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.
News
Mid-June Martha's Vineyard Fly Fishing Report
In the previous Martha's Vineyard fishing report, I discussed the lights-out fishing in the rips from the boat, but the shore fishing for stripers was on the slower side. The cooler water and lack of baitfish in close meant our shore fishing was off to a later-than-usual start. I'm happy to report that after a few warm days, the swaths of sand eels typical of this time of year are back, and hungry striped bass are swarming in pursuit of them!
Martha's Vineyard Spring 2025 Fly Fishing Report
After a lukewarm start to the Spring fly fishing season on Martha's Vineyard, the air and water temps are warming, and the fishing is now on fire! Water temps have finally reached 60 degrees, and striped bass have quickly filled the Vineyard's local waters. It doesn't get much better than late spring on Martha's Vineyard for the fly angler!
Father's Day Gift Guide 2025
Father’s Day is June 15th, and finding that perfect gift is always tough, especially for the dads that seemingly have it all. To make things easier for you, we compiled a list of our favorite items at Kismet Outfitters for dads who love to fish and island life!
Van Staal Pliers

If Dad is serious about fishing and is the type of angler who demands the very best from his equipment, Van Staal pliers are the perfect gift. Van Staal pliers are built to perform, and built to last. Available in 7" or 6" titanium, each pair is remarkably lightweight and extremely strong. The spring-loaded ergonomic handles, line cutter with replaceable tungsten cutters and anvils are features you won't find on ordinary fishing pliers. Van Staal pliers are available as kits that include pliers, lanyard and leather sheath.
Buy HERE
KIsmet Outfitters Solar Hoodie
Stripers love crabs nearly as much as Dad loves tossing crab patterns to them! Dad will be super stoked to show off his favorite way to fish on this breathable, sun protecting, lightweight hoodie.
Buy HERE
Dr. Slick Cyclone Nippers

Nippers are a must have fly fishing accessory, and Dr. Slick’s Cyclone Nippers are a Kismet Outfitters’ staff favorite. The Cyclone Nippers feature sharp tungsten carbide blades mounted on an aluminum frame and easily cut through any tippet dad can throw at them. Each package includes one pair of nippers, replacement blades, and a steel retention ring.
Buy HERE
Cliff’s Fly Boxes

There isn’t a fly angler out there who couldn’t use another fly box and Cliffs are a Kismet Outfitters customer favorite! Available in four different sized models, dad will be super stoked on you helping to get his fly collection organized. To make things even sweeter, email stephen@kismetoutfitters.com and he’ll put together a custom box with the best flies for Martha’s Vineyard and throughout coastal New England.
Buy HERE
Thomas & Thomas Exocett 88 Fly Rod

T&T’s brand-new Exocett 88 is hand-built in Greenfield, Massachusetts using the finest heirloom-esq components available from any production fly rod. The Exocett 88 is designed with punching big flies and sinking lines through the punishing wind in mind- important components for fly fishing the Vineyard and New England salt. Help dad step-up his fly fishing game with the hottest new fly rod out.
Buy HERE
Cheeky Spray Fly Reel

The only thing better than a new fly rod is a new rod matched with a new reel. Cheek’s Spray The new, award-winning Spray Fly Reels are the premium reel from Cheeky Fishing. They have been engineered and rigorously tested for performance and efficiency. With a new and improved drag system and light-weight design, the Spray is up to the task for any of Dad’s fly fishing adventures in the salt.
Buy HERE
Patagonia Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket

Some of the best fishing often occurs during challenging and unpredictable conditions, especially on Martha’s Vineyard. The Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket from Patagonia will keep dad on the water when the bite is hot thanks to the 4-layer, waterproof/breathable H2No® Performance Standard shell.
Buy HERE
Kismet Outfitters Giftcard

Still can’t make up your mind? Don’t worry! You can never go wrong with a Kismet Outfitters gift card that he can put toward a new rod, waders, apparel, and anything else we carry, including guided trips and lessons!
Buy HERE
Give us a ring at 774-549-5921 or email info@kismetoutfitters.com to discuss fly fishing or Martha’s Vineyard-related gift ideas.
Guided Experiences: Boat Trip
Kismet Outfitters offers guided fishing excursions on Martha’s Vineyard by boat, paddleboard, and from shore. We often hear new clients ask, “Which is better?” Truthfully, that’s a difficult question to answer because they all provide different experiences.