Anyone fishing the vineyard? - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

KJLane · 07-30-2003, 11:16 AM

Hey Folks,
I just finished a month long road trip across the country and am no longer up to date on the local fishing scene. This weekend I'll be on the Vineyard looking to get back into some action. Can anyone give me a general report of the area? Nothin' too specific, of course...

hrjaw · 07-30-2003, 12:43 PM

talk to Bobby Blanchard At Edgartown Marine. Nice guy, and he will give you a heads up on what's goiing on.
Roger

Mr. Sandman · 07-30-2003, 01:08 PM

Surf action for bass has slowed terribly on the eastern end of the island the last couple weeks. The western end is doing better but it ain't gangbusters.

Comm bass guys are doing 40 bass/night with ease from the boats off the western part of the island. Guys just getting into it are getting 40 fish. Lots of big fish over 40#. It is not nearly as good down island.

Blues are around but kinda small 3-5# class in the rips but don't seem to be close to the beach.

Bonito just showed. A few have been caught in the bluefish mix. No great number yet...everyone is waiting.

Flukin is very good in the sound.

Scuppin is hot everywhere there is seawater.

No bluefin or yellowfin in CenterConsole range yet. (but any day)

So, I would fish out of Menemsha if I were you.

Chappy should be re-named: Mung City. It has been messy since that last blow...and no one is doing much fromthe surf...that could change when it settles down a bit.

good luck.

Fish On · 07-30-2003, 01:55 PM

Mr. Sandman you are the man,
Nice update! I'll be down fishing out of block island w/e of 8/8. Any action for bluefin and yellowfin down there yet in CC range? Think there will be by then? Not that you have a crystal ball or anything. Just looking for your expert opinion.

KJLane · 07-30-2003, 02:08 PM

thanks guys. I'll be fishing out of menemsha. Are the commercial guys jigging off the west end? thats how they usually work south of wasque.

Mr. Sandman · 07-30-2003, 02:21 PM

Most of the comm's are eeling. Dead stick a few rods while casting an eel into the rocks.
Scup are also deadly, they last about a minute down there and it is inhaled.

Fish On · 07-30-2003, 02:38 PM

what's the best way to catch skup for bait. small hook and a bit of clam?

Mr. Sandman · 07-30-2003, 02:44 PM

A small piece of squid on a scup hook will put them in the live well in no time. Several guys I know use those sabiki rigs with no bait and a little castmaster as a weight. They jig it off the bottom and get 2+ at a time with no bait! I have not tried it yet. I am an eel man anyways.
You want the scup live and they need a decent well to keep them alive.

Fish On · 07-30-2003, 02:59 PM

Thanks Sand. I have both the sabiki rigs and a great livewell. Just haven't had any luck with the scup yet. Caught 2 cunner though. Should have tried them on the hook. Now I'll show my ignorance. So what's a scup look like?

Any thoughts on that tuna question above?

KJLane · 07-30-2003, 03:01 PM

I'll give eelin a shot out around squibnocket then. thanks for the tips sandman. i'll let you know how it goes.

Mr. Sandman · 07-30-2003, 03:08 PM

Here is what 1/2 a scup looks like after a bluefish nabs it..
(you might know it as a "Porgy")