%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F1422%2Fimages%2Ffishtacologouse.png&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a Striped Bass Inshore in Portsmouth
Striped Bass Fishing in Portsmouth, NH
5.0
3 Reviews
- 5
100% - 4
0% - 30%
- 20%
- 10%
%2F%2Fusers%2F3e897f26-98da-4615-b013-5d2ea05c93c6%2Fimages%2Fstriped-bass-portsmouth-marina-10351.png&w=1200&q=75)
Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) belongs to the Moronidae family and Perciformes order, making it a true perch species despite its substantial size. These powerful gamefish typically range from 20-55 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 10-81 pounds when fully mature. - These fish are recognized by their distinctive horizontal stripes running along their silver bodies. - Stripers thrive in various habitats including rivers, lakes, and nearshore coastal waters, making Portsmouth an ideal location to target them.
Fishing Charter by Captain Sean Tracey in August
Meet your Captain Sean Tracey
- Get Ready For The Striper fishing in NH and Maine
Summary
Thursday June with Fish Taco's Charter Fishing service offers an exciting opportunity to target striped bass in the productive waters of Portsmouth, NH. Captain Sean Tracey knows these waters intimately, putting anglers on fish using proven techniques like live eels, swim baits, and other effective lures. This 4-hour striper fishing trip is perfect for both experienced anglers and beginners looking to hook into these powerful gamefish. The inshore waters around Portsmouth provide ideal habitat for stripers, with the right mix of structure, bait, and current. Captain Sean's local expertise ensures you'll be fishing the most productive spots while enjoying a personalized fishing experience with top-quality gear and instruction.
Fishing Charter with Sean Tracey – Rates & Booking
Captain Sean Tracey of Fish Taco on Thursday June took Paul and Bob out for a productive striper fishing trip in Portsmouth. The 4-hour charter begins with a morning launch, giving you the best opportunity to catch these prized gamefish when they're most active. All fishing equipment, bait, and licenses are provided, making this a hassle-free experience for visitors. The charter accommodates up to 2 guests, ensuring personalized attention and plenty of fishing action for everyone aboard.
Our Portsmouth location offers convenient access to prime striper fishing grounds, with the meeting point easily accessible. Captain Sean's extensive local knowledge means you'll be fishing productive areas that consistently hold striped bass throughout the season. Booking is straightforward—simply reserve your preferred date online and prepare for an exciting day on New Hampshire's waters.
Highlights of Charter Fishing Portsmouth | 4HRS Striper and Mackerel Fishing
The moment you start fishing, you'll understand why Portsmouth is renowned for its striper fishing. On a recent trip, Paul and Bob landed two 27-inch stripers within minutes of wetting their lines, using eels to entice these hard-fighting fish. Captain Sean's approach combines proven techniques with seasonal patterns to put clients on fish consistently throughout the charter.
The Portsmouth River and inshore waters provide diverse fishing environments, from structure-rich areas to open flats where stripers hunt for baitfish. The 4-hour trip format is perfectly timed to coincide with peak feeding periods, maximizing your chances of a memorable catch. Whether you're casting light tackle or trying your hand at fly fishing for these powerful gamefish, Captain Sean provides the expertise needed for a successful fishing experience.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped bass in Portsmouth waters are renowned for their fighting ability and substantial size. These fish typically cruise the river systems and inshore areas, following baitfish migrations and responding to tidal movements. The most productive technique varies by season—in early summer, live eels prove irresistible as the water warms and stripers become more aggressive.
Captain Sean's approach involves targeting specific structure and depth ranges where stripers congregate. Morning trips often produce the most consistent action, with fish actively feeding in the river and along shoreline structure. The Portsmouth area offers some of New Hampshire's premier striper habitat, with the right mix of current, structure, and forage that keeps these fish returning season after season. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to striper fishing, these powerful fish offer an exciting challenge in beautiful coastal surroundings.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 4-hour striper fishing charter includes all the necessary equipment, from quality rods and reels to specialized terminal tackle designed specifically for these hard-fighting fish. The comfortable, well-maintained vessel provides a stable fishing platform while accessing Portsmouth's productive fishing grounds. Early morning departures (typically 7:00 am) coincide with prime feeding periods, though Captain Sean may adjust timing based on tides and conditions for optimal success.
Dress in layers for New Hampshire's changeable coastal weather, and don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection. A camera is essential for documenting your catch, as most stripers are released after a quick photo. The Fish Taco charter service focuses on sustainability, teaching proper catch-and-release techniques while still allowing anglers to experience the thrill of landing these magnificent gamefish.
Fishing in Portsmouth: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of the most prized gamefish along the Atlantic coast. A member of the Moronidae family and Perciformes order, these fish are instantly recognizable by their sleek bodies with distinctive horizontal black stripes running along silvery sides. In Portsmouth waters this June, stripers move into the river systems and nearshore areas, creating perfect opportunities for anglers.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped bass, often called "stripers" or "rockfish" in some regions, represent the pinnacle of inshore fishing for many anglers. These powerful fish combine aggressive strikes, determined fights, and substantial size, making them a premier gamefish throughout their range. Their ability to thrive in diverse habitats from freshwater rivers to open ocean has contributed to their popularity.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish inhabit a variety of environments including rivers, estuaries, and coastal ocean waters. In Portsmouth, NH, stripers typically follow predictable migration patterns, moving into river systems and harbors as water temperatures increase. They prefer areas with structure, current, and abundant baitfish, making the Portsmouth River and nearby coastal waters ideal habitat.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Adult striped bass typically measure between 20 and 55 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 81 pounds. The average catch in Portsmouth waters tends toward the 24-36 inch range, providing excellent sport on appropriate tackle. Trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches are caught each season, particularly during prime migration periods.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Stripers are opportunistic predators that feed primarily on smaller fish including herring, mackerel, menhaden, and eels. They also consume crustaceans and squid when available. Their feeding behavior is often tide-dependent, with most aggressive activity occurring during moving water. Stripers typically feed most actively during dawn and dusk, though they may feed throughout the day in overcast conditions.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped bass spawn in freshwater environments from April through June, with exact timing dependent on water temperatures reaching 60-67°F. Most stripers in New Hampshire waters originate from spawning grounds in the Chesapeake Bay and Hudson River systems. After spawning, adult fish migrate northward along the coast, reaching New Hampshire waters by late spring, creating prime fishing conditions through summer.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Several effective methods can be employed for catching stripers in Portsmouth. Live eels are particularly productive, especially during early summer when stripers are actively feeding. Casting or trolling with swim shads, bucktail jigs, and soft plastic lures also produces consistent results. Fly anglers can enjoy success with larger streamers and poppers. In June, Portsmouth anglers often find stripers holding around bridge pilings, river mouths, and along current seams where baitfish concentrate.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white, moderately fatty meat that lends itself to various cooking methods. The flavor is mild yet distinctive, with a clean taste that's less fishy than many other species. Grilling, baking, and broiling are popular preparation methods. Stripers provide good nutritional value with high protein content and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, though larger specimens may contain higher mercury levels, so moderation is advised.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for striped bass?
A: Live eels are among the most effective baits for striped bass in Portsmouth waters, particularly during summer months. Other productive options include live or chunked mackerel, herring, and menhaden. Artificial lures that mimic these baitfish, especially those in the 6-10 inch range, also produce consistent results.
Q: Where can I find striped bass near Portsmouth?
A: In Portsmouth, productive striper locations include the Piscataqua River, Great Bay estuary, and nearby coastal structure. Focus on areas with current, such as bridge pilings, channel edges, and river mouths. During June, many stripers can be found in relatively shallow water early and late in the day.
Q: Is striped bass good to eat?
A: Yes, striped bass is considered excellent table fare with firm, white flesh that's versatile for various cooking methods. The meat has a clean, mild flavor that appeals to most seafood enthusiasts. For best eating quality, most anglers prefer keeping medium-sized fish (24-30 inches) rather than larger specimens.
Q: When is the best time to catch striped bass?
A: In Portsmouth, the prime striped bass season runs from May through October, with peak action typically occurring from June through August. The most productive times are often early morning and evening, particularly during moving tides. Overcast days can produce all-day action, while bright, sunny conditions may limit feeding to dawn and dusk.
Q: What size rod and reel should I use for striped bass?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or conventional tackle rated for 15-30 pound line works well for most Portsmouth striper fishing situations. A 7-foot rod provides good casting distance and fighting leverage. Reels should hold at least 200 yards of line to handle the powerful runs these fish often make.
Q: Are striped bass endangered or protected?
A: Striped bass are carefully managed but not endangered. Current regulations aim to maintain sustainable populations through size limits, bag limits, and seasonal restrictions. Always check the latest New Hampshire Fish and Game regulations before fishing, as rules can change based on population assessments.
