Late Season Stripers and Tautog on Martha's Vineyard

As of December 13, 2024, the fishing scene on Martha's Vineyard is quite active despite the late season. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. ### Tidal Report Today, the first high tide is at 10:45 AM, and the next high tide will be at 11:19 PM. The first low tide was at 4:28 AM, and the next low tide will be at 5:15 PM. The tidal coefficient is average, around 57, indicating moderate tidal movements[2][4]. ### Weather and Daylight Sunrise today is at 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at 4:13 PM, giving you about 9 hours and 18 minutes of daylight. The weather has been cold, which is typical for this time of year, but it hasn't deterred the fish from biting. ### Fish Activity Striped bass are still active in the waters around Martha's Vineyard, particularly during their seasonal migrations. You can find schoolie to over-slot stripers feeding on the beaches and in the surf. Tautog (blackfish) are also chewing well, especially around inshore structures where they are feeding on crabs[1][3]. ### Catches Yesterday, anglers reported catching striped bass, with some schoolies and over-slot fish being landed. Tautog up to 17 pounds were also caught, particularly by bottom bouncers targeting inshore structures. Bluefish and the occasional bonito or false albacore were also spotted in areas like Squibnocket Bight and West Chop[1][3]. ### Best Lures and Bait For striped bass, using lures like jigs and plugs that mimic squid, bunker, or sand eels can be very effective. For tautog, crabs are the go-to bait, as they are currently on a crab-crunching chew. If you're targeting bluefish, metal jigs or spoons can work well[1][3]. ### Hot Spots - **Moshup Beach**: Located on the southwestern tip of Martha's Vineyard, this beach is renowned for its striped bass fishing. The varied shoreline offers excellent opportunities to catch these feisty fish. - **Squibnocket Bight**: This scenic stretch of shoreline is a hotspot for striped bass, bluefish, and occasional bonito or false albacore. The natural beauty and abundant fish populations make it a versatile destination for anglers[3]. Overall, Martha's Vineyard continues to offer exciting fishing opportunities even in the late season. Make sure to check the weather forecast and tidal charts before you head out, and don't hesitate to try different lures and baits to see what works best for you. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.