%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F1422%2Fimages%2Ffishtacologouse.png&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a trophy Striped Bass 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-fly-6263.png&w=1200&q=75)
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of New England's most prized gamefish, thriving in the coastal waters around Portsmouth, NH. These powerful fighters are identified by their distinctive horizontal stripes and can reach impressive sizes - typically 20-55 inches in length and weights between 10-81 pounds. - Stripers prefer river estuaries, coastal shores, and nearshore structures. - In summer, they follow bait schools like mackerel into Portsmouth's waters. - Live bait fishing with mackerel is highly effective for targeting larger specimens.
Fishing Charter by Captain Sean Tracey in August
Meet your Captain Sean Tracey
- Get Ready For The Striper fishing in NH and Maine
Summary
Summer fishing in Portsmouth, NH was in full swing as Captain Sean took Matthew and crew out for some inshore action aboard Fish Taco. Launching from Portsmouth Marina on a partly cloudy Thursday July morning provided perfect conditions for targeting striped bass. The strategy for the day involved catching live mackerel for bait, then live-lining them for stripers. This technique paid off with a keeper-sized striper measuring 29 inches. If you're looking to experience the thrill of striper fishing in Portsmouth's productive waters, these 4-hour charter trips offer an excellent opportunity for both experienced anglers and newcomers alike. With all necessary gear provided and expert guidance from Captain Sean, you'll maximize your chances for landing quality stripers during the prime summer season.
Fishing Charter with Sean Tracey – Rates & Booking
Captain Sean Tracey of Fish Taco offers Thursday July fishing charters targeting striped bass in the productive waters around Portsmouth. This 4-Hour Striper Fishing Trip provides everything you need for a successful day on the water, with a focus on live bait techniques that consistently produce results. The charter accommodates up to 2 guests, making it perfect for small groups wanting personalized attention and maximum fishing time. Captain Sean provides all necessary gear and shares his extensive local knowledge to put you on the fish. The meeting location is Portsmouth Marina (with convenient parking across the street in the grass lot).
Highlights of Charter Fishing Portsmouth | 4HRS Striper and Mackerel Fishing
This Portsmouth fishing charter specializes in targeting striped bass using proven local techniques. Captain Sean's approach involves catching live mackerel for bait, then strategically fishing the most productive areas based on tides, time of day, and seasonal patterns. The partly cloudy conditions on this trip created ideal fishing conditions, with less glare making it easier to spot activity on the water.
The highlight of this trip was landing a keeper-sized 29-inch striper using live-lined mackerel. These powerful fish put up an impressive fight, especially when hooked in the nutrient-rich waters around Portsmouth. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target trophy stripers or a newcomer wanting to learn effective fishing techniques, Captain Sean tailors the experience to your skill level while maximizing your chances for success.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped bass fishing around Portsmouth offers some of New England's most exciting inshore action. These powerful, line-stripping gamefish are known for their distinctive horizontal stripes and can grow to impressive sizes in these waters. During summer months, stripers move into the harbors, rivers and flats around Portsmouth following bait schools like mackerel.
The most productive techniques for Portsmouth stripers include live-lining mackerel, casting swim baits, or working structure with jigs. Water temperature plays a crucial role in striper behavior - as summer progresses, fish often move to deeper, cooler water during midday but feed actively during early morning and evening hours. Captain Sean's local knowledge ensures you'll be fishing the right spots at the right times based on current conditions.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your 4-hour striper charter with Captain Sean, plan to arrive at Portsmouth Marina a few minutes before your scheduled departure time. Wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the weather, including sun protection and non-marking shoes. The boat is well-equipped with all necessary fishing gear, safety equipment, and fish-finding technology.
While food isn't provided, feel free to bring snacks and drinks for your trip. A cooler is available for your catch if you plan to keep fish (following all current regulations). Captain Sean welcomes anglers of all experience levels and is happy to provide as much or as little hands-on instruction as needed to ensure you have a productive and enjoyable day on the water.
Fishing in Portsmouth: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), belonging to the Moronidae family in the order Perciformes, is one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic coast. Distinguished by its seven to eight horizontal black stripes running along silver-white sides, this powerful fish has earned numerous nicknames including "Stripers" and "Linesiders." In Portsmouth waters this July, these prized fish provide excellent action for both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are anadromous fish, meaning they migrate from saltwater to freshwater to spawn. They're highly regarded by anglers for their fighting ability, size potential, and delicious flavor. Their popularity has made them the subject of careful fishery management along the Atlantic coast, including in the waters around Portsmouth.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
Primarily found along the Atlantic coast from the St. Lawrence River to the St. Johns River in Florida, Striped Bass thrive in various habitats including rivers, estuaries, and coastal ocean waters. Around Portsmouth, NH, they're commonly found in harbor entrances, river mouths, rocky shorelines, and tidal rips where currents concentrate baitfish. During summer months, they often move into cooler, deeper waters during the day and feed in shallower areas during mornings and evenings.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
These impressive fish typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 81 pounds. While the average keeper-sized striper in Portsmouth waters might be in the 28-32 inch range, trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches are caught each season. The 29-inch fish mentioned in this trip report represents a quality keeper by local standards.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Stripers are opportunistic predators that feed on a variety of prey including mackerel, herring, menhaden, eels, squid, and various crustaceans. They're known for their aggressive feeding behavior, often creating visible surface commotion when chasing bait schools. Their feeding patterns are heavily influenced by tidal movements, with many experienced Portsmouth anglers planning their trips around specific tide stages for optimal results.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped Bass typically spawn in freshwater from April through June when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. After spawning, adult fish migrate to coastal feeding grounds, including the waters around Portsmouth, where they remain through summer and fall. By July, most of the stripers found in Portsmouth waters have completed spawning and are actively feeding to regain condition.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Several effective techniques work well for Portsmouth stripers. Live-lining mackerel, as used during this charter, is a top method during summer months. Other productive approaches include casting topwater plugs during early morning or evening hours, working jigs around structure, or drifting eels near rocky areas. In July, Portsmouth anglers often find stripers congregating around harbor entrances, bridge pilings, and deeper channels where cooler water provides relief during warm afternoons.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass is widely considered excellent table fare, with firm, white flesh that's mild and slightly sweet. It's versatile enough for various cooking methods including grilling, baking, and pan-searing. The meat offers good nutritional value, being high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Many anglers practice selective harvest, keeping mid-sized fish (like the 29-incher mentioned) while releasing both smaller fish and larger breeding specimens.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass in Portsmouth?
A: Live mackerel is considered premium bait in Portsmouth during summer months. Other effective options include live eels, fresh chunked mackerel, and artificial lures like swimming plugs and soft plastic jigs that mimic local baitfish.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Portsmouth?
A: Productive areas include harbor entrances, bridge pilings, rocky shorelines, channel edges, and areas with current that concentrates baitfish. The specific hotspots change throughout the season based on water temperature, bait movements, and tidal patterns.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is considered excellent eating with firm, white, flaky meat that's mild and sweet. It's versatile for various cooking methods and provides good nutritional value.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass in Portsmouth?
A: The prime season runs from May through October, with July and August typically producing consistent action. Dawn and dusk are generally most productive, along with periods of moving tide when water is actively flowing.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I keep in New Hampshire?
A: Regulations change yearly, but currently anglers can keep fish between 28-35 inches, with specific slot limit restrictions. Always check current regulations before your trip as these rules are strictly enforced and subject to change.
Q: Do I need special tackle for Striped Bass fishing?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or conventional tackle with 20-30 pound test line is typically sufficient. Captain Sean provides all necessary equipment on his charters, customized specifically for local striper fishing conditions.
