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Caught a trophy Striped Bass in Portsmouth
Striped Bass Fishing in Portsmouth
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The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of the most prized gamefish in the Atlantic coastal waters. Found in Portsmouth's waters, these powerful fish are known for their distinctive horizontal black stripes and aggressive fighting ability when hooked. - Typically ranges from 20-55 inches in length and 10-81 pounds. - Thrives in various habitats including rivers, lakes, and nearshore coastal waters. - Popular target for recreational anglers using both live bait and artificial lures.
Fishing Charter by Captain Sean Tracey in August
Meet your Captain Sean Tracey
- Get Ready For The Striper fishing in NH and Maine
Summary
Sunday July on the water with Fish Taco Fishing Charter in Portsmouth, NH delivered some exciting Striped Bass action. Captain Sean Tracey guided his guests through an effective inshore fishing experience, starting with gathering fresh mackerel bait before targeting the prized stripers. The highlight came when William landed an impressive 28-inch Striped Bass after an exciting fight on light tackle. This 4-Hour Striper Fishing Trip showcases the summer fishing opportunities in Portsmouth's waters, with Captain Sean's local knowledge maximizing your chances for success. Fish Taco provides all the necessary tackle, live bait rigs, and expert techniques to put you on fish in the productive waters of Little Bay and the Piscataqua River. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to saltwater fishing, these Portsmouth charters offer the perfect opportunity to land trophy Striped Bass during the summer bite.
Fishing Charter with Sean Tracey – Rates & Booking
Captain Sean Tracey of Fish Taco on Sunday July offers a premium 4-Hour Striper Fishing Trip departing from Portsmouth Marina. This inshore fishing adventure focuses on the productive summer Striped Bass bite in the waters around Portsmouth, NH. Captain Sean provides all necessary fishing gear, including specialized light tackle setups and Sabiki rigs for catching live mackerel bait. The charter is perfect for small groups, with a focus on personalized instruction whether you're experienced or new to saltwater fishing. Book your Portsmouth fishing charter today to experience the thrill of targeting Striped Bass in Little Bay and the Piscataqua River.
Highlights of Charter Fishing Portsmouth | 4HRS Striper and Mackerel Fishing
Fish Taco's 4-hour charters maximize your fishing time by efficiently targeting both bait and gamefish. Captain Sean begins each trip by filling the live well with fresh mackerel, creating the perfect opportunity to land quality Striped Bass. The charter provides a complete experience with all necessary tackle and equipment provided, allowing you to focus entirely on the fishing action.
The inshore waters around Portsmouth offer consistent summer Striped Bass activity, making this an ideal family-friendly fishing opportunity. Captain Sean's expert knowledge of local fishing spots, tide patterns, and proven techniques ensures the best possible chance at landing these hard-fighting gamefish. Even if you've never fished in saltwater before, you'll receive clear instruction and hands-on guidance throughout the trip.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass thrive in Portsmouth's diverse waters, from the tidal currents of the Piscataqua River to the protected areas of Little Bay. These powerful gamefish respond well to live bait presentations, particularly with fresh mackerel which mimics their natural prey. During summer months, Stripers move into shallower waters around structure and current breaks, making them accessible to anglers using light tackle gear.
Portsmouth's unique position at the mouth of a major river system creates ideal feeding grounds for Striped Bass, especially during tide changes when baitfish become more vulnerable. Captain Sean's approach of using live-lined mackerel specifically targets the larger, more aggressive fish in the 25-30 inch range. The partly cloudy conditions mentioned in the trip report create ideal lighting for stripers to feed actively without the full brightness of direct sunlight.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Fish Taco's 4-hour charters typically begin in the early morning to take advantage of optimal fishing conditions. The boat comfortably accommodates small groups, making it perfect for family outings or friends looking for a personalized fishing experience. Captain Sean launches from Portsmouth Marina, where you'll find convenient parking across the street in the grass lot as noted in the meeting instructions.
Dress in layers for comfort on the water, as temperatures can vary throughout the morning. Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat are recommended even on partly cloudy days. While all fishing gear and tackle are provided, you may want to bring a small cooler for beverages, a camera to capture your catch, and any personal snacks for the trip.
Fishing in Portsmouth: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is a highly prized gamefish belonging to the Moronidae family within the order Perciformes. Known for its distinctive dark horizontal stripes running along silvery sides, this powerful fish has become the cornerstone of recreational fishing along the Atlantic coast. In Portsmouth waters this July, anglers target these hard-fighting fish as they pursue baitfish in the productive waters of Little Bay and the Piscataqua River.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass, often called "stripers" or "rockfish" by anglers, are anadromous fish that typically spawn in freshwater but spend much of their lives in saltwater. Their adaptability to different water conditions and aggressive predatory nature make them one of the most sought-after gamefish on the East Coast, supporting a significant recreational fishery.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish inhabit coastal waters from the St. Lawrence River in Canada to the St. Johns River in Florida, with introduced populations on the Pacific Coast. In Portsmouth, NH, they frequent river mouths, estuaries, rocky coastlines, and sandy beaches. They're often found around structure such as bridge pilings, rock piles, and channel edges where currents create feeding opportunities.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length, with weights between 10 and 81 pounds. The average catch in Portsmouth waters ranges from 24-30 inches, though trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches are caught each season. Their impressive size and strength make them a challenging and rewarding catch.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed primarily on smaller fish like mackerel, herring, and menhaden, as well as crustaceans and squid. They're ambush feeders, often using structure and current breaks to their advantage. In Portsmouth, they become particularly active during tide changes when baitfish become disoriented and vulnerable.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped Bass spawn in freshwater rivers in spring and early summer when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. After spawning, adult fish migrate to coastal waters for feeding. In New Hampshire waters, most stripers are migrants that have spawned in the Chesapeake Bay or Hudson River before making their way north to feed during summer months.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Live bait fishing with mackerel, as practiced by Captain Sean, is extremely effective for Portsmouth stripers. Other productive methods include casting soft plastic jigs along shorelines, trolling with tube-and-worm rigs, or fly fishing with large streamers. In July, anglers around Portsmouth find stripers concentrating around the river mouth and adjacent bays, particularly during moving tides when the fish actively feed.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers firm, white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor that many consider among the finest of all seafood. It's versatile for cooking methods including grilling, baking, or pan-searing. Nutritionally, it's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, always check local regulations regarding harvest, as size limits and seasonal restrictions are common conservation measures.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live mackerel, menhaden (bunker), and eels are top natural baits in the Portsmouth area. For artificial lures, swimming plugs, soft plastic jigs, and bucktail jigs in white, chartreuse, or pearl colors are consistently productive.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Portsmouth?
A: The Piscataqua River, Little Bay, and Great Bay are prime locations. Focus on areas with strong current, structure, or bait concentrations. Bridge pilings, rocky points, and channel edges are particularly productive, especially during tide changes.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild flavor. It's versatile for various cooking methods and high in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Always follow local regulations regarding keeper sizes and limits.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Portsmouth, the prime season runs from late May through September, with July and August offering consistent action. Dawn and dusk are typically most productive, along with periods of moving tide when stripers actively feed.
Q: What size Striped Bass is considered a trophy?
A: In New Hampshire waters, any Striped Bass over 36 inches is considered an excellent catch, with fish over 40 inches qualifying as true trophies. The current state record is over 67 pounds.
Q: Can beginners catch Striped Bass?
A: Absolutely. With guided trips like those offered by Fish Taco, beginners can successfully target these fish. Captain Sean provides all necessary equipment and instruction, making it accessible even for first-time saltwater anglers.
