Episodes

  • Fishing Report Martha's Vineyard: Stripers, Albies, and Tautog Bite in Shifting Seasons

    Fishing Report Martha's Vineyard: Stripers, Albies, and Tautog Bite in Shifting Seasons
    Oct 20 2024
    As of October 20, 2024, the fishing scene around Martha's Vineyard is quite dynamic, despite the transitioning seasons.

    ### Weather and Tides
    Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 62°F and a low of 50°F. The winds will be moderate, coming in from the northwest at about 10 mph. Tides are crucial for fishing here; today's high tide is at 8:47 AM and the low tide at 3:04 PM.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at 5:43 PM, giving you ample daylight to get out on the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    Striped bass fishing remains strong, particularly in the ponds and backwaters. Anglers have been catching slot-size fish locally, and some larger fish have been reported in the backwaters.

    False albacore (albies) are still present but are becoming increasingly scarce and finicky. Captain Kurt Freund of Fishsticks Charters reported catching a 14-pound albie on a recent full-day trip to Nantucket, but overall, albie fishing has slowed down significantly since the big storm two weeks ago.

    Bonito fishing was good up until the first week of the Derby but has since declined. However, you might still luck into a few when casting epoxy jigs for bass or bluefish.

    Tautog (blackfish) fishing is gaining momentum, especially with the recent limit change to 5 fish per day starting October 15. Captain Freund is gearing up for a tog charter and has already gathered green crabs for bait.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, anglers are using 3- to 4-ounce epoxy jigs and small pencil poppers. The most prominent baitfish in the Canal include squid, mackerel, peanut bunker, and silversides.

    For tautog, green crabs are the go-to bait. Light tackle and bottom fishing are also effective methods for targeting tautog.

    ### Hot Spots
    - The west end of the Canal has been fishing well in the morning, especially for bass.
    - The east end of the Canal is also seeing some activity, with reports of nice fish caught off the pier.
    - Nantucket, particularly for those willing to take a full-day trip, has produced some significant catches of albies and other species.
    - The ponds and backwaters around Martha's Vineyard are excellent for catching striped bass.

    Overall, it's a great time to be on the water around Martha's Vineyard, with a variety of species to target and favorable conditions for a productive day of fishing.
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    3 mins
  • Martha's Vineyard Fishing Forecast: Stripers, Bluefish, and Tautog Thrive Amid Favorable Conditions

    Martha's Vineyard Fishing Forecast: Stripers, Bluefish, and Tautog Thrive Amid Favorable Conditions
    Oct 18 2024
    As of October 18, 2024, the fishing scene around Martha's Vineyard is showing some promising signs despite the fall season winding down. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tides
    The weather forecast looks favorable with daytime temperatures expected to be in the mid to upper 60s and a significant reduction in wind, making for calm sea conditions. Sunrise today is at 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at 5:53 PM. Tides are crucial; the high tide is at 9:15 AM and the low tide at 3:15 PM, which could influence the fish activity, especially around the tidal rips and structures.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a mix of fish activity around the island. Striped bass continue to be a highlight, with several reports of bass in the 30- to 40-inch range being caught, particularly around the Elizabeth Islands and the southern reaches of the island.

    Bluefish, although not as abundant as earlier in the season, are still present and can be found in the mornings along the south side beaches and in deeper waters during the day. Some bluefish in the mid- to upper-30-inch range were reported.

    Tautog fishing has been good, especially in Vineyard Sound, with anglers using green crabs as bait. However, the ratio of keepers to shorts is about 20:1, so patience is key.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, smaller topwater plugs like Jumpin’ Minnows and flies imitating peanut bunker have been effective. Boaters have also had success using eels along the Elizabeth Islands and trolling tube and worm rigs around the boulders.

    For bluefish, swimming plugs, chunk mackerel, and Ava-style diamond jigs have worked well in previous weeks, though their activity has slowed down a bit.

    Tautog are biting well on green crabs, especially around the Elizabeth Islands, Woods Hole, and the southern reaches of Buzzards Bay.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **South Side Beaches**: These areas have seen blitzing fish in the mornings, making them ideal for surf fishing.
    - **Elizabeth Islands**: This region is hot for striped bass and tautog, with the tidal rips and structures providing perfect conditions for these species.
    - **Vineyard Sound**: Known for its tautog and sea bass, this area is a must-visit for bottom fishing enthusiasts.

    Overall, it's a great time to get out on the water, especially with the favorable weather conditions. Knowing the hot spots and using the right lures and bait will increase your chances of a successful fishing trip around Martha's Vineyard.
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Report Martha's Vineyard - Fall Migration in Full Swing, Striped Bass and Bluefish Highlighted

    Fishing Report Martha's Vineyard - Fall Migration in Full Swing, Striped Bass and Bluefish Highlighted
    Oct 17 2024
    As of October 17, 2024, the fishing scene around Martha's Vineyard is quite dynamic, especially with the fall migration in full swing.

    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    Today, the sunrise is at 6:53 AM, and the sunset will be at 5:47 PM. The tides are moderate, with a high tide at 9:17 AM and a low tide at 3:04 PM. The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with mild temperatures, which is ideal for fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a mix of fish activity, particularly in the waters around Martha's Vineyard. Striped bass are still present, although they are becoming more finicky due to the mild tides, bright sun, and warm water. There are reports of bass lingering in the backwaters, and it's anticipated that another solid push of quality fish will occur around the October full moon, which is just a week away.

    Bluefish in the 3- to 5-pound range are being caught along the beaches of Vineyard Sound, though the bite has been spotty and hard to predict. Bonito are also present in good numbers, especially in the Canal, but their numbers are starting to thin out day by day.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, anglers have been successful using 3- to 4-ounce epoxy jigs and small pencil poppers. The prominent baitfish in the area include squid, mackerel, peanut bunker, and silversides. These baitfish are key to attracting bass and bluefish. Soft plastics, such as the 10-inch Hogy Original, and trolling swimmers similar to the Hogy Charter Grade Swimmer, have also been effective.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots right now is the west end of the Island, particularly in the morning. The Canal is also a prime location, with anglers catching bass and bluefish while jigging. Areas around the rips, such as those near Monomoy, are also worth targeting for their consistent fish activity.

    In summary, Martha's Vineyard is offering some great fishing opportunities, especially for those targeting striped bass and bluefish. With the right lures and knowledge of the local baitfish, you can have a successful day on the water. Keep an eye on the tides and weather, and don't miss the upcoming full moon for what could be a final push of quality fish before the season winds down.
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    3 mins
  • "Fishing Frenzy Around Martha's Vineyard: Striped Bass, Bluefish, and More in This Year's Derby"

    "Fishing Frenzy Around Martha's Vineyard: Striped Bass, Bluefish, and More in This Year's Derby"
    Oct 17 2024
    As of October 17, 2024, the fishing scene around Martha's Vineyard is quite dynamic, especially with the 79th Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby in full swing until October 19.

    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    Today, the sunrise is at 6:53 AM, and the sunset will be at 5:53 PM. The tides are moderate, with a high tide at 8:17 AM and a low tide at 2:33 PM. The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a gentle breeze, making it an ideal day to be out on the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a mix of fish activity around the island. Bluefish in the 3- to 5-pound range were caught along the beaches of Vineyard Sound, although the bite was spotty and hard to predict. Striped bass, particularly in the backwaters, are still present but quite picky. Bonito and false albacore are also in the area, especially in the Canal, but their numbers are starting to thin out.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, anglers have been successful using 3- to 4-ounce epoxy jigs and small pencil poppers. The prominent baitfish in the area include squid, mackerel, peanut bunker, and silversides. For bonito and albies, epoxy jigs have also proven effective. Tautog fishing, which has been good recently, can be targeted with bottom fishing techniques.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots right now is the west end of the island, particularly in the morning. The area around West Chop has been productive for those targeting false albacore. Another good spot is the Canal, where bonito and striped bass are active, especially around the pier areas.

    ### Recent Catches
    Tom Neadow recently kicked off the derby with a 5.98-pound bluefish, and there have been reports of larger striped bass being caught in the area. A rare tarpon was even hooked off Chappaquiddick, though this is not a common catch.

    Overall, it's a great time to be fishing around Martha's Vineyard, with a variety of species available and favorable weather conditions. Just be prepared for the fish to be a bit finicky, and adjust your lures and bait accordingly.
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Forecast: Vibrant Scenes and Opportunities Abound Around Martha's Vineyard

    Fishing Forecast: Vibrant Scenes and Opportunities Abound Around Martha's Vineyard
    Oct 17 2024
    As of October 17, 2024, the fishing scene around Martha's Vineyard is quite vibrant, despite the onset of cooler weather.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Expect a moderate day with partly sunny skies and a gentle breeze, transitioning from northwest to northeast winds by the weekend. Water temperatures are cooling down, which is typical for this time of year. The tide times for today are: high tide at 8:47 AM and low tide at 2:53 PM.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at 5:47 PM, giving anglers a good window to get out on the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    Striped bass fishing remains good, particularly in the backwaters and ponds. Anglers are reporting slot-size fish and some larger ones, especially during the morning hours. The west end of the island has been fishing well, with bass being quite picky but responsive to 3- to 4-ounce epoxy jigs and small pencil poppers. Baitfish such as squid, mackerel, peanut bunker, and silversides are abundant in the Canal, attracting these bass.

    Bluefish are still present along the beaches of Vineyard Sound, though the bite has been spotty. Bonito fishing has slowed down significantly since the big storm a couple of weeks ago, but they can still be encountered while casting for bass or bluefish.

    Tautog fishing is improving as water temperatures drop. Anglers are gearing up for tog fishing, with green crabs being a popular bait. The fishing for tautog is expected to get even better, especially after the Derby concludes on October 19.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, epoxy jigs and small pencil poppers are working well. Soft plastics like the 10-inch Hogy Original are also effective. For tautog, green crabs are the go-to bait. When targeting bluefish, drifting cut bait on an outgoing tide can be productive.

    ### Hot Spots
    - The Canal is a hotspot for striped bass and bluefish, with squid, mackerel, and peanut bunker being key attractants.
    - The west end of Martha's Vineyard is producing good morning fishing for bass.
    - Areas around Collier Ledge and the Horse Shoe are good for false albacore, though they are becoming scarcer.
    - Buzzards Bay is reported to have better fishing than Vineyard Sound, with some bigger fish in general.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on the water around Martha's Vineyard, with a variety of species active and responsive to the right lures and baits.
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    3 mins
  • Fishing on Martha's Vineyard: Navigating the Transitioning Seasons

    Fishing on Martha's Vineyard: Navigating the Transitioning Seasons
    Oct 16 2024
    As of October 16, 2024, the fishing scene on Martha's Vineyard is buzzing with activity, despite the transitioning seasons.

    ### Weather and Tides
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 62°F and a low of 50°F. The winds will be moderate, coming in from the northwest at about 10 mph. Tides are crucial for planning your day; the high tide is at 8:47 AM and the low tide at 3:04 PM, with sunrise at 6:54 AM and sunset at 5:53 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a mix of fish species active in the waters around Martha's Vineyard. Striped bass continue to be a highlight, with slot-size fish being caught in the ponds and larger fish in the backwaters. Anglers reported using 3- to 4-ounce epoxy jigs and small pencil poppers to entice these bass.

    False albacore (albies) are still present but are becoming increasingly scarce. Captain Kurt Freund of Fishsticks Charters managed to land a 14-pound albie on a recent trip to Nantucket, but overall, the albie action is thinning out.

    Bonito fishing, which was robust earlier in the season, has slowed down significantly after a recent big storm. However, some bonito are still being caught, particularly when casting epoxy jigs for bass or bluefish.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, epoxy jigs and small pencil poppers are the go-to choices. Squid, mackerel, peanut bunker, and silversides are the prominent baitfish in the area, so lures mimicking these will be effective.

    For tautog, which are becoming a focus as the Derby winds down, green crabs are the preferred bait. Captain Kurt Freund has already gathered a load of green crabs for his upcoming tog charters.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Nantucket Sound**: This area has seen some albie activity, although it's dwindling. It's still worth a try, especially if you're heading out to Nantucket.
    - **Robinsons Hole**: This spot has produced a few albies recently, and it's a good location to try your luck.
    - **Great Point**: Known for its productive fishing, Great Point is a good spot for catching bluefish and occasionally larger bass.

    Overall, the fishing on Martha's Vineyard remains consistent, with a variety of species to target. Be prepared for changing conditions and adjust your tactics accordingly. Good luck on the water
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    3 mins
  • Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby Heats Up Martha's Vineyard in Fall

    Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby Heats Up Martha's Vineyard in Fall
    Oct 13 2024
    As the sun sets on Martha's Vineyard on this crisp October 13th evening, the fishing scene has been nothing short of exciting. The 79th Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, which kicked off on September 15th, is in full swing and will wrap up on October 19th.

    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    Today's tides were favorable, with the high tide at 7:34 AM and the low tide at 1:53 PM. The weather has been mild, with clear skies and a gentle breeze, making it ideal for anglers to hit the waters. Sunrise was at 6:43 AM, and sunset is expected at 5:53 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    The waters around Martha's Vineyard have been teeming with life. Striped bass and bluefish have been the main targets, and anglers have been reaping the rewards. Yesterday saw a number of significant catches, including striped bass up to 35 inches and bluefish weighing up to 6 pounds. The fish are actively feeding, particularly during the morning and evening hours when the tides are changing.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For those looking to land some of these prized fish, mackerel, squid, and bunker have been the go-to baits. Trolling tube-and-worm rigs up tight to ledges, upwellings, and current seams has also been highly effective. Fly fishing enthusiasts, who make up about 10% of the derby's registrants, have been using epoxy jigs and bubblegum-pink paddletails with great success.

    ### Hot Spots
    Some of the hottest spots around the island include the Cape side of Vineyard Sound, particularly around the Elizabeth Islands and eastern Nantucket Sound. The harbor areas have also seen a lot of action, with bonito and bluefish making appearances. For shore anglers, the beaches near Edgartown and the areas around West Chop have been productive.

    Captain Kurt Freund of Fishsticks Charters reported good numbers of bonito and large albies right in the harbor, which bodes well for the derby. The south side of the island, especially around Mashpee and Naushon Island, has seen albies popping up, although they can be challenging to catch.

    Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, Martha's Vineyard is the place to be this time of year. With its rich fishing history and the ongoing derby, the island is buzzing with fishing excitement. So grab your gear, check the tide charts, and get ready to reel in some of the island's finest catches.
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    3 mins
  • Martha's Vineyard Autumn Fishing Report: Bonito, Stripers, and the Best Spots to Target Them

    Martha's Vineyard Autumn Fishing Report: Bonito, Stripers, and the Best Spots to Target Them
    Oct 12 2024
    As of October 12, 2024, the fishing scene around Martha's Vineyard is buzzing with activity, despite the cooler autumn weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tides
    The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 60°F and a low of 50°F, making it a comfortable day for fishing. The sunrise is at 6:47 AM, and sunset will be at 5:53 PM. Tides are crucial, and today you can expect a high tide at 9:15 AM and a low tide at 3:15 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a significant amount of fish activity, particularly with bonito and striped bass. Bonito have been abundant in various spots around the island, from Menemsha to State Beach, Edgartown Harbor, and even Chappy. These bonito are mostly small, under four pounds, but there have been reports of larger ones, up to six and seven pounds, caught from boats.

    Striped bass have also been active, especially in the early morning hours. Fishermen have reported catching bass up to 34 inches using topwater lures like the Island X Hellfire 180. Blues have also been spotted, particularly in the deeper waters around Great Point and Coatue.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For bonito, small jigs and lures that mimic baitfish are highly effective. Deceivers, Clousers, and Sandeel patterns on fly rods have been successful, especially when cast into areas with active baitfish.

    For striped bass, topwater plugs like the Island X Hellfire 180 are recommended, especially during the early morning hours. Heavy metal lures with a slow, straight retrieve can also attract bass and blues in the deeper waters.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Great Point**: Known for its early morning bass and bluefish activity. The deeper end of the water column here is particularly productive.
    - **Edgartown Harbor**: A hotspot for bonito, with many catches reported from both shore and boat.
    - **Menemsha**: Another area where bonito are plentiful, and a good spot to try your luck from the shore or a boat.

    Remember, the key to successful fishing is to read the water, look for anxious bait, swirls, and birds feeding. With the right lures and bait, and by targeting the right spots, you should have a productive day on the waters of Martha's Vineyard.
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    3 mins