fight. They usually run 5-10 pounds and can hit speeds of 40 mph. You'll spot them by their silver bodies with dark stripes and that narrow tail base that helps them zip through the water. We find these guys in coastal Atlantic waters, sometimes as far north as Nova Scotia. They're surface feeders, often chasing bait in big schools. Look for birds diving - that's a good sign bonito are feeding below. Bonito are most active in warmer months when water temps hit the 60s. They'll strike at just about any fast-moving lure or bait. We like to troll with small, shiny lures or live bait like mackerel or squid. If it's windy, try a metal jig - it'll cut through the chop better. These fish aren't prized for eating around here, but they're a ton of fun to catch. The fight is like a mini tuna - lots of runs and acrobatics. Perfect for lighter tackle and a great way to warm up before going after bigger game.

Yellowfin Tuna

Albacore tuna are one of the smaller tuna species, usually weighing 20-45 pounds. They're easily spotted by their long pectoral fins and big eyes. These guys are always on the move, swimming in massive schools up to 19 miles wide in deep, subtropical waters. We typically find them offshore in the warmer Atlantic waters. Albacore are prized for their light, mild meat - it's the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat tuna." Trolling is our go-to method for catching albacore. Once we hook one, there's a good chance we'll catch more from the same school. We use lures like swimming plugs or tuna feathers, set back about 50-90 feet behind the boat. Live bait like mackerel or squid works well too. These fish put up a great fight and are a blast to catch. Just remember, they're daytime feeders, so early morning trips are your best bet. One tip: if that first fish gets away, the whole school might disappear, so be ready when you get a bite!

About the Contender (Center console)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Contender (Center console)

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Join us for a laid-back morning of fishing in Boston Harbor on our half-day striped bass trip. Our comfortable boat provides the perfect platform for up to 3 guests to cast lines and reel in some of the area's prized stripers. As the city wakes up, you'll be out on the calm inshore waters, getting tips from our friendly crew on the best techniques to land these hard-fighting fish. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, we'll make sure you have a relaxed and fun time on the water. Take in the cool morning air and scenic harbor views while waiting for that telltale tug on your line. It's a great way to start your day - getting out on the boat early and potentially bringing home a tasty striped bass for dinner. Remember that all deposits are non-refundable, but we're confident you'll have a rewarding morning of fishing with us in beautiful Boston Harbor.

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