Martha's Vineyard Fishing Report: Stripers, Albies, and a Surprise Tarpon

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. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.