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Caught a 22inch Striped Bass in East Dennis
Striped Bass Fishing in East Dennis
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The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of Cape Cod's most prized gamefish, known for its distinctive seven to eight dark horizontal stripes running along its silvery sides. These powerful fish can grow to impressive sizes, typically ranging from 20 to 55 inches in length and weighing between 10 and 81 pounds when fully mature. - Stripers are anadromous fish, meaning they migrate from saltwater to freshwater to spawn. - They're known for their strong fighting ability, making them a favorite target for recreational anglers. - Massachusetts regulations currently allow keeping Striped Bass between 28-31 inches.
Fishing Charter by Captain Mark Haley in August
Meet your Captain Mark Haley
- Top Cape Cod Fishing Charter from Boston
Summary
This July Wednesday delivered an action-packed half-day fishing charter in East Dennis, MA with Magnanimous SportFishing. Captain Mark Haley guided anglers to a beautiful 22-inch Striped Bass while working offshore waters. Using multiple techniques including jigging, trolling, and bottom fishing, the charter provided consistent action throughout the afternoon. Cape Cod's summer waters proved productive despite variable weather conditions that eventually cleared into perfect fishing conditions. This private charter experience showcases why East Dennis remains a premier destination for anglers targeting Striped Bass. With all equipment provided and expert guidance from Captain Mark, this 4-hour adventure offers the perfect blend of excitement and accessibility for fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels looking to experience Cape Cod's legendary Striper fishing.
Fishing Charter with Mark Haley – Rates & Booking
Captain Mark Haley of Magnanimous SportFishing offers Wednesday July half-day adventures aboard The Magnanimous. These private 4-hour charters accommodate up to 6 guests and provide all the necessary fishing equipment. We focus primarily on Striped Bass but also target Bluefish and Albies depending on seasonal availability. Captain Mark's extensive local knowledge ensures you'll be fishing the most productive spots in Cape Cod Bay. All fishing licenses are included, and the experienced crew provides hands-on guidance for anglers of all skill levels.
The half-day format gives you plenty of time on the water without consuming your entire day, making it perfect for families or those with additional vacation plans. Morning and afternoon departures are available from our convenient East Dennis location. For the best seasonal fishing and to secure your preferred date, we recommend booking your charter in advance.
Highlights of Private Cape Cod Fishing Charter for Stripers, Bluefish, and Albies
The highlight of our recent trip was landing a beautiful 22-inch Striped Bass while jigging in Cape Cod Bay. These powerful gamefish put up an impressive fight, providing thrilling action for anglers of all skill levels. Captain Mark employs various fishing techniques throughout the trip, including trolling, bottom fishing, and jigging, maximizing your chances for success regardless of conditions.
The Magnanimous is well-equipped for offshore fishing adventures, providing a comfortable and stable platform even when seas kick up. The 4-hour duration hits the sweet spot between getting enough time on the water and maintaining energy levels, especially for families or first-time anglers. Each charter includes personalized instruction from Captain Mark, who tailors the experience to your group's preferences and experience level.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing, known for their powerful fights and excellent table qualities. These fish migrate along the East Coast and typically arrive in Cape Cod waters by late spring, remaining through fall. In East Dennis, they're often found around structure, sandbars, and drop-offs where baitfish concentrate. July typically offers consistent Striper action as water temperatures reach optimal levels.
Captain Mark specializes in locating Striped Bass using time-tested techniques and modern electronics. These fish respond well to various presentations including live bait, artificial lures, and fly fishing approaches. Massachusetts regulations allow keeping Striped Bass within specific size limits (currently 28-31 inches), making them a potential keeper for the dinner table. For conservation-minded anglers, catch-and-release is always encouraged to maintain healthy populations for future generations.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your charter aboard The Magnanimous departs from 351 Sesuit Neck Rd in East Dennis. It's recommended to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and bring sun protection, including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. While all fishing equipment is provided, you may want to bring snacks, beverages, and a camera to document your catch.
Weather conditions can change quickly on Cape Cod, so layered clothing is advisable even during summer months. Captain Mark monitors conditions closely and will communicate any weather-related schedule changes. The boat provides some covered space but being prepared for sun exposure is important. For those prone to motion sickness, taking preventative medication before departure is recommended, especially for offshore trips where seas can be more active.
Fishing in Cape Cod: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), a member of the Moronidae family in the order Perciformes, is one of the most iconic and sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic coast. Distinguished by its seven to eight dark horizontal stripes running along silvery sides, these powerful fish provide thrilling action for anglers visiting East Dennis in July when the summer bite is typically in full swing.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass, commonly called "stripers" or "rockfish" in some regions, are renowned for their fighting spirit and table quality. These fish represent the perfect blend of accessibility and challenge, making them highly prized by both casual and serious anglers. With their ability to grow to impressive sizes and their seasonal migrations, they create a dynamic fishery that changes throughout the year.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These versatile fish inhabit various environments including rivers, lakes, nearshore waters, and offshore areas. They're native to the Atlantic coastline from the St. Lawrence River to the St. Johns River in Florida, but have been introduced to waters across the United States. Around East Dennis, they're commonly found near structure, along drop-offs, and around bait schools in Cape Cod Bay during summer months.
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 keeper-sized fish in Massachusetts waters (28-31 inches) generally weighs 8-12 pounds, while trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches and 30+ pounds are caught each season. Cape Cod waters are known for producing quality fish, with 22-inch specimens like the one in our photo representing a solid catch.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed on a variety of prey including menhaden, herring, mackerel, squid, sand eels, and crabs. They typically hunt in schools, often corralling baitfish against structure or the surface. Their feeding patterns are heavily influenced by tide, time of day, and bait presence. Dawn and dusk periods typically produce the most consistent action, though Cape Cod's Stripers will feed throughout the day when conditions are right.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Stripers are anadromous fish that migrate from saltwater to freshwater to spawn. The main spawning grounds for East Coast Striped Bass are in the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware River, and Hudson River. Spawning typically occurs in spring when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. By July in East Dennis, most spawning activity has concluded, and fish are actively feeding throughout Cape Cod waters.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Several effective methods work well for targeting Striped Bass in East Dennis waters. Jigging with soft plastics or metal jigs around structure produces excellent results, as demonstrated by our 22-inch catch. Live bait fishing with mackerel, herring, or eels is particularly effective for larger specimens. Trolling with tube-and-worm rigs or diving plugs allows covering more water to locate active fish. In July around East Dennis, focus on tide changes near harbor entrances, jetties, and offshore sandbars where stripers ambush prey.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass is highly regarded for its culinary qualities, offering firm, white, flaky meat with a mild flavor. It's versatile in preparation methods, excelling whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared. The fish is nutritionally valuable, providing excellent protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. However, conservation-minded anglers often practice catch-and-release to support population sustainability, especially with larger breeding-sized specimens.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: In East Dennis waters, live mackerel, fresh-chunked menhaden (pogies), and sea worms on tube rigs are consistently productive. Artificial lures like soft plastic swimbaits in 5-7 inch lengths and topwater plugs at dawn/dusk also produce excellent results.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near East Dennis?
A: Prime locations include the waters off Sesuit Harbor, Brewster Flats during incoming tides, and the deeper channels along Cape Cod Bay. Structure such as rock piles, drop-offs, and areas with strong current flow concentrate both bait and Stripers.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is excellent table fare with firm white meat and mild flavor. For the best eating quality, immediately bleed and ice fish between 28-31 inches (the current Massachusetts keeper slot limit). Larger specimens often have stronger flavor and may contain more contaminants.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Cape Cod, the prime Striper season runs from May through October, with July and August typically offering consistent action. The most productive times are dawn, dusk, and during moving tides. Night fishing is particularly effective during warm summer months when fish move into shallower water to feed.
