• Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby Heats Up Martha's Vineyard in Fall

  • Oct 13 2024
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby Heats Up Martha's Vineyard in Fall

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  • Summary

  • 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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