Episodes

  • Fishing the Vineyard: Bonito, Bass, and Bluefish Abound for the 79th Annual Derby

    Fishing the Vineyard: Bonito, Bass, and Bluefish Abound for the 79th Annual Derby
    Oct 3 2024
    As of October 3, 2024, the fishing scene on Martha's Vineyard is buzzing with activity, especially with the 79th Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby in full swing. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Tidal Report, Weather, and Daylight
    Today, the sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 6:14 PM, giving you a good window of daylight. The tides are looking favorable, with a high tide at 9:17 AM and a low tide at 3:04 PM. The weather forecast indicates a steady southwest breeze, which should improve fishing conditions.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a mix of fish activity around the island. Bonito fishing has been very good, with numerous fish caught very close to home, often right in the harbor. These bonito have been joined by some large false albacore (albies) and bluefish, which is a promising sign for the ongoing derby.

    Striped bass are becoming more active, particularly during the east tide, and many have been described as fat. Anglers have reported catching stripers up to 35 inches using various lures at different levels of the water column.

    Bluefish are also plentiful, especially around the east side of the island. Concentrated schools of bonito and blues have been showing up closer to shore, making spots like Sankaty and the area around Great Point hot for fishing.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For bonito and albies, small, tiny baits such as juvenile bay anchovies have been effective. However, due to the sunny conditions, these fish can be challenging to catch. Bubblegum-pink paddletails and epoxy jigs are recommended for targeting these species.

    For striped bass, mackerel, squid, and bunker are providing plentiful forage, making lures that mimic these baits highly effective. Eels, Fish Snax Xls, and needlefish plugs have also been working well for surf fishers.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Sankaty**: Known for its strong bonito and bluefish bite, this area is a must-visit during the derby.
    - **Great Point**: The action around this area is picking up, with good catches of bonito and blues closer to shore.
    - **The Harbor**: Bonito have been abundant here, and it’s a great spot to catch them right at home.

    Overall, Martha's Vineyard is offering some fantastic fishing opportunities right now. With the right lures and knowledge of the tides, you should be able to land some impressive catches. Good luck out there
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    3 mins
  • Fishing the Vineyard: Bonito, Albies, and Bluefish Abound on Martha's Vineyard

    Fishing the Vineyard: Bonito, Albies, and Bluefish Abound on Martha's Vineyard
    Oct 2 2024
    As of October 2, 2024, the fishing scene on Martha's Vineyard is buzzing with activity. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    Today, the sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and the sunset will be at 6:14 PM. The tidal cycle shows a high tide at 9:17 AM and a low tide at 3:04 PM. Weather conditions are expected to be partly cloudy with a steady southwest breeze, which should improve fishing conditions.

    ### Fish Activity
    The past few days have seen a mix of fish activity, but things are looking up. Bonito fishing has been very good, with numerous fish caught very close to home, often right in the harbor. Some really big false albacore (albies) and bluefish have also been spotted, which is a promising sign for the ongoing Martha's Vineyard Derby.

    ### Fish Caught
    Yesterday, anglers reported catching several bonito, some of which were quite large. There were also instances of albies popping up, although they remain challenging to catch due to their preference for tiny baits like juvenile bay anchovies. Bluefish are abundant, particularly around the eastern side of the island, with schools concentrated near the beach and around Great Point.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For targeting bonito and albies, using small, shiny lures that mimic their natural prey is key. Bubblegum-pink paddletails and epoxy jigs have been effective. For bluefish, larger lures such as spoons and plugs can work well. Bait-wise, mackerel, squid, and bunker are providing plentiful forage for stripers, so using these or lures that mimic them can be fruitful.

    ### Hot Spots
    Two hot spots to consider are the harbor area around Martha's Vineyard, where bonito and albies have been active, and the eastern side of the island, particularly around Great Point and Sankaty, where bluefish and bonito are concentrated. The Cape side of Vineyard Sound has been quiet, so it's best to focus on the island's waters.

    With the right gear and knowledge of the local conditions, you should have a productive day on the waters of Martha's Vineyard. Good luck, and tight lines
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    3 mins
  • Martha's Vineyard Fishing Update: Bonito, Bluefish, and the Pursuit of Elusive Albies

    Martha's Vineyard Fishing Update: Bonito, Bluefish, and the Pursuit of Elusive Albies
    Oct 1 2024
    As of October 1, 2024, the fishing scene on Martha's Vineyard is buzzing with activity. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tides
    Today, expect a partly cloudy sky with a high of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a gentle breeze out of the southwest at about 10 mph. Sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 6:15 PM. Tides are crucial, and today you can expect a high tide at 9:17 AM and a low tide at 3:04 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a mix of fish activity, particularly with the ongoing Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, although striped bass are no longer part of the competition due to size regulations. Bonito fishing remains very good, with many anglers catching them close to home, often right in the harbor. Bluefish are also present, though they have been scarce in some areas. False albacore (albies) continue to be finicky but are starting to show up in larger concentrations, especially around the Elizabeth Islands and eastern Nantucket Sound.

    ### Catches
    Several notable catches were reported yesterday. Bonito were plentiful, with some big albies and bluefish joining the mix. In the shore divisions, anglers like Daniel Strem made significant moves on the leaderboard with a 17-pound bluefish caught from a boat. Stripers, ranging from small schoolies to over-slot size, were gorging on 3- to 6-inch mullet on the ebb tide.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For bonito, using small jigs and epoxy lures has been effective. For bluefish, bubblegum-pink paddletails and epoxy jigs are recommended. If you're after albies, tiny baits such as juvenile bay anchovies are what they're eating, but be prepared for a challenge as they are very picky. For stripers, mullet imitations and bunker patterns are working well.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots right now is the harbor area around Martha’s Vineyard, where bonito and albies are frequently spotted. The Cape side of Vineyard Sound, although quiet in some areas, can still yield some good catches, especially around the Elizabeth Islands. For shore fishing, the beaches from Bass River to Nobska have seen a concentration of albies, though they can be quite finicky.

    With the weather and tides in your favor, today could be an excellent day to get out on the water and try your luck. Just remember to be patient, especially when targeting those elusive albies. Good luck, and tight lines
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    3 mins
  • Striped Bass, Bonito, and Albies: Fishing the Martha's Vineyard Waters

    Striped Bass, Bonito, and Albies: Fishing the Martha's Vineyard Waters
    Sep 30 2024
    As of September 30, 2024, the fishing scene around Martha's Vineyard is quite active, despite the recent nor'easter that stirred up the waters. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    Today, the sunrise is at 6:33 AM, and sunset will be at 6:14 PM. The tides are moderate, with high tide at 9:17 AM and low tide at 3:04 PM. The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a gentle northeast wind, which should make for relatively calm seas compared to the past few days.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a mix of fish activity, particularly after the storm. Striped bass were active, especially in the cleaner waters. School-sized bass to those up to 40 inches were caught, with some larger fish still elusive but expected to move in soon. Bonito fishing remains good, although not as vibrant as a few weeks ago. Albies, or false albacore, have been finicky but were more active in the choppy and overcast conditions, particularly around the Elizabeth Islands and down to Cuttyhunk.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, using jigs and soft plastics like the 10-inch Hogy Original has been effective. Topwater poppers, especially in areas with clean white water, have also yielded good results. For albies, jigs and small metal lures worked well in the rough conditions. Bonito have been biting on small jigs and trolling lures.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots right now is the area around Wasque on the southeast corner of Martha's Vineyard. This spot has seen good action for striped bass and bonito. Another promising area is the rips between Muskeget and Tuckernuck, where the cleaner waters are holding larger bass. For albies, the south side beaches and the waters around the Elizabeth Islands have been productive.

    ### Additional Tips
    Be cautious of the boat traffic, especially around Woods Hole, where tautog fishing is gaining popularity. If you're targeting albies, be prepared for them to be finicky, but the choppy conditions might make them more willing to take a jig. Keep an eye out for birds and bait schools, as these are usually indicators of active fish.

    Overall, it's a good time to get out on the water around Martha's Vineyard, with a variety of species available and favorable conditions setting in.
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    3 mins
  • Martha's Vineyard Fishing Report: Stripers, Bonito, and Bluefish Thrive Amidst Favourable Conditions

    Martha's Vineyard Fishing Report: Stripers, Bonito, and Bluefish Thrive Amidst Favourable Conditions
    Sep 29 2024
    As of September 29, 2024, the fishing scene around Martha's Vineyard is quite vibrant, despite some inconsistencies in certain species.

    ### Weather and Tides
    Today, you can expect a steady southwest breeze, which should improve fishing conditions. Sunrise is at around 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:15 PM. The tides are favorable, with a high tide at 9:30 AM and a low tide at 3:30 PM, making the early morning and late afternoon prime times for fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    Striped bass fishing remains extremely good, with many anglers reporting catches of fat bass, particularly during the east tide. Yesterday, several large stripers were caught, including a 36-inch and a pair of 37-inch fish. Bonito fishing has been very good, with good numbers of fish close to home, often right in the harbor. These bonito have been joined by some big albies and bluefish, which is a promising sign for the ongoing Martha's Vineyard Derby.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, using lures such as bubblegum-pink paddletails and epoxy jigs has been highly effective. Topwater plugs in white or squid imitation colors like pink, amber, or orange are also catching larger bass. For bonito, live bait has been successful, and for albies, although the action has been hit or miss, using small jigs and plugs can still yield results.

    ### Hot Spots
    The east side of Martha's Vineyard is currently the focus, with Sankaty having a very good bonito bite along with a strong presence of bluefish. The harbor itself is also a hotspot for bonito and occasional albies. Great Point is another area seeing an increase in action, especially near the beach.

    Overall, Martha's Vineyard is offering a diverse and exciting fishing experience, with a mix of striped bass, bonito, bluefish, and the occasional albie. Make sure to take advantage of the favorable tides and weather to maximize your catch.
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    2 mins
  • Fishing the Vineyard: Battling Bass, Bluefish, and Bonito in Martha's Vineyard's Productive Waters

    Fishing the Vineyard: Battling Bass, Bluefish, and Bonito in Martha's Vineyard's Productive Waters
    Sep 28 2024
    As of September 28, 2024, the fishing scene around Martha's Vineyard is buzzing with activity, despite the recent nor'easter that kept many boats docked. 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 mild winds, a welcome change after the storm. Tides are moderate, with high tide at around 9:30 AM and low tide at 3:30 PM. These conditions should make for a comfortable day of fishing.

    **Sunrise and Sunset:**
    Sunrise is at 6:33 AM, and sunset will be at 6:23 PM, giving you ample daylight to cast your lines.

    **Fish Activity:**
    Yesterday saw some excellent catches despite the challenging weather. Striped bass are actively feeding in the backwaters and rivers, particularly where herring runs are present. These areas will remain hotspots for bass action well into October. Bluefish are scouring the back bays for bait, and bonito have been spotted in various locations around the island.

    **Catches:**
    Several anglers reported catching sizable bluefish, with one angler landing an 11.89-pound bluefish last week. Bonito catches have also been notable, with fish ranging from 3 to 4 pounds. Albies, though not as abundant yet, are starting to show up, with a few anglers catching them in the waters around Montauk and parts of the Sound.

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For striped bass, topwater plugs and lures that mimic mullet are highly effective. Jigging and using light to heavy tackle can also yield good results. For bluefish and bonito, metal jigs and small plugs work well. If you're after albies, try using Deceivers, Clousers, Sandeel, or Juvy baitfish patterns on a fly rod.

    **Hot Spots:**
    Head to the herring runs in the rivers, which are currently attracting a lot of striped bass. The back bays and areas around the island's shores are good spots for bluefish and bonito. If you're looking for albies, try the waters around Montauk and the Sound.

    Overall, Martha's Vineyard is offering some fantastic fishing opportunities right now. With the right gear and a bit of luck, you could be reeling in some impressive catches today.
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    3 mins
  • "Martha's Vineyard Fall Fishing Frenzy: Stripers, Albies, and More"

    "Martha's Vineyard Fall Fishing Frenzy: Stripers, Albies, and More"
    Sep 27 2024
    As of September 27, 2024, the fishing scene around Martha's Vineyard is buzzing with activity, despite the recent Nor'easter that gripped New England. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tides
    The weather is starting to settle after the week-long Nor'easter, with northeast winds gradually easing. Expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Tides are moderate, with the high tide at 9:30 AM and low tide at 3:30 PM, which should provide good conditions for both surf and boat fishing.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at 6:15 PM, giving you ample daylight to target your favorite species.

    ### Fish Activity
    The fall run is in full swing, and striped bass are the main attraction. Massive blitzes of quality striped bass have been reported, particularly in areas where large peanut bunker are abundant. These bass are aggressive and receptive to artificial lures, making topwater action excellent. You can expect to catch stripers of all sizes, from schoolies to larger fish in the 40- to 50-pound range, especially around shallow boulders and rocky point areas during low-light hours.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For topwater action, lures like the 8.5-inch Joe Baggs Skipper and 9-inch Doc have been performing exceptionally well. For larger bass, live eels, live bunker, 13-inch Duratech eels, and 8-inch X-Walk lures are highly effective. The 1-ounce EXO Jig has been crushing it for schooling bass.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **The Elizabeths**: This area has seen a surge in albie activity after the steady northeast winds, making it a great spot to target false albacore.
    - **Southwest Ledge**: Known for its big stripers, this ledge is also good for bottom fishing for tog, sea bass, and cod.
    - **Backwaters and Estuaries**: These areas are hotbeds for bass action, especially with the herring runs still active.

    ### Additional Notes
    Bluefish are also present, scouring the back bays for bait, and bonito are filling in the gaps. While albie fishing has been spotty, there have been scattered reports from the Western Sound, and the recent weather seems to have sparked some activity in the Eastern Sound.

    With the fall run in full gear, Martha's Vineyard is offering some of the best fishing of the season. Get out there and take advantage of the excellent conditions and abundant fish activity.
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    3 mins
  • Martha's Vineyard Fishing Report: Stripers, Albies, and a Surprise Tarpon

    Martha's Vineyard Fishing Report: Stripers, Albies, and a Surprise Tarpon
    Sep 26 2024
    As of September 26, 2024, the fishing scene around Martha's Vineyard is quite dynamic, reflecting the changing seasons and weather conditions.

    ### Weather and Tides
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 55 degrees. The winds will be moderate, coming in from the northeast at about 10 mph. Tides are crucial for fishing here; today's high tide is at 8:37 AM and the low tide at 2:53 PM.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:27 AM, and sunset will be at 6:23 PM, providing ample daylight for a full day of fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    The Martha's Vineyard Bass and Bluefish Derby is in full swing, and the action has been varied. Striped bass, ranging from schoolie size to over-slot fish, have been actively feeding on mullet, particularly during the ebb tide. Bonito fishing remains good, though not as vibrant as a few weeks ago. Bluefish are scarce, but false albacore (albies) have been spotted, albeit very finicky. The albie action has been improving, especially after the recent stormy weather, which seems to have stirred them into more aggressive feeding behavior.

    ### Notable Catches
    Yesterday saw some notable catches, including a surprise 6-foot tarpon landed by anglers Rich Mann and Tony Dagostino, marking the second confirmed New England tarpon in 2024. Tautog fishing has also gained traction, with boats anchoring over small rock piles in open water, particularly around Woods Hole.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, using topwater plugs or lures that mimic mullet, such as 3- to 6-inch jerk shads, can be highly effective. For bonito, small jigs and spoons work well. When targeting albies, try using small, fast-moving lures like metal jigs or tiny soft plastics. For tautog, crabs and clams are the go-to baits.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Woods Hole**: This area has been a hotspot for tautog fishing, with boats anchoring in 20 to 50 feet of water.
    - **South Side of Martha's Vineyard**: The beaches here have seen significant striped bass activity, especially during the ebb tide.
    - **Elizabeth Islands**: These islands have been good for both striped bass and tautog, with the fish feeding actively around the rock piles.

    Overall, Martha's Vineyard offers a diverse and exciting fishing experience this time of year, with various species and hotspots to explore. Be cautious of boat traffic and changing weather conditions to make the most of your fishing trip.
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    3 mins