Mid-July is typically the time that saltwater anglers on Martha's Vineyard and coastal New England become a bit jaded. Let's face it, from a fishing perspective, we're in between Spring's rejuvenation when warming water temps bring baitfish and fresh, liced-up stripers to our local waters, and the magic of the Island's 'Fall Run'. While the 'Dog Days' might not conjure up the romantic angling images of Spring and Fall, we're currently experiencing some of the hottest fly fishing action of the season.
After a prolonged, rainy, and cool Spring, the fishing season on Martha's Vineyard is running a couple of weeks behind schedule from years past. This has bolstered our summer fishing and has been a blessing in disguise. The rips are ripe with sandeels, peanut bunker, and we're still seeing squid! Bluefish are back with a vengeance after a disappointing 2024, with similar numbers and sizes to 2023's banner year. The gator blues are eating larger profile yellow flatwing patterns, sand eels, squid flies, poppers, and pretty much anything put in front of them.
Bluefish are an often overlooked gamefish that don't get the respect that striped bass and albies command. However, they are a voracious predator that wreaks havoc on anything in their path. 'Carnage', 'chaos', and 'destruction' are just a few of the adjectives that I can use to describe Kismet Outfitters recent boat charters targeting blues. Once you experience bluefish blitzing on sandeels, see them annihilate a topwater fly or plug, and feel the full throttle fight, you'll understand just how special these fish are.
During Kismet Outfitter's recent guided boat trips, we've seen the typically bottom-dwelling black sea bass in huge schools, blitzing on sandeels under birds. These forgiving fish are the perfect target for beginner and novice fly anglers. However, even the most battle-hardened fly anglers can't help but crack a smile at witnessing these undersized, but feisty fighters race each other to annihilate a Clouser Minnow. While typically prized for their table fare (and for good reason), don't overlook their value as a sport fish, especially in this unique situation!
For the wade anglers, smaller bluefish can now be found mixed in with stripers, cruising the flats Up Island, and I can't think of a better way to spend a warm summer afternoon than watching these featherweight prizefighters push a light fly rod to its limits. They're a welcome reprieve for the novice angler growing frustrated with sightfishing for stripers. Just be sure to stop by Kismet Outfitters and pick up some wire bite tippet, or you'll lose flies, and pliers, or you'll lose fingers!
Targeting striped bass from foot is still productive for July, with America's Favorite Gamefish having established their summer holding spots in cooler water, Up Island, and around the Elizabeths. If you're seeing stripers on the flats but not getting hits, size down your fly and opt for a long twelve-pound leader. With stripers not as dispersed as a month ago, book an experienced Kismet Outfitters shore guide, and we'll put you on the fish. Small Clousers, Spawning Shrimp, Gotchas, crabs, and various peanut punker flies are all producing. Kismet Outfitters is stocked with the best flies on the Island, specifically curated for our fishery. Stop in and we'll point you in the right direction.
As water temperatures rise, please be mindful of our fish friends and apply mindful catch-and-release practices. If you must take a picture, don't remove the fish from the water. The Fishpond Nomad net is ideal for keeping fish submerged, preventing them from flopping around on the sand for an extended period. The rubber netting is less harmful to fish, and flies don't get stuck like they do with traditional cloth netting.
Summer is the perfect time for a family-friendly fishing charter on Martha's Vineyard. We love working with beginner anglers of all ages with both fly and spin tackle. No fishing experience is needed to make memories that will last a lifetime. To book a trip with Kismet Outfitters, please email info@kismetoutfitters.com or call 774-549-5921! We look forward to seeing you!
Leave a comment