Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Martha's Vineyard fishing report for May 14, 2025.

It's shaping up to be a fantastic day on the water around the Vineyard. The weather's cooperating with mild temperatures and light winds from the southwest - perfect conditions for a day of fishing. Sunrise was at 5:23 AM and we'll have daylight until sunset at 7:52 PM, giving you plenty of time on the water. We're currently in a falling tide with low tide around midday, so plan accordingly.

The big news is that striped bass are finally showing up in good numbers! These migratory fish have been moving steadily northward along the coast and have made their way to our waters. Reports from anglers indicate stripers pushing 40 inches have been spotted in Buzzards Bay and are likely moving through Vineyard Sound now[1][3]. They've been actively feeding on herring, so matching your lures to these baitfish is your best bet.

Bluefish have also invaded our local waters with increasing numbers from the bays to the beaches[1]. They're aggressive as always, so steel leaders might save you some tackle. Weakfish have been reported as well, adding some nice variety to the potential catch.

For those targeting tautog, the bite remains steady with plenty of keepers being landed. Bonus: anglers are reporting jumbo scup as bycatch while togging[1]. Green crabs have been the bait of choice.

Lure selection has been crucial. For stripers, Redfins have been hot tickets according to local shops, especially with fish being somewhat finicky around structure[3]. Topwaters and flutter spoons have also been producing well for stripers in the region[1]. If you're after blues, anything shiny that moves fast will trigger those aggressive strikes.

As for hot spots, the north shore facing Buzzards Bay has been productive with stripers feeding on schools of herring[3]. Menemsha is always worth checking out this time of year. Also, don't overlook the waters around East Beach on Chappaquiddick where some bigger bass have been lurking.

For those planning ahead, the 80th Anniversary Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby is scheduled for September 14 through October 18 this year[2]. Always a highlight of our fishing calendar!

The fishing should continue improving as we approach the May 18 new moon, which typically brings another wave of fish into our waters[3]. Get out there and wet a line - the season's really starting to heat up!

Tight lines, folks!

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Martha's Vineyard fishing report for Monday, May 12, 2025.

Today marks the new moon, which means we're expecting a fresh wave of fish to push into our waters. The morning started with a gorgeous sunrise at 5:28 AM, and we'll have plenty of fishing time until sunset at 7:52 PM.

Striped bass action has really picked up over the past week, with schoolies abundant in the back bays and estuaries. The bigger fish are finally showing up too - we've seen some pushing 38-40 inches in Buzzards Bay, feeding aggressively on herring. These larger bass have been moving through the Canal, so keep an eye out for them around the Vineyard shoreline.

Bluefish have made their seasonal appearance right on schedule! They started showing up in mid-May as expected, and the choppers are providing some fantastic action, especially during the outgoing tides.

Tautog fishing remains excellent with plenty of keepers being landed. Anglers targeting rocky bottom structure are having the most success. Green crabs have been the top bait, but if you're heading out, grab some soon as bait shops report high demand.

For those targeting stripers, white or red Redfin lures have been producing consistently. Squid imitations are working well too, as the longfin squid have arrived in force. If you're bait fishing, fresh herring, mackerel chunks, or clams will do the trick.

Hot spots this week: Menemsha Harbor has been productive for stripers during the falling tide. The north shore between West Chop and East Chop is heating up for both stripers and blues. For tautog, try the rocky areas around Gay Head or the deeper structure off Wasque Point.

Water temperatures are holding steady around 50-52 degrees, which is the magic number that really turns on the fishing. The tide will be flooding until mid-afternoon, with high tide around 2:30 PM, followed by an outgoing that should produce the day's best bite.

The weather today looks decent with light winds from the southwest at 8-12 knots, which should make for comfortable conditions in most spots.

For those looking to fill the cooler, remember that scup season is open, and black sea bass season opens in just a few days.

That's the report for today, folks. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and see ya on the water! Don't forget to swing by one of our local tackle shops for the freshest bait and latest intel.

Ahoy there, Martha's Vineyard anglers! This is Artificial Lure coming at you with your Sunday morning fishing report for May 11, 2025.

The sun broke over our beautiful island at 5:32 this morning, painting the waters with golden light, and we'll have fishing hours until sunset at 7:56 tonight. Weather's cooperating nicely today with temps in the mid-60s and a gentle southwest breeze at 8-10 knots - just enough to ripple the water without churning it up.

Tide's running high at 10:23 this morning with a moderate outgoing flow throughout most of the day - perfect timing for those looking to hit the beaches after breakfast.

The big news is the bluefish have arrived right on schedule! They started showing up mid-May last year too, and they're already giving anglers some serious action. They'll be sticking around possibly through November, so we've got a long season ahead of us. Those choppers are hungry and hitting hard on silver Hopkins lures and Hogy epoxy jigs.

Striped bass action has been heating up considerably this past week. The migration is in full swing with schoolies in good numbers throughout our local rivers. Some bigger specimens pushing 40 inches have been spotted moving through Buzzards Bay. If you're targeting stripers, live eels or chunked mackerel are your best bet, though many locals are having success with Redfin lures during outgoing tides.

Tautog fishing remains excellent with plenty of keepers being pulled up around rock piles. Green crabs are the go-to bait for these tasty bottom-dwellers. Some folks have even been setting personal bests this past week!

For hot spots, I'd recommend trying Wasque Point if you're after those blues - they've been tearing it up there at dawn and dusk. For stripers, the north end of Buzzards Bay has been productive where they're feeding on squid and herring. Menemsha has also been giving up some quality fish on the outgoing tide.

Don't overlook the flounder action either - they've been feeding regularly and providing steady action for those with a bit of patience and some sea worms or clams.

Remember, it's all about timing with this week's fishing. The upcoming full moon on the 12th should bring another wave of fish into our waters, so tomorrow might be even better than today.

This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines, folks, and I'll see you on the water!

VINEYARD FISHING REPORT - May 10, 2025

Mornin' anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Saturday report for the Vineyard and surroundings.

The stripers are really showing up now! We've been seeing nice pods of fish moving along the south side near Vineyard Sound this past week. The migration is in full swing with the upcoming May 12 moon phase expected to bring another wave of fish into our waters.

Over in Buzzards Bay, the bite has been incredible until yesterday when things slowed a bit. Captain Brian Coombs from Get Tight Sport Fishing reports they had been on fire with fish up to 38 inches feeding on herring near the Canal. While those bigger schools (hundreds if not thousands of fish) seem to have pushed through the Canal, there are still plenty of scattered pockets worth targeting. The hot lures have been Redfins, especially for Canal anglers who've been connecting with slot and over-slot fish.

As squid begin trickling into Vineyard and Nantucket Sound, expect the rip fishing to heat up significantly over the next week. Flutter spoons have been producing excellent results when targeting stripers in deeper water.

For those looking beyond stripers, tautog fishing remains very strong throughout the region. Anglers fishing small rock piles in northern Buzzards Bay are reporting good numbers throughout the tide. Green crabs are the bait of choice, with fresh stock available at local shops.

Hot spots today: I'd focus on the rips off East Beach as the squid move in. For those staying closer to shore, Wasque Point has been holding fish during incoming tide. If you're willing to make the run, the north end of Buzzards Bay has both squid and herring with some bigger stripers on them.

Tide-wise, we're looking at a high at 9:17 AM with outgoing proving more productive for schoolie action in the local rivers. The water temp is hovering around 55 degrees, perfect for these early season fish.

Sunrise was at 5:29 AM with sunset expected at 7:53 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to find your fish.

For those targeting tautog, don't overlook the rockier structure around Menemsha - reports of personal bests coming from similar habitat in neighboring areas.

Remember, if the fish aren't biting where you are, they're biting somewhere! Keep moving until you find the action.

Tight lines from the Vineyard!

Artificial Lure reporting in from Martha's Vineyard and things are finally heating up for the spring run. As of early May, the Vineyard’s water temps are climbing, and that’s got the fish moving.

Sunrise today hit at 5:34 AM and sunset’s coming at 7:50 PM, giving us long daylight hours to work with. Tides are running strong with the new moon coming up May 12, so expect more fish pushing through on each tide. Outgoing tide has been the ticket, especially for stripers in the ponds and river mouths.

Striped bass have started to arrive with schoolies reported in the salt ponds and rivers. The main body of big fish should be sliding in soon, but folks are finding plenty of action with the smaller bass, particularly on the South Shore and in the Edgartown Great Pond area. Holdover stripers are shaking off the winter and biting more consistently as waters warm. Best action is coming in the early mornings and again toward dusk.

Tautog are biting very well around the rock piles and wrecks in Vineyard Sound, especially on the outgoing tide. Small green crabs, with legs trimmed back, have been the preferred bait and are producing nice keeper Tog. Both jigs and classic rigs are getting it done. Buzzards Bay is also seeing good Tog action if you want to make the run.

Squid have shown up in the usual spots, with night anglers picking them off using pink and orange squid jigs at spots like Menemsha and the State Pier. Great sign for things to come, and the stripers are definitely following the squid in.

Bluefish haven’t made a big push yet, but they’re due any day based on water temps and reports off the Cape. Keep an eye out as these toothy critters should start popping up along the beaches and around Chappy soon.

For lures, bring soft plastics on light jigheads for schoolie stripers and old favorites like the Yo Zuri Mag Darter or SP Minnow for when bigger fish show. Tog are all about the green crabs right now, but if you can’t get those, Asian shore crabs or even sea worms will do in a pinch.

Hotspots to try: the surf on the South Shore near Norton Point for stripers, and any of the rock piles outside Oak Bluffs for tautog. Edgartown Great Pond and Sengekontacket are also producing, especially on an outgoing tide.

With warming weather and longer days, this weekend should offer prime conditions. Good luck out there and tight lines!

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Martha's Vineyard fishing report for Wednesday, May 7th, 2025.

We're finally seeing that spring warmup we've been waiting for! After what locals have been calling an unusually cold start to the year, the fishing action is heating up around our island.

Striped bass are making their presence known, with schoolies being caught more consistently now. The holdovers that were in our rivers and salt ponds are being joined by fresh arrivals. While we're not seeing the main migration yet, numbers are increasing daily as water temperatures climb. South Shore has been producing some nice catches, and I'm hearing good reports from Menemsha and Chappaquiddick.

Bluefish should be showing up any day now! Typically they arrive mid-May, so keep your eyes peeled along the south-facing beaches. First arrivals tend to be the bigger choppers, so beef up your leaders if you're targeting them.

Tautog fishing remains strong in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. Rock piles outside river mouths are holding keeper-sized fish, especially during falling tides when warmer water pushes out, carrying all those tasty crabs with it. Small green crabs with trimmed legs are still the top bait, but jigs are also working well.

Scup season opened last week, and black sea bass season opens in about 10 days. There's already been good activity with squid showing up in force - they're running strong under dock lights in the evenings.

For those targeting tautog, try the rockier areas around West Chop or Squibnocket Point. Stripers are being found near the Elizabeth Islands and in the salt ponds around Edgartown.

Best lures right now include white or chartreuse soft plastics for the schoolie stripers, with success on small swimming plugs during low light. If you're after tautog, green crabs are outfishing everything else, though Asian crabs will work in a pinch.

Hot spots this week: Wasque Point is starting to heat up for early-season stripers, especially on the outgoing tide. The rocky structure around Gay Head has been giving up consistent tautog action. For a mixed bag, try drifting along the north shore between West Chop and East Chop.

With warming temps and longer days, we're about to hit prime time fishing. Get out there while you can before the summer crowds arrive!

Until next time, this is Artificial Lure reminding you that a bad day fishing is still better than a good day working. Tight lines, everyone!

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Martha's Vineyard fishing report for Monday, May 5th, 2025.

The spring fishing season is really starting to heat up around the Vineyard! After that unusually cold start to the year, water temperatures are finally climbing to where they should be, and the fish are responding.

Striped bass are making their annual migration into our waters right now. While we're not seeing the main body of the migration just yet, schoolies are being caught with increasing frequency, especially the holdovers in our rivers and salt ponds. The South Shore has been the hotspot for the first real striper action this season. If you're targeting these bass, try working small soft plastics or bucktail jigs slowly in the moving water around river mouths.

Tautog fishing has been absolutely stellar in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. Local anglers have been limiting out by targeting rock piles outside of river mouths, particularly during falling tides when that slightly warmer water washes out crabs and other crustaceans from the backwaters. Small green crabs with the legs trimmed have been the ticket to keeper-sized fish. Both jigs and traditional rigs are producing, so come prepared with both setups.

The big news is that squid have arrived in force throughout the area. They're showing up well under dock lights at night, so if you're looking to stock up on some fresh bait (or enjoy some calamari), now's the time. These squid will make excellent bait as we move further into bottom fishing season.

Speaking of bottom fishing, scup season opened on May 1st, and black sea bass season is just around the corner, opening in about two weeks in Massachusetts waters.

We're also expecting bluefish to make their appearance any day now, as they typically start showing up in mid to late May around the Vineyard.

For hot spots this week, I'd recommend checking out the rock piles outside of Lagoon Pond for tautog, and Wasque Point for early stripers. The river mouths along Vineyard Haven are also producing fish as bait moves in and out with the tides. Both bunker and herring are present in good numbers.

As for today's conditions: sunrise was at 5:34 AM and sunset will be at 7:51 PM. We've got overcast skies with temperatures in the mid-60s and a light northeast breeze around 5-8 knots. Tide is currently falling and will bottom out around 11:30 AM before the flood begins.

Remember folks, the fishing is only going to improve from here on out as we head into peak season. So get out there while you can, and I'll see you on the water!

This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time!

Mornin folks this is Artificial Lure with your Martha’s Vineyard fishing report for Sunday May 4th 2025. We’re rolling into May and the island is coming alive with spring action both inshore and offshore. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the water today.

First off let’s talk weather and tides. Today’s sunrise was at 5:38 AM and sunset will be at 7:44 PM giving you plenty of daylight to get lines wet. Temperatures are hovering in the upper 50s to low 60s with a light southwest breeze. Skies are mostly clear but pack a jacket for the early morning chill. The outgoing tide this morning has fueled the bite at the river mouths and rocky points—prime time for targeting stripers and tautog.

Fish activity is heating up fast. Striped bass have started to move in solid with schoolies and some bigger fish around the south shore and up into the salt ponds. Local reports say the bass are feeling feisty, especially early and late in the day. Some anglers are seeing decent numbers of bluefish mixed in, and the first keepers of the season have been confirmed. Squid are showing up thick under dock lights and around the harbors after dark—these make top-notch bait but are also fun to jig for in their own right. Meanwhile, the tautog bite is in full swing along the rock piles on the island’s north and west sides. Numbers are strong and plenty of fish are over the keeper mark, especially on crabs and jigs fished tight to structure. If you’re itching for some action off the bottom, the scup season is now open and the bite is just starting to pick up[1][2].

As for lures and bait, you can’t go wrong with soft plastics for stripers—try paddle tails, Al Gag’s Whip-it-Fish, and swim shads. Topwater plugs are producing during low-light hours when bass are pushing bait in the shallows. For natural bait, fresh squid, bunker chunks, and seaworms are doing the trick. When targeting tautog, green crabs rigged whole or on a jig head are the ticket—trim those legs for a clean presentation[1].

Hot spots right now include Menemsha channel where the outgoing tide pulls bait into the open and draws in stripers and tog. State Beach is another consistent producer for early season bass and scattered bluefish, especially around the bends and jetties. If you’re after squid, hit Oak Bluffs and Edgartown harbors after dark with jigs under the lights.

To sum it up, the fish are here and hungry, tides are lining up for a good bite, and the weather is on our side. Whether you’re on foot or drifting from a boat, Martha’s Vineyard is primed for a memorable day on the water. Tight lines and see you out there[2][1][5].

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Martha's Vineyard fishing report for Saturday, May 3rd, 2025.

The spring season is finally picking up after what local experts have been calling an unusually cold start to the year. Water temperatures around the Vineyard have been slowly climbing, and we're seeing some promising activity in the area.

Striped bass are beginning to make their annual migration into our waters. While the main body of stripers hasn't fully arrived yet, there are reports of schoolies being caught, particularly holdovers in the rivers and salt ponds. Expect these numbers to increase dramatically over the next couple weeks as water temperatures continue to rise. The South Shore has been seeing the first real action.

Bluefish typically start showing up in mid to late May around the Vineyard, so keep your eyes peeled as they should be arriving any day now.

Tautog fishing has been productive in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. Anglers are having success targeting rock piles outside river mouths, especially during falling tides when warmer water moves out, carrying crabs and other crustaceans with it. Small green crabs with trimmed legs have been producing keeper-sized fish. Both jigs and traditional rigs are working, so bring options.

The squid run is in full force! Nighttime dock lights are producing good numbers of longfin squid - great for the table and as bait for the upcoming bottom fishing season.

Speaking of bottom fish, today marks the start of scup season, and black sea bass season opens in Massachusetts waters in about two weeks. This is prime time to start targeting these tasty creatures.

For bait and lures, local shops are stocking up on Al Gag's Whip-it-Fish, 247 Lures Mollys, and colored XRaps. The full range of Nomad DTX trollers are also popular as anglers prepare for the striped bass arrival.

Hot spots to try this weekend include Woods Hole (despite the chilly 44.8-degree water), the rock piles around Vineyard Sound, and the outflows of local salt ponds. Night fishing is becoming increasingly productive as we head toward summer.

Flounder are being caught in nearby harbors, with Gloucester Harbor and areas off Crane's Beach producing decent numbers.

The herring and bunker runs are also in progress, which should attract more predatory fish to the river mouths. This means these areas are prime spots to target stripers as they follow the bait.

With warmer weather in the forecast, fishing conditions should improve rapidly over the next week. The early morning and evening bites are likely your best bet until the water warms up a bit more.

Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure signing off from Martha's Vineyard. See you on the water!

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Martha's Vineyard fishing report for this fine Friday, May 2nd, 2025.

The Vineyard waters are starting to heat up, folks! We're seeing that first real push of migratory stripers making their way around the island. Those early scouts that hit the south side of the Vineyard a couple weeks ago have now filtered up into Buzzards Bay and surrounding waters[3][5]. While it's been a slower spring than normal, things are finally picking up steam.

Water temps have been climbing from the chilly mid-40s we had just a week ago, which is bringing more life to our fishery[3]. The holdover stripers in the rivers and salt ponds are getting more active but still a bit finicky[1]. If you're targeting these bass, focus on river mouths where bunker and herring are congregating - these big, oily baitfish are like candy to hungry stripers[1].

Big news - the squid have arrived in force! They've been thick under dock lights around Falmouth, Mashpee, and Cotuit[1]. If you can jig up some fresh squid, they make fantastic bait or a mighty fine dinner.

Tautog fishing is excellent right now, especially in Buzzards Bay where anglers are finding limits without much trouble[1]. For tog, work the rock piles outside river mouths during falling tide when warmer water is washing out crabs and other crustaceans. Small green crabs with trimmed legs have been the ticket to keeper-size fish[1].

Scup season just opened yesterday, and black sea bass season opens in about two weeks, so we've got plenty to look forward to[1].

For hot spots, try Woods Hole - while water was still a bit cool last week at 44.8 degrees, the sunshine we've had should have pushed that up nicely[3]. Also, don't overlook the Maritime Academy docks where tautog have been steady[3].

As for bait and lures, seaworms are absolutely crushing it for stripers - they might not look like river herring, but both resident and migrant bass can't resist 'em[2]. If you're jigging for tautog, bring both jigs and conventional rigs to see what's working best that day[1].

Bluefish should start showing up mid to late May according to the usual pattern, so get ready for some choppers soon[4].

Remember that nighttime fishing becomes more productive as we move into the warmer months, especially for bass as we get into summer[4].

The early bird gets the worm, so hit those spots at first light or evening tide changes for your best shot at success! Tight lines, folks, and I'll see you on the water!