After a cold, damp, and windy start to the season, striped bass fishing continues to improve across Martha's Vineyard, with excellent opportunities developing for both boat and shore anglers.
Striped bass numbers have steadily increased throughout the month, with fish now spread across beaches, salt ponds, inlets, and the rips. While the lack of smaller-class fish remains somewhat concerning, larger bass are showing with greater consistency, particularly during the late mornings and early afternoons as water temperatures continue to climb. For now, anglers can enjoy the luxury of sleeping in a bit before heading out—a luxury that won't last much longer as summer patterns begin to take hold.
The squid run remains strong throughout much of the Island, and bass are actively feeding on them whenever conditions allow. We're finding success with orange and red-purple Red Can Squids, as well as dark tan and red Semper Squids. Even when fish aren't visibly feeding on the surface, these patterns continue to produce around current seams, rip lines, and structure. Matching the hatch remains critical, especially as fish become more selective in clear water conditions.
For anglers targeting these fish on the fly, we've been particularly impressed with the performance of the Rio Premier Striper Line this spring. The line's ability to quickly load modern saltwater rods and turn over larger squid and baitfish patterns has made it a valuable tool in the often-windy conditions we've experienced throughout May. Paired with the Thomas & Thomas Exocett 88, anglers have a setup capable of making quick, accurate casts whether fishing from the bow of a skiff, stalking fish on the flats, or working current seams along the shoreline.
Our Martha's Vineyard flats fishing trips have improved dramatically over the past week. When weather conditions cooperate, we're finding large schools of happy fish throughout the ponds. With vast amounts of sand eels present and water temperatures approaching ideal levels, the next two weeks could provide some of the best sight-fishing opportunities of the season. Don't leave home without plenty of olive-over-white Clousers in sizes 2 and 4, as these flies continue to imitate the abundant sand eel forage exceptionally well.
Looking ahead, the forecast finally appears to be settling into a more stable pattern. If that trend continues, we expect a significant push of migratory striped bass to arrive across Martha's Vineyard throughout June, bringing even more consistent fishing opportunities to anglers across the Island.
If you're planning a Martha's Vineyard fly fishing charter, please email stephen@kismetoutfitters.com or text/call 706-580-6712 today! June boat charters are extremely limited, but we have a few shore dates open. Whether you're fishing from shore, aboard a boat, or exploring the Island's renowned flats, the season is officially underway and conditions are shaping up for an outstanding early-summer fishery.
Kismet Outfitters publishes weekly Martha's Vineyard fly fishing reports throughout the striped bass season, providing local insight into current fishing conditions, productive fly patterns, and seasonal forecasts. Check back regularly for the latest updates from around the Island.
Tight lines,
The Kismet Outfitters Team
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