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Martha's Vineyard Surfcasters
Martha's Vineyard
Surfcasters Association
P.O. Box 3053
Edgartown, MA 02539

Welcome to the Martha's Vineyard Surfcasters
Association (MVSA) Website.

"...to encourage the sport of surfcasting; to gather for entertainment and good fellowship; to promote and uphold sound conservation practices and laws, and to see that these laws are properly carried out by members; to further good sportsmanship; and to seek and protect public access to fishing areas on Martha's Vineyard." A. Spofford, 1989

 

Tide Charts

Wasque Point 
Squibnocket Pt
Striped Bass
Striped Bass 		Bluefish
Bluefish		  Atlantic Bonito
Atlantic Bonito		 False Albacore
False Albacore 		 Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel

This site is dedicated to those who share the passion of in-shore fishing.  Whether walking the sands of Wasque, navigating the rocks of Squibnocket, or balancing from the jetties of Menemsha, fishing the shores of Martha's Vineyard ignites special feeling for us all. The pursuit of Vineyard game fish is a way of life for generations of Islanders and visitors alike. MVSA members hope the information contained in this site will be useful for both the seasoned and beginner angler. Respect and conservation of our natural resources is paramount in our efforts.

Download Massachusetts Saltwater Recreational Fishing Guide
Courtesy of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries


Striped Bass

Striped bass is our most sought-after species, providing great sport through catch and release fishing and great eating when you catch a "keeper". Striped bass is one of the largest fish available to the nearshore angler. Fish range from 1 pound to over 60 pounds.

Location: Whole coast surf, inshore bars, reefs, tide-rips, bays and estuaries.
Season: Mid April-October
Baits and Lures: Seaworms, eels, squid, herring; jigs, plugs, spinners, spoons.
Methods and Tackle: Casting from shore, boat-trolling, light to heavy tackle.
Mass. Saltwater Fishing Derby Minimum Weight: 35 lbs.

Bluefish

Bluefish are usually ravenous and will strike at just about anything you give them. Watch out for those teeth! They average around 3-7 lbs along the coast and tend to be larger just offshore in the rips. The juveniles, referred to as "snappers," can be found in the estuaries and are fun to catch with light tackle. In all cases, they put up an excellent fight all the way to your boat or shore.

Location: Whole coast surf, inshore bars, tide rips, bays and estuaries.
Season: June-mid October
Baits and Lures: Strip baits, squid, small jigs, spoons, plugs, flies.
Methods and Tackle: Casting from shore or boat (you may want to use a wire leader) with spin and fly fishing gear, trolling.
Mass. Saltwater Fishing Derby Minimum Weight: 12 lbs.

Atlantic Bonito

Sharpen your reflexes because these small tunas are fast and fun to catch. Watch for feeding schools where there will be jumpers. For a quick identification, look for dark bands running the length of the fish above the lateral line and a silvery belly.

Location: Southern Cape Cod and the Islands, rarely north of Cape Cod.
Season: Late July - October
Baits and Lures: Strip baits, squid, small jigs, spoons, plugs, flies.
Methods and Tackle: Spinning gear, bait casting, light boat rods, trolling, fly fishing
Mass. Saltwater Fishing Derby Minimum Weight: 5lbs.

False Albacore (Little Tunny)

False Albacore are very similar to bonito - fast, fun and sometimes a bit tricky to catch. However, unlike bonito, they make poor table fair.

Location: Mostly warmer waters of the south side of Cape Cod and the Islands.
Season: Late July - October
Baits and Lures: Same as for bonito
Methods and Tackle: Same as for bonito
Mass. Saltwater Fishing Derby Minimum Weight: 12 lbs.

Spanish Mackerel

Description: color of back green, shading to silver on sides, golden yellow irregular spots above and below lateral line; front of dorsal fin black; lateral line curves gently to base of tail.
Similar Fish: cero, S. regalis; king mackerel, S. cavalla.
Where found: INSHORE, NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE, especially over grass beds and reefs.
Size: average catch less than 2 pounds (20 inches).
Remarks: schooling fish that migrates northward in spring, returning to southerly waters when water temperature drops below 70 degrees F; spawns OFFSHORE, spring through summer; feeds on small fish and squid.
MV Derby Countdown

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Latest Blog Postings
MVSA Summer Newsletter 2023
Posted on: Wednesday, August 16, 2023

MVSA April 2023 Newsletter
Posted on: Monday, May 1, 2023

Summary OSV ConCom Hearing 4/5/23 - by Chris Kennedy (Former Superintendent TTOR)
Posted on: Friday, April 14, 2023

MVBAG Norton and Chappy OSV Update 04/08/23
Posted on: Saturday, April 8, 2023

MVSA March 2023 Newsletter
Posted on: Saturday, April 8, 2023

URGENT - MVBAG Chappy OSV Update
Posted on: Sunday, April 2, 2023

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