Striped bass fishing near Hyannis is a July and August proposition, and the listed trip doesn’t leave Hyannis Harbor. It runs from Barnstable Harbor into Cape Cod Bay, while Hyannis itself sits on the north shore of Nantucket Sound. The Hyannis port page has conditions and the map. What follows covers the season window, the run, the named shoals and rips, who fishes the port and which buoy to read.
When striped bass are around Hyannis
The season here comes down to a trip window and a body of water.
July and August trips
The local striped bass trips run July and August. That is the window the operator lists, not a forecast of when fish will be present.
For the coastwide migration and the biology behind it, see the coastwide striped bass guide. This page stays with the port.
Nantucket Sound species
Striped bass are listed among the species of Nantucket Sound, and Hyannis sits on the north shore of that water.
| Water | Port that reaches it | Striped bass listing |
|---|---|---|
| Nantucket Sound | Hyannis Harbor | Listed among the sound’s species |
| Cape Cod Bay | Barnstable Harbor | Listed trip runs July and August |
Where boats run from Hyannis
On the listed trips, most striped bass fishing out of Hyannis starts on the bay side rather than the sound side. For Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound beyond this port, see the wider Northeast picture (see also the Atlantic Northeast offshore fishing guide).
Cape Cod Bay from Barnstable Harbor (about 10 minutes north)
The listed striped bass trip departs Barnstable Harbor. Helen H puts Barnstable Harbor about 10 minutes north of Hyannis Harbor, and from there the trip fishes Cape Cod Bay.
If you run your own boat, choose which side of the Cape you want to fish before you choose a ramp.
Reading conditions at buoy 44020
The nearest NOAA buoy is NDBC station 44020. It sits in Nantucket Sound at 41.497 N 70.283 W and reports wind, wave height and period.
Check 44020 and the official marine forecast before you head out. Current conditions are also on the Hyannis port page.
Grounds and structure near Hyannis
The named structure near Hyannis is a set of shoals, banks and rips. The Chart Contours layer in Breakpoint is not for navigation, so plan and run your course with official NOAA charts.
Nantucket Shoals
Nantucket Shoals carry water as shallow as 3 ft, so read the chart closely before you set a course. Check the official chart and the buoy numbers first.
Phelps Bank and Davis Bank
Phelps Bank and Davis Bank are both named structure in the area. Mark them on your chart before you leave the dock.
Middle Rip, Asia Rip and Fishing Rip
Three rips sit within the Nantucket Shoals area:
- Middle Rip
- Asia Rip
- Fishing Rip
These rips also hold other gamefish, so the species pages are worth a look if you want a second target on the same run.
How it is fished and who fishes it
The local format is open-boat, and a small group of operators and events defines who fishes striped bass here.
Open-boat trips (Shimano rental included)
The local striped bass trip is open-boat. A Shimano rod and reel rental is included, so you can step aboard without your own gear.
Helen H Fleet
The Helen H Offshore Fishing fleet is the local operator that lists striped bass. Its boats include John and Son II and Capt. John & Son I.
Tournaments
Striped bass tournaments out of Hyannis usually run in these months:
- Little Big Fishing Tournament (usually June)
- Charter Cup Fishing Tournament (usually July)
- The Big 3 Fishing Tournament (usually July)
FAQ about striped bass fishing out of Hyannis
When is striped bass fishing out of Hyannis best?
The local trips run July and August, and striped bass are listed among Nantucket Sound species. The listings give no other months, so we don’t either.
Do Hyannis striped bass trips leave from Hyannis Harbor?
No. The listed trips leave Barnstable Harbor, which Helen H puts about 10 minutes north of Hyannis Harbor, and they fish Cape Cod Bay.
What grounds are near Hyannis for striped bass?
Nantucket Shoals (as shallow as 3 ft), Phelps Bank, Davis Bank, Middle Rip, Asia Rip and Fishing Rip.
Which buoy should I check before running out of Hyannis?
NDBC 44020, Nantucket Sound, at 41.497 N 70.283 W. It reports wind, wave height and period. Read it alongside the official marine forecast.
Is there a local charter for striped bass?
Yes. The Helen H Fleet, with John and Son II and Capt. John & Son I, lists striped bass. The trips are open-boat, with a Shimano rod and reel rental included.
What striped bass tournaments run out of Hyannis?
Little Big (usually June), Charter Cup (usually July) and The Big 3 (usually July). We list months only.
