As of November 15, 2024, the fishing scene on Martha's Vineyard is still vibrant despite the approaching winter. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.
### Tidal Report
The tides for Martha's Vineyard today are as follows: high tide at 9:17 AM and low tide at 3:04 PM. These tidal changes can bring in fresh schools of fish, especially in the estuaries and tidal rivers.
### Weather
The weather is expected to be moderately fishable, with partial cloud cover and a gentle breeze. This should make for a comfortable day on the water, though be prepared for cooler temperatures as the day progresses.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 6:27 AM, and sunset will be at 4:17 PM. These times are crucial for surf casters, as the early morning and late afternoon are typically the best times to catch striped bass and bluefish.
### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw scattered schools of striped bass, small bluefish, and bonito cruising through Vineyard Sound and along the Elizabeth Islands. Striped bass are also present in the estuaries and further up the rivers, feeding on small schools of peanut bunker. Tautog fishing remains good, with reports of keeper-sized fish being caught in deeper waters as the temperatures drop.
### Types and Amounts of Fish
Captain Kurt Freund of Fishsticks Charters reported landing four keeper tautog to 19 inches, along with several smaller tautog and sea bass. Schoolie stripers and small bluefish are still active, particularly during surface feeds in Vineyard Sound.
### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, using diamond jigs with green tubes or soft plastics like Hogy Originals and surface lures such as Jumpin Minnows have been successful. For tautog, clams and mussels are the go-to baits. If you're targeting bluefish and bonito, small jigs and plugs that mimic their natural prey like peanut bunker or small herring work well.
### Hot Spots
- **Vineyard Sound**: This area has been seeing consistent surface feeds of striped bass, bluefish, and bonito.
- **Buzzards Bay**: The estuaries and tidal rivers here are filled with striped bass feeding on peanut bunker.
- **The Elizabeth Islands**: These islands offer good spots for catching striped bass and bluefish, especially during the early morning and late afternoon.
With the right gear and knowledge of the tides, you should be able to catch some impressive fish on Martha's Vineyard today. Enjoy your time on the water