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Caught a Trophy Striped Bass Inshore in Portsmouth
Striped Bass Fishing in Portsmouth
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Striped Bass, also known as "stripers" or "rockfish" in some regions, are a prized gamefish found along the Atlantic coast. They're renowned for their impressive fighting ability and can grow to substantial sizes, with trophy specimens exceeding 50 pounds. - Striped bass are an anadromous species, meaning they migrate from saltwater to freshwater to spawn. - They're identified by their distinctive horizontal black stripes running along their silvery sides.
Fishing Charter by Captain Sean Tracey in August
Meet your Captain Sean Tracey
- Get Ready For The Striper fishing in NH and Maine
Summary
Our Portsmouth fishing charter on Friday June offered the perfect opportunity to target trophy striped bass in New Hampshire waters. Captain Sean Tracey of Fish Taco led this father-son duo from Philadelphia on a productive 4-hour inshore trip, starting at dawn when striper activity peaks. After catching mackerel for bait, we moved upriver where the real action began. The morning conditions were ideal—partly cloudy skies with light chop—perfect for enticing these prized gamefish to strike. Using the fresh mackerel as bait proved effective, leading to an impressive 32-inch striped bass that put up quite a fight before being carefully released. These summer charters are ideal for both experienced anglers and beginners looking to learn proper techniques while enjoying Portsmouth's scenic waters.
Fishing Charter with Sean Tracey – Rates & Booking
Captain Sean Tracey of Fish Taco offers this Friday June 4-Hour Striper Fishing Trip departing from Portsmouth Marina. Our inshore fishing charters are designed to put you on striped bass and mackerel using effective local techniques. We provide all the necessary gear and expertise to help you target these prized gamefish in the productive waters around Portsmouth. This trip accommodates up to 2 guests, making it perfect for small groups or family outings. You'll meet at the Portsmouth Marina (with parking available in the grass lot across the street) before heading out to the best fishing spots.
Highlights of Charter Fishing Portsmouth | 4HRS Striper and Mackerel Fishing
This Portsmouth fishing charter combines the excitement of catching mackerel with the thrill of using them as bait for trophy striped bass. You'll start by targeting schools of mackerel near the shoreline, then move upriver to the prime striper habitat. Captain Sean's knowledge of local waters ensures you'll fish the most productive areas based on tides, time of day, and seasonal patterns. The highlight of this trip is the opportunity to land sizeable striped bass—a fighting fish that provides an exciting challenge for anglers of all skill levels. Throughout the charter, you'll receive personalized instruction on techniques that work best in these New Hampshire waters.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped bass thrive in the Portsmouth area, particularly during summer months when they follow baitfish into the rivers and nearshore waters. These powerful gamefish are known for their distinctive horizontal stripes and impressive fighting ability. When targeting stripers in Portsmouth, live bait like mackerel proves extremely effective, though swim baits and lures also produce results depending on conditions. June is prime time for striped bass fishing here, as water temperatures reach the sweet spot that brings these fish into more accessible waters. The tidal rivers and flats around Portsmouth create ideal hunting grounds for stripers, with the fish often holding near structure, drop-offs, and areas with current where they can ambush prey.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your 4-hour striper fishing trip with Captain Sean, plan to arrive at the Portsmouth Marina early—typically 6:00 AM for morning trips when the fishing is often best. Wear comfortable layers as morning temperatures on the water can be cool even in summer. Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat are recommended. All fishing gear, bait, and tackle are provided, though you're welcome to bring your favorite rod if you prefer. Don't forget to bring water, snacks, and a camera to document your catch. Captain Sean practices responsible catch-and-release for striped bass, ensuring these magnificent fish remain plentiful in Portsmouth waters for years to come.
Fishing in Portsmouth: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), belonging to the Moronidae family and Perciformes order, is one of the most prized gamefish along the Atlantic coast. Distinguished by its seven to eight dark horizontal stripes running along a silvery body, these fish combine impressive fighting ability with substantial size potential. In Portsmouth waters this June, stripers are particularly active as they follow baitfish schools into the rivers and nearshore areas.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are anadromous fish that typically inhabit coastal waters but migrate into rivers to spawn. These powerful gamefish are highly sought after by recreational anglers for their challenging fights and impressive size. Their adaptability to various habitats has made them successful both in their native Atlantic range and in stocked inland waters across the country.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
Naturally found along the Atlantic coast from Florida to Canada, Striped Bass thrive in diverse environments including rivers, lakes, estuaries, and nearshore ocean waters. Around Portsmouth, NH, they're commonly found in tidal rivers, along rocky shorelines, and near structure where current creates feeding opportunities. They prefer areas with good water flow and oxygen levels, often congregating near drop-offs, channels, and areas where baitfish concentrate.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass typically measure between 20 and 55 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 81 pounds. Most recreational catches fall in the 5-30 pound range, with fish over 40 pounds considered trophy specimens. The growth rate varies based on habitat, with sea-run stripers generally growing larger than their landlocked counterparts.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
These predators feed primarily on smaller fish like mackerel, herring, menhaden, and river herring, as well as crustaceans and squid. They're opportunistic feeders that often hunt in schools, corralling baitfish against structure or the surface. Stripers are most active during dawn and dusk, though they'll feed throughout the day when conditions are favorable or during strong tidal movements.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in spring when water temperatures reach 58-68°F, typically April through June depending on location. In the Northeast, including Portsmouth waters, spawning activity peaks in May and early June. During this time, mature stripers migrate from saltwater into freshwater rivers where females release eggs that are fertilized by multiple males, after which they return to saltwater habitats.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Live bait fishing with mackerel, herring, or eels is extremely effective for Portsmouth stripers, particularly during summer months. For artificial lures, swimming plugs, soft plastic jigs, and metal spoons all produce results when worked near structure or in current seams. Fly anglers can target stripers using large streamers or poppers, especially during dawn or dusk feeding periods. In June, Portsmouth anglers often find success working the river mouths and channel edges where stripers ambush baitfish moving with the tides.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white flesh that has a mild, sweet flavor. It's versatile for various cooking methods including grilling, baking, broiling, or pan-searing. Nutritionally, it's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to other large predatory fish. However, anglers should always check local consumption advisories and follow size and bag limit regulations.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live or fresh mackerel, herring, and eels are top baits for stripers in Portsmouth waters. Fresh chunk bait can also be effective when live options aren't available. For artificial options, swimbaits mimicking local baitfish, topwater plugs, and soft plastic jigs produce consistent results.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Portsmouth?
A: Striped Bass in the Portsmouth area are commonly found along river mouths, tidal flats, rocky shorelines, and near structures like bridges and jetties. The Piscataqua River and Great Bay estuary system are particularly productive areas, especially during summer months when stripers feed actively.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is excellent eating with firm white flesh and a mild flavor. It's versatile for different cooking methods and rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids. However, many anglers in Portsmouth practice catch-and-release for conservation purposes, particularly with larger breeding fish.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Portsmouth, the prime striped bass season runs from late May through September, with June and July typically offering the most consistent action. Daily, the best fishing occurs during dawn and dusk or during moving tides when stripers feed most actively.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in New Hampshire?
A: Regulations change annually, so it's essential to check current New Hampshire Fish and Game rules before keeping any striped bass. Recent regulations have specified a slot limit protecting both smaller fish and larger breeding specimens.
Q: What tackle should I use for Striped Bass?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or conventional tackle with 15-30 pound test line works well for most Portsmouth striper fishing. For larger fish, especially when using live bait, heavier gear may be necessary to control and land these powerful fighters effectively.
