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Caught a trophy Striped Bass in Wells ME
Striped Bass Fishing in Wells, ME
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The Striped Bass is one of the most prized gamefish along the Atlantic coast, known for its fighting ability and excellent taste. These powerful fish can be found in coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers. In Wells, ME, they're particularly active during summer months. - Can grow up to 55 inches and weigh over 80 pounds - Identified by distinctive horizontal black stripes along their silvery sides - Feed primarily on smaller baitfish, making them susceptible to a variety of fishing techniques
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Jeff Trudeau in August
Meet your Guide Jeff Trudeau
- Discover Wells, Maine: Ultimate Fishing Guide
Summary
Our Wednesday July night fishing charter in Wells, Maine delivered exactly what we promised—monster Striped Bass action! Setting out from Wells Harbor as the sun began to set, we embarked on our 6-hour private night fishing adventure with all gear provided. The evening started clear, with cloud cover rolling in later—perfect conditions for targeting big stripers. We mixed techniques between surf casting, trolling, and bait fishing, focusing on the inshore waters where Striped Bass feed actively after dark. The highlight came when we landed a massive 44-inch Striper that put up an incredible fight. Night fishing in Wells offers a completely different experience than daytime trips, with the bigger fish often becoming more active once the sun goes down. Our Exclusive Night Fishing Adventure is perfect for both experienced anglers and those looking to try something new.
Fishing Charter with Jeff Trudeau – Rates & Booking
Captain Jeff Trudeau of Reel Nice Surprise offers this Wednesday July night fishing adventure for $1,100 per trip for up to 3 guests. This extended half-day charter runs 6 hours, typically starting at 6:30 PM to capitalize on the prime night fishing conditions. All necessary fishing equipment is provided, including quality rods, reels, and bait. As a licensed guide with extensive local knowledge of Wells waters, Captain Jeff focuses on putting you on monster Striped Bass when they're most active. Night fishing offers a peaceful yet exciting experience away from daytime boat traffic and summer heat.
Highlights of Extended Half Day Night Striped Bass Fishing Trip in Maine
The 6-hour night fishing experience offers several advantages over typical daytime trips. The larger Striped Bass often feed more aggressively after dark, giving you better chances at trophy-sized catches. During our most recent trip, we landed a massive 44-inch Striper along with several other quality fish in the 30-40 inch range. The peaceful evening atmosphere creates a unique on-water experience that many anglers find more relaxing than daytime fishing.
Captain Jeff employs a variety of techniques including surf casting, trolling, and bait fishing to maximize your chances. The Wells Harbor area provides diverse fishing grounds that hold large concentrations of Striped Bass throughout the summer months. With a 3-person maximum, you'll enjoy personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably throughout the evening.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Wells, Maine offers some of the best Striped Bass fishing on the Atlantic coast, particularly during summer months when these fish are actively feeding in coastal waters. The local stripers typically range from 24-44 inches, with trophy specimens exceeding 40 pounds. These fish are structure-oriented, gathering around jetties, rock piles, and channel edges where bait concentrates.
Summer night fishing is particularly productive as Striped Bass move into shallower water to feed under the cover of darkness. The incoming tide typically produces the best bite, especially when it coincides with dawn or dusk. Captain Jeff's local knowledge ensures you'll be in the right spots at the right times to target these powerful gamefish. Live bait like mackerel and eels work exceptionally well, though artificial lures including swimming plugs and soft plastics also produce great results when worked properly through the feeding zones.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your night fishing trip, dress in layers as temperatures can drop significantly on the water after sunset. A light jacket or windbreaker is recommended even during summer months. The boat is equipped with all necessary safety equipment and comfortable seating. While food and drinks aren't provided, you're welcome to bring your own cooler with refreshments. You'll want to arrive at Wells Harbor about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time to meet Captain Jeff and get situated. Don't forget to bring a camera to document your catches before release!
Fishing in Maine: Striped Bass
Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), members of the Moronidae family in the order Perciformes, are iconic gamefish along the Atlantic coast. Distinguished by their seven to eight dark horizontal stripes running along silvery sides, these powerful predators are a prized catch for anglers visiting Wells in July. Their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in various environments from freshwater rivers to inshore coastal waters.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are anadromous fish, meaning they can live in both fresh and saltwater environments. They're highly sought after by recreational anglers for their fighting ability, size potential, and excellent table fare. Their popularity has led to careful management practices to ensure sustainable populations along the Atlantic coast.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish inhabit coastal waters, estuaries, rivers, and lakes along the Atlantic seaboard from the St. Lawrence River to northern Florida, with particularly strong populations in the Northeast. Around Wells, ME, they can be found in harbor entrances, along beaches, around rocky structures, and in deeper channels, especially during summer migrations.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Typical Striped Bass range from 20 to 55 inches in length, with weights varying from 10 to 81 pounds for mature specimens. Trophy-sized fish exceeding 40 inches are not uncommon in Maine waters during peak summer months. The current world record stands at 81 pounds, 14 ounces, though fish in the 30-40 pound range represent excellent catches in most regions.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Stripers are opportunistic predators, feeding primarily on smaller fish like herring, mackerel, menhaden, and squid. They're structure-oriented, often hunting around jetties, rocky outcroppings, and channel edges where baitfish concentrate. During summer nights in Wells, they become particularly active feeders, moving into shallower waters to ambush prey.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Spawning typically occurs in freshwater environments from April through June when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. After spawning in river systems, adult stripers migrate to coastal waters where they spend summer months actively feeding. By July in Wells, the post-spawn feeding period is in full swing, making it an excellent time for anglers to target these fish.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
Several effective methods work well for Striped Bass. Live bait fishing with mackerel, eels, or herring produces consistently, especially during night trips. Artificial lures including swimming plugs, soft plastic jigs, and metal spoons also prove effective when worked through feeding zones. In July, Wells anglers find success targeting stripers around harbor entrances and adjacent beaches during moving tides, particularly after sunset when larger fish become more active.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's mild in flavor with a slightly sweet taste. The flesh holds up well to various cooking methods including grilling, baking, and broiling. They're also nutritionally valuable, containing high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins. Smaller to mid-sized fish (under 30 inches) typically provide the best eating quality.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live baits such as mackerel, eels, and herring are top producers for Striped Bass, especially for night fishing in Wells. Fresh chunk bait can also be effective when fish are actively feeding.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Wells?
A: Prime locations include Wells Harbor entrance, nearby beaches, jetties, rocky structures, and deeper channels with moving water. During summer, focus on areas where baitfish concentrate, particularly during tide changes.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass provides excellent table fare with firm, white flesh that's mild and slightly sweet. Medium-sized fish (20-30 inches) typically offer the best eating quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Wells, the summer months (June through September) offer prime Striped Bass fishing. For the largest specimens, night fishing during moving tides provides the best opportunity, especially during July and August.
Q: What size Striped Bass is considered a trophy in Maine?
A: Any Striped Bass over 40 inches is considered a trophy catch in Maine waters. These fish typically weigh 30+ pounds and represent a significant angling achievement.
Q: Are Striped Bass catch and release only in Maine?
A: Maine regulations change periodically, but typically allow for limited harvest within specific slot limits. Always check current regulations before keeping any fish.
