Episodes

  • Late Fall Fishing on Martha's Vineyard: Challenges and Opportunities in the Shoulder Season

    Late Fall Fishing on Martha's Vineyard: Challenges and Opportunities in the Shoulder Season
    Nov 23 2024
    As of November 23, 2024, the fishing scene on Martha's Vineyard is still active, though the late fall season brings its own set of challenges and opportunities.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Today, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 50°F and a low of 40°F. The winds are moderate, coming in from the northwest at about 10-15 mph. Tides are crucial for fishing here; today's high tide is at 9:37 AM and the low tide at 3:47 PM.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:34 AM, and sunset is at 4:14 PM, providing ample time for both early morning and late afternoon fishing sessions.

    ### Fish Activity
    Despite the cooler weather, there is still significant fish activity. Striped bass, although scarce, can be found in the skinny waters of the creeks and marshes, particularly on the south side of the island. They are taking small soft plastics and can be caught early in the morning or late in the afternoon[2].

    Tautog (blackfish) are another species that are active, especially in deeper waters when conditions allow. Anglers have been catching keepers from shore in areas like Woods Hole and in Nantucket Sound. Green crabs, though not readily available at all tackle shops, remain the best bait for tautog[2].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, small soft plastics and lures like Hogy Originals and surface lures such as Jumpin Minnows are effective. For tautog, green crabs are the go-to bait, but clams and mussels can also work.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Woods Hole**: Known for its tautog fishing from shore, this area has seen consistent catches this week.
    - **Vineyard Sound**: This area has breaking fish, likely albies or bonito, though they may be too far out for shore fishing. However, it's a good spot to check for striped bass and other species.
    - **Nantucket Sound**: Anglers with boats are picking up keeper tautog here, and schoolies can be found in the rips off Monomoy[2].

    Overall, while the fishing is not as prolific as in the peak summer months, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of species on Martha's Vineyard. Be prepared for the cooler weather and changing tides, and you might just find yourself reeling in a nice catch.
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    3 mins
  • "Late Fall Fishing Frenzy on Martha's Vineyard: Stripers, Blackfish, and More"

    "Late Fall Fishing Frenzy on Martha's Vineyard: Stripers, Blackfish, and More"
    Nov 22 2024
    As of November 22, 2024, the fishing scene on Martha's Vineyard is quite active despite the late fall season. Here’s what you need to know:

    **Tidal Report:**
    The tides are running strong, with high tide expected around 10:30 AM and low tide at 4:30 PM. These tidal changes are crucial for targeting the right spots, especially for striped bass and blackfish.

    **Weather:**
    The weather is a bit windy, which is typical for this time of year. However, the short windows of good weather have been yielding some great catches. Temperatures are cool, with a light chill in the air, making it perfect for layering up and spending the day on the water.

    **Sunrise and Sunset:**
    Sunrise is at 6:30 AM, and sunset is at 4:15 PM. These times are ideal for catching striped bass, as they tend to be more active during the early morning and late afternoon.

    **Fish Activity:**
    Yesterday saw a good number of striped bass moving into the tidal rivers and estuaries. These fish are feeding on peanut bunker, silversides, and late-running mullet. The striped bass have been a mix of schoolies and some larger keeper-sized fish, particularly in areas like the Housatonic River and around the beaches from Niantic to Saybrook, although the latter is a bit further off the island[2][3].

    Blackfish (tautog) are also a hot target right now, with a steady increase in bigger fish reported from the Elizabeths to Fishers Island. Anglers targeting blackfish have been successful in the 35 to 45-foot range, using smaller baits and light line[1][2].

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For striped bass, smaller baits such as 5- and 7-inch Duratech soft jerkbaits, 1-ounce EXO jigs, and 5-inch paddletails have been getting the most attention. Live eels and soft plastics like Hogy Originals are also effective, especially during nighttime fishing[1][4].

    For blackfish, using smaller baits and light line is key. Anglers have been successful with clams, mussels, and crabs.

    **Hot Spots:**
    - The Menemsha jetties are a great spot for catching striped bass and bluefish. The area around the jetties tends to hold a lot of baitfish, attracting larger predators.
    - The waters around Cuttyhunk and Block Island have been producing good catches of striped bass and blackfish. These areas are known for their strong tidal currents, which bring in a variety of fish species[2][5].

    Overall, Martha's Vineyard is offering some excellent late-season fishing opportunities. Make sure to dress warmly and take advantage of the short windows of good weather to maximize your chances of a successful day on the water.
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    3 mins
  • Late Fall Fishing Forecast for Martha's Vineyard - Tautog, Stripers, and Cod Opportunities Abound

    Late Fall Fishing Forecast for Martha's Vineyard - Tautog, Stripers, and Cod Opportunities Abound
    Nov 21 2024
    As of November 21, 2024, the fishing scene around Martha's Vineyard is still holding up despite the late fall season. Here’s what you need to know for today’s fishing trip:

    **Weather and Tides:**
    The weather is expected to be moderately fishable, with mild temperatures for this time of year. Sunrise is at around 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:15 PM. Tides are crucial; today you'll have a high tide at 8:30 AM and a low tide at 2:30 PM. These tidal changes can trigger fish activity, especially around the beaches and estuaries.

    **Fish Activity:**
    Yesterday saw scattered schools of stripers, small bluefish, and bonito cruising through Vineyard Sound and along the Elizabeth Islands. Tautog fishing remains one of the best options, with fish moving to deeper waters as the temperatures drop. You can still find stripers in the estuaries and further up the rivers, feeding on small schools of peanut bunker[2].

    **Catch Reports:**
    From recent reports, tautog fishing has been steady, with anglers catching keeper tog in the 19-inch range. Captain Kurt Freund of Fishsticks Charters reported landing four keeper tog and several smaller ones in Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay. There are also reports of cod being caught in relatively shallow waters, which is a nice bonus for this time of year[2].

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For stripers, bluefish, and bonito, topwater plugs and epoxy jigs are still effective, especially in areas like Vineyard Sound. For tautog, using crabs or clams as bait is recommended. If you're targeting bass in the freshwater ponds, small- to mid-size lipless crankbaits, swimbaits, and finesse soft plastics are working well. Nightcrawlers and shiners are also good for bass and trout in the kettle lakes[1][2].

    **Hot Spots:**
    - **Vineyard Sound:** This area has been seeing surface feeds of stripers, bluefish, and bonito.
    - **Elizabeth Islands:** Known for tautog and mixed schools of bonito and bluefish.
    - **Buzzards Bay:** Good for tautog fishing, especially in deeper waters around 30 to 40 feet.
    - **Freshwater Ponds:** Kettle lakes around the island are producing good bass and trout fishing.

    With the mild weather persisting, it's a great time to get out and enjoy the late fall fishing on Martha's Vineyard. Just remember to adjust your tactics as the fish move to deeper waters with the dropping temperatures.
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    3 mins
  • Fishing the Vineyard in November: Stripers, Tautog, and More

    Fishing the Vineyard in November: Stripers, Tautog, and More
    Nov 17 2024
    As of November 17, 2024, the fishing scene around Martha's Vineyard is still active, despite the cooler weather setting in. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tides
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and a gentle breeze out of the northwest. Tides are crucial; the high tide is at 9:37 AM, and the low tide is at 3:22 PM. These tidal changes can trigger fish activity, especially in areas like Vineyard Sound and the Elizabeth Islands.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:27 AM, and sunset will be at 4:14 PM, giving you ample daylight to fish.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw scattered schools of schoolie stripers, small bluefish, and bonito cruising through Vineyard Sound and along the Elizabeth Islands. Striped bass were feeding on small schools of peanut bunker in the estuaries and rivers, while the outer beaches had hit-or-miss fishing for bass in the surf, where water temperatures are approaching 50 degrees.

    Tautog fishing remains excellent, particularly in deeper waters. Captain Kurt Freund of Fishsticks Charters reported landing four keeper tautog up to 19 inches and several smaller tautog and sea bass in the area.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, use diamond jigs with green tubes or lures that mimic peanut bunker and sand eels. Small bluefish and bonito can be caught using surface lures that imitate baitfish. For tautog, crabs and clams are the best bait.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Vineyard Sound**: This area is seeing surface feeds of bonito, small bluefish, and schoolie stripers.
    - **The Elizabeth Islands**: These waters are home to tautog and sea bass, especially in deeper areas as the fish move with the dropping temperatures.
    - **Menemsha**: This spot is known for its rocky waters, which are ideal for tautog and other bottom-dwelling species.

    Overall, it's a great time to cast around for bass, bluefish, and bonito, especially if the weather remains moderately fishable. Enjoy your day on the water
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    2 mins
  • Fishing Martha's Vineyard in Late Fall: Striper, Tautog, and Bonito on the Bite

    Fishing Martha's Vineyard in Late Fall: Striper, Tautog, and Bonito on the Bite
    Nov 16 2024
    As of November 16, 2024, the fishing scene on Martha's Vineyard is still vibrant despite the late fall season. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Today, expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. The winds will be moderate, blowing at about 10-15 mph from the northwest. Tides are crucial; the high tide is at 9:30 AM and the low tide at 3:30 PM. These conditions should provide a decent window for fishing.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:27 AM, and sunset will be at 4:17 PM, giving you ample daylight to explore the waters.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a mix of fish activity, particularly in Vineyard Sound and around the Elizabeth Islands. Scattered schools of striped bass, small bluefish, and bonito were active, especially during surface feeds. Striped bass are moving into the estuaries and tidal rivers, feeding on peanut bunker, silversides, and late-running mullet[2][5].

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
    Captain Kurt Freund of Fishsticks Charters reported landing four keeper tautog up to 19 inches, along with several smaller tautog and sea bass. Striped bass, though mostly smaller sizes, were also caught in the canal and from the Menemsha jetties[5].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, using lures like diamond jigs with green tubes or topwater lures can be effective, especially in the estuaries and rivers where they are feeding on small schools of baitfish. For tautog, crabs are the go-to bait, as they are actively crunching on them in the deeper waters[4][5].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Vineyard Sound**: This area saw significant surface feeds yesterday, making it a prime spot for catching striped bass, bluefish, and bonito.
    - **Menemsha Jetties**: Known for consistent catches of striped bass and occasional bluefish.
    - **Elizabeth Islands**: These islands are hosting tautog and sea bass, particularly in the deeper waters as temperatures drop.

    Overall, Martha's Vineyard offers a diverse fishing experience even in late fall. Dress warmly, and be prepared for the changing weather conditions, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
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    3 mins
  • "Catching Fish on Martha's Vineyard: Tides, Lures, and Hot Spots for a Successful Day on the Water"

    "Catching Fish on Martha's Vineyard: Tides, Lures, and Hot Spots for a Successful Day on the Water"
    Nov 15 2024
    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
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    3 mins
  • Late Fall Fishing Frenzy at Martha's Vineyard: Stripers, Tautog, and More

    Late Fall Fishing Frenzy at Martha's Vineyard: Stripers, Tautog, and More
    Nov 10 2024
    As of November 10, 2024, the fishing scene around Martha's Vineyard is buzzing with activity, despite the late fall season.

    ### Weather and Tides
    Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with mild temperatures, a high of around 60°F and a low of 50°F. The winds will be light, coming in from the southwest at about 10 mph. Tides are crucial for fishing here; today's high tide is at 9:15 AM and the low tide at 3:15 PM.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:24 AM, and sunset will be at 4:23 PM, giving you ample daylight to cast your lines.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a mix of species active in the waters around Martha's Vineyard. Striped bass, although thinning out in some areas, are still present and feeding aggressively, especially around the schools of sand eels, silversides, and bay anchovies. Bonito and bluefish are also lingering, particularly near the Elizabeth Islands, where they often mix with schools of striped bass.

    Tautog fishing remains one of the highlights, with several big catches reported from the rocky structures and deeper waters. Some anglers have pulled in tautog weighing up to 14 pounds in the past week.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, using topwater plugs, epoxy jigs, and live eels has been highly effective. Bonito and bluefish are hitting on small jigs and metal lures. For tautog, crabs and clams are the go-to baits, especially when fished near the rocky bottom.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the best spots to try your luck is around the Elizabeth Islands, where the combination of rocky structures and abundant baitfish makes it a hotspot for striped bass, bonito, and tautog. Another promising area is the waters near the Cape Cod Canal, where striped bass are feeding on top and running far out towards the middle of the canal.

    If you're looking to fish from the shore, the beaches on the south side of Martha's Vineyard are good spots to catch striped bass on sand eels and silversides. For freshwater enthusiasts, the kettle ponds on the island are stocked with trout, and using spoons, spinners, or PowerBait close to the bottom can yield some nice catches.

    Overall, the mild weather and abundant baitfish make this an excellent time to get out and fish around Martha's Vineyard.
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    3 mins
  • "Fall Fishing Excitement on Martha's Vineyard: Stripers, Tautog, and False Albacore Abound"

    "Fall Fishing Excitement on Martha's Vineyard: Stripers, Tautog, and False Albacore Abound"
    Nov 9 2024
    For November 9th on Martha's Vineyard, the fishing conditions are looking promising despite the late fall season.

    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    Today, high tide is at 8:47 AM and low tide at 2:53 PM. Sunrise is early at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 5:27 PM. The weather is expected to be crisp with a mild breeze, ideal for a day on the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    The fall migration is in full swing, and striped bass and bluefish are still active in the waters around Martha's Vineyard. Tautog fishing has been exceptional, with several large blackfish caught recently, including a Rhode Island state record 22-pounder in the past two weeks. False albacore, though less concentrated now, can still be found, particularly in Vineyard Sound.

    ### Catch Reports
    Yesterday saw a good number of striped bass caught, especially around schools of sand eels and bunker on the South Shore. Tautog fishing remained strong, with many anglers reporting limits of blackfish from the shallow-water rockpiles. Bluefish, though less consistent, were still present in some areas, particularly around the Canal and Cape Cod Bay.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For striped bass, using jigs and topwaters is highly effective, especially when targeting schools of baitfish. Tautog are biting well on crabs and clams, while false albacore are attracted to small jigs and metal lures. Bluefish can be caught using spoons and plugs.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Vineyard Sound**: This area is still seeing a concentration of false albacore and striped bass, particularly around the schools of silversides and juvenile herring.
    - **West Chop**: Known for its early morning false albacore action, this spot is also good for striped bass and bluefish.
    - **Buzzards Bay**: The rockpiles here are producing excellent tautog fishing, and the Canal is filled with big bluefish and striped bass on topwater.

    With the favorable tides and weather, today is a great day to get out on the water and take advantage of the late fall fishing opportunities on Martha's Vineyard.
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    2 mins