Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Martha's Vineyard fishing report for this fine Wednesday morning, April 30, 2025.

Spring has finally sprung on the Vineyard, and the fishing scene is heating up right on schedule! The big news is that those migratory schoolie stripers we've been waiting for have arrived. They started showing up on the south side beaches about two weeks ago, covered in sea lice - a sure sign they're fresh in from their journey north[1].

Water temps have been hovering around 46-47 degrees, which is a touch cool, but warming nicely with the recent sunshine[1]. Today's looking to be partly cloudy with temps in the low 60s - perfect for getting out on the water. Sunrise was at 5:39 AM and we'll have light until sunset at 7:48 PM, giving you plenty of time to wet a line.

The herring runs are absolutely loaded right now, bringing in predators from all directions. Just last weekend, folks were reporting ospreys dive-bombing schools of river herring, which is always a good sign that stripers aren't far behind[1]. If you're headed out today, focus on the backwaters and estuaries where those schoolies are starting to push in.

For the freshwater enthusiasts, the largemouth action has been stellar. Some real tanks have been caught recently, including an 8-pounder that smashed a chatterbait just a week or so back[2]. The pickerel and trout fishing has been just as productive - Outer Cape ponds have been giving up nice brown and brook trout on spoons, while shiners have been the ticket for pickerel and largemouth[2].

If you're looking for something different, tautog fishing has been ramping up as the water warms. Those water temps are just approaching that magic 53-degree mark where the bite really turns on[3].

For lures, swimbaits and wakebaits near the herring runs are your best bet for trophy largemouth. For the saltwater crew, small soft plastics on jigheads will do the trick for those schoolie stripers. Don't overlook the classic bucktail jig either.

As for hot spots, the south side beaches of the Vineyard have been producing those first migrating stripers[4]. For freshwater action, any pond with a herring run access is worth a shot. Menemsha Pond has also been consistent for schoolies as they push into the warmer backwaters.

If you're bait fishing, fresh herring chunks or sea worms are your best bet for stripers, while green crabs are the go-to for tautog.

That's all for now, folks. Remember, a bad day fishing is still better than a good day working. Catch ya on the water!

- Artificial Lure

Artificial Lure here with your Wednesday, April 23 Martha’s Vineyard fishing report. We’re shaking off a cold, late spring, but the Island is finally waking up with sharper fish activity and plenty of anticipation from locals and visitors alike.

Let’s start with the weather. After weeks of chilly wind and stubborn water temps, things are finally starting to warm up. Daytime highs are reaching the high 50s and hovering around 60, with sunshine expected to stick around and push those water temperatures up a little more. Ocean temps are still in the mid-40s, but the forecast is in our favor for a stronger bite soon. Sunrise was at 5:53 AM and sunset will be at 7:32 PM, so there’s a solid window for those dawn and dusk sessions that we all love.

On the saltwater side, the south shore and Wasque are beginning to see the first real signs of migratory schoolie striped bass. These early arrivals are mixed in with holdovers, with most catches coming from the surf on the south side beaches. Fish are mostly shorts to mid-20-inch range, but if you put your time in, you might tangle with a heavier striper. The action should only improve as water temps edge higher and the herring runs stay strong. Peanut bunker and river herring are thick in the ponds, so sighting ospreys and gulls working the bait is a solid clue that stripers are close by.

Tautog reports are slow but improving. Most tog action locally has been around deeper structure and rocky spots, with a few shorts and mid-sized fish being reported. The warm-up should flip that bite on any day now.

Freshwater is where the Island has really shined the past week. Trout fishing is hot in the stocked ponds—think Duarte, Seth’s, and Uncle Seth’s. Anglers have been scoring well with shiners, inline spinners, spoons, and even small flies like Woolly Buggers. Largemouth bass are also on the chew and feeding hard ahead of spawn. Best results have been with curly-tail grubs, soft plastics, and small jigs.

Best baits and lures? In saltwater, go with small soft plastics, 4- to 5-inch paddle tails, and swimming plugs that imitate herring. Also try small bucktail jigs. For tog, green crabs and seaworms are your ticket. In the ponds, trout are hitting shiners, spinners, and spoons, while bass are smashing curly-tail grubs and Texas-rigged worms.

Hot spots to try are Wasque Point for early stripers and the Edgartown outer harbor for both tog and schoolie bass. For freshwater, hit Duarte’s and Seth’s Ponds for trout, and try some of the up-Island lakes for pre-spawn largemouth.

That’s the Vineyard update for today. Tight lines, and I’ll see you out there.

Artificial Lure here with your Martha’s Vineyard report for Monday, April 21, 2025.

First light hit the water at 5:49 am, and sunset rolls in at 7:26 pm. The winds are out of the southwest, steady but not kicking up too much chop, with daytime highs nudging toward 60 degrees. Water temps are still brisk, sitting around 46, and the bite’s been tied closely to those slightly warming afternoons.

The big news is that migratory schoolie stripers have arrived on the south side of the Vineyard, right on schedule, showing plenty of sea lice—a sure sign they’re fresh in from their journey. They’re still a bit cautious, but as the waters creep up a few more degrees, expect the action to really fire up. The estuaries and salt ponds are loaded with river herring right now, and I’ve seen ospreys and gulls working these bait balls hard. When you see that kind of bird activity, it’s best to stick around—those schoolies aren’t far behind[1].

For those hitting the ponds, trout fishing continues to be on a tear thanks to recent stockings. Anglers are reporting good catches on shiners, small flies like Woolly Buggers, inline spinners, and spoons. Largemouth bass action remains steady too, with fish feeding aggressively pre-spawn. Curly-tail grubs on 1/4-ounce jigheads are putting 2- to 3-pounders in the boat, and crappie are falling for the same rigs[2].

If you’re after stripers, best bet is to time your outings around the rising or top of the incoming tide—late afternoons have been just a tick hotter as the sun does its work. The south beach stretches from Katama to Wasque are seeing schoolie activity. Herring imitators like small swim shads, soft plastics, and bucktail jigs are the lures of choice right now. If you’re set on bait, bloodworms and clams will get you bites—just be patient and cover water.

Hot spots to try today: Wasque Point for the early-arriving stripers, and Sengekontacket Pond for a mixed bag of schoolies and fat spring trout.

In short, the season is just getting started, and the fish are here—so get out there while the crowds are light and the bite is coming alive.

Tight lines,
Artificial Lure

Artificial Lure here with your April 20th fishing report from Martha’s Vineyard. Spring’s finally waking up the island waters, and the action is just starting to heat up for anglers willing to put in the time.

We’re starting the morning off with sunrise at 5:57 AM and sunset wrapping up close to 7:32 PM. Today’s weather looks mild, with highs reaching into the upper 50s to 60 degrees and a mostly light breeze—classic spring conditions, good for extended sessions on the rocks or sand. Water temps around the Vineyard and Nantucket Sound are creeping near 50 degrees, ideal for kickstarting both tog and schoolie striper activity[1].

Tidewise, we’re working with a decent set for morning and evening bites, which should help the early risers and the folks who like an evening send-off. Low tide falls just after sunrise, with a strong incoming push throughout the late morning—prime time to target troughs and creek mouths.

Here’s what’s biting: Early reports from the southern beaches say fresh-run schoolie stripers—some still slick with sea lice—are showing up, especially around the south shore. These first migrants are on the smaller side, but their presence means bigger fish are right behind them. The estuaries and salt ponds are loaded up with river herring, and that’s got the resident stripers fired up. I’ve seen ospreys and gulls working hard over the herring schools, which is never a bad sign[1].

If you’re targeting tog, the bite is just starting to show up as water temps hit that 50-degree mark. Try green crabs or Asian shore crabs on a classic tog rig, and work the rocky structure near East Chop or the breakwall at West Chop.

For stripers, stick with small soft plastics—like a 4-inch paddletail in natural colors or white—and slim profile swimmers that mimic river herring. Early-season stripers tend to hang tight to structure and deeper drop-offs on the outgoing tide. Sand eel imitations and bucktails are also consistent producers this time of year. Folks tossing metal—like Kastmasters or smaller SP Minnows—are picking up fish when the wind’s onshore. On the bait side, fresh clam or seaworms are a reliable bet if you want to soak bait and wait.

Hot spots this morning include the surf along South Beach and the mouths of the Lagoon and Sengekontacket Pond. Those fishing the jetties at Menemsha and Eastville have also reported solid early-season action.

There have been a few keeper schoolies landed, but numbers are mostly shorts—expect fish in the 18 to 24-inch range right now[1][5]. The action will only pick up in the coming weeks as more migratory fish push through and water temps keep rising.

That’s the scoop for today, tight lines out there, and I’ll see you on the water.

Artificial Lure here with your Saturday, April 19th, 2025, fishing report straight from Martha’s Vineyard. It’s a classic early spring morning on the Island, with water temperatures around 46 to 50 degrees—just enough to start waking up the fish and the anglers alike.

Sunrise this morning was at 6:19 AM, and sunset is coming at 7:10 PM, so there’s plenty of daylight to get in a good session. Today’s weather is comfortable for April, with daytime highs in the upper 50s pushing toward 60, and just a slight breeze—ideal conditions for both shore casting and time out on the boat. The tide is in your favor: high water hit at 3:16 AM and will swing back up again at 3:48 PM, with low tides late morning and late evening. Currents are moving right along, thanks to a solid tidal coefficient early, which means plenty of baitfish activity in the rips and ponds.

The fishing scene is picking up, even if we’re still waiting for the full-on spring invasion. The buzz on the docks and among the beach walkers is that striped bass schoolies are showing up on the south side beaches, especially around State Beach near Oak Bluffs and along the Chappaquiddick Gut. These fish are mostly smaller migrators—look for the ones fresh in with lice—but they’re feeding actively around the estuaries and salt ponds that are loaded with river herring right now. Things should only get better as temps continue to climb.

Tautog (blackfish) are starting to get lively, with some solid catches coming in around the rock piles and jetties on the Vineyard Sound side, and a few early fluke are being reported inshore for those giving it a try. Bluefish are still a bit hit or miss, but keep an eye out in the rips—sometimes those “choppers” like to surprise you on a warming day.

For tackle, you’ll want to throw small soft plastics like pink or white Zoom Flukes, or 4- to 5-inch paddle tails, rigged on light jigheads for stripers. Sandworms and bloodworms are working nicely both for stripers and tautog. If you’re targeting tog, drop a green crab on a simple bottom rig off the stones at Menemsha or the jetties at Oak Bluffs for your best shot.

Looking for hotspots? Wasque Point on Chappy is a perennial favorite this early, with those strong currents drawing in hungry bass. The Chappaquiddick Gut is another prime spot, especially on a dropping tide when the baitfish get swept along. Don’t sleep on State Beach, either, especially early morning or last light.

That’s your mid-April conditions on Martha’s Vineyard—schoolie stripers rolling in, tautog getting feisty, fluke just starting to wake, and plenty of promise for the weeks ahead. Be sure to check in with the local tackle shops like Coop’s for the latest updates, and remember to dress in layers. Tight lines and good luck out there!

Artificial Lure here with your Friday, April 18, 2025, fishing report for Martha’s Vineyard. Early spring is really starting to turn the gears, and the Island’s waters are waking up fast.

Let’s talk sunrise and sunset first. You’ve got the sun up at 5:57 AM and setting at 7:26 PM, giving plenty of daylight to wet a line. Tides are looking great today for action—highs at 3:38 AM and 4:25 PM, with lows at 9:36 AM and 9:47 PM. These moving waters, especially through the morning low and afternoon flood, set the table for feeding fish and happy anglers[6].

Weather’s cooperating with mild temps in the upper 50s to around 60, and a light breeze—ideal for both boaters and surfcasters. The water temp is still chilly, just under 50, but steadily rising, and that’s been enough to draw the first real push of stripers up onto the south-facing beaches and into the salt ponds[1][3].

Recent catches? Schoolie striped bass are showing up right on time, many still with sea lice, a sure sign they’ve just made the trip north. Most fish are in the 20 to 26 inch range, but they’re feisty and hungry. No big cows yet, but it won’t be long. Tautog are active on rocky bottom—look for them around jetties and deeper boulder fields, with a few keepers pushing 4-5 pounds in the mix. A handful of sharpies have reported the odd bluefish and even a couple early small fluke, but the main wave of both is still a few weeks out[1][4].

Best baits this week have been green crabs for tog and fresh squid or herring chunks for the bottom dwellers. If you’re after bass, you can’t go wrong with soft plastics in white or pearl—Hogy paddle tails, Zoom flukes, and sand eel imitations are accounting for the lion’s share of the action. Wooden plugs like Gibbs Pencil Poppers or ATOM swimmers, locally available and proven through the decades, are also pulling fish, especially in the early morning and at dusk[4][7]. Sandworms and clam strips are good bets for a mixed bag by the docks or pier[5].

Top spots today? Lobsterville Beach is steady for schoolie bass, and Wasque Point is always a favorite if you’re hoping for a mixed bag or that first bluefish of the season. The north shore, from West Chop over to Menemsha, is getting busier each day with stripers pushing bait into the shallows. For the boat crowd, don’t overlook the Hooter for a shot at both tog and early fluke[4][8].

Quick tip—bundle up, as the water’s still cold, and keep an eye out for birds working the surface. That’s often the first sign the blitzes aren’t far behind. The Derby will be here before you know it, so now’s the time to scout your spots.

That’s your Vineyard scoop for today. Tight lines and see you out there!

Artificial Lure here, bringing you your mid-April fishing report for Martha’s Vineyard, straight from the docks and beaches.

Let’s talk conditions for today, April 16, 2025. Sunrise was at 6:00 AM, with sunset coming at 7:24 PM. You’ve got a nice stretch of daylight to wet a line. Early morning high tide rolled in at 2:20 AM, dropping to low at 8:10 AM, then another high at 2:57 PM before the evening low at 8:20 PM—prime moving water this afternoon and a solid shot at active fish during peak tide swings[10]. Expect cool spring weather—mid-50s for temperature—along with light northwest winds, so it’s a good day for both surf and boat anglers[2][5].

Fishing action is warming up with the water. Schoolie striped bass are beginning to show, especially around salt ponds and estuaries—they’re not thick yet, but numbers are on the rise. A few resident tautog are bending rods around rocky structure, and there are scattered reports of early fluke and even a few small bonito in the mix. Bluefish are still hit or miss—expect more in the coming weeks[2][5][8].

Recent catches have striped bass in the 20-28 inch class and tautog running up to about 5 pounds. Winter flounder are biting for those slipping baits on the bottom, and largemouth bass are active in the ponds for anyone looking to mix in some freshwater action[2][9].

If you’re hunting stripers, soft plastics like Hogy paddle tails and Zoom flukes in white or pearl are getting strikes. Also, classic wooden plugs—Gibbs Pencil Poppers or a handmade darter—are a Vineyard favorite, especially with a slow retrieve after sunset. For tautog, green crab or white legger crab on a jig head is the ticket, and for flounder, try bucktail jigs tipped with squid. Fresh squid and chunked herring are always a good bet as bait, and a live eel will tempt any early larger bass that might be poking around[2][5][7].

Hot spots right now? For stripers, Menemsha and Edgartown Harbors are picking up, and salt ponds connected to the Sound are worth a look. Lobsterville Beach has been steady for light-tackle action, and Wasque Point is always a magnet this time of year for a mixed bag—give it a go for both stripers and the odd bluefish. For tautog, the rocky bottom off East Chop and around the breakwaters will put you in the game[2][8].

Bundle up, bring your favorite plug or a few fresh crabs, and head to the beach or the rocks for some classic spring Vineyard fishing. It’s only going to get better from here. This is Artificial Lure signing off, wishing you tight lines and a memorable day on the water.

Artificial Lure here with today’s fishing report for April 14, 2025, focused on the waters around Martha’s Vineyard. Let’s dive into the conditions and prospects for the day.

The sun rose at 6:03 AM and will set at 7:21 PM, offering a good window for casting lines. Tides are favorable as well, with high tides peaking at 3:10 AM and 3:41 PM, and low tides at 10:26 AM and 10:36 PM. Strong tidal currents this morning should enhance baitfish activity and attract predators, particularly as the waters warm up.

Weather-wise, today will be cool and breezy, with temperatures in the low 50s and light to moderate winds from the northwest. Dress warmly and be prepared for gusts, particularly near the beaches. Overall, fishing conditions should be solid for both shore and boat anglers.

On the fishing front, early-season action is picking up. Striped bass are trickling in, with smaller “schoolies” being caught in salt ponds and estuaries. Consider hotspots like Lobsterville Beach, State Beach near Oak Bluffs, and the Chappaquiddick Gut, where tidal flows concentrate baitfish. The tautog (blackfish) bite remains steady around rocky structures, with green crabs and jigs working well as bait. There are also reports of small fluke, and some lucky anglers have noted sporadic early bluefish catches.

Regarding lure selection, soft plastics like Hogy paddle tails or Zoom flukes in white or pearl are excellent for stripers. Locally made wooden plugs, such as those from Chappy Lures, remain favorites too—needlefish plugs and darters can work wonders in the surf. For bait, sandworms, clam strips, and chunked herring will attract bottom feeders, while floating sand eel imitations excel in calmer areas.

If you’re heading out, two hotspots stand out today: Squibnocket Beach, known for its historic success with surfcasting, and Wasque Point on Chappaquiddick, a prime spot for a mix of species due to its strong rip currents. Both spots offer excellent opportunities for striped bass and bluefish. For boaters, the Hooter is starting to show signs of life as fish begin migrating inshore.

The season is just warming up, so patience will pay off as larger schools of fish arrive in the weeks to come. Bundle up, choose your location, and enjoy the beauty and bounty of Martha’s Vineyard’s waters. Tight lines, friends!

Today, April 13, 2025, fishing in Martha's Vineyard offers an exciting start to the early spring angling season. The weather is cool with light breezes, so dress warmly for a comfortable day. Sunrise was at 6:08 AM, and sunset will be at 7:18 PM, giving anglers plenty of daylight to enjoy.

As for the tides, high tides occur at 6:51 AM and 6:51 PM, while low tides are at 12:05 PM and 12:20 AM, creating optimal conditions for both morning and evening fishing. These strong tidal shifts will concentrate baitfish in certain areas, drawing in larger predators.

Striped bass and bluefish are the seasonal highlights here, though it's still too early for their full arrival, which picks up in mid-May. However, holdover stripers can be found in tidal ponds and estuaries, particularly at spots like the Chappaquiddick Gut and State Beach near Oak Bluffs. For surfcasters, Squibnocket Beach and Wasque Point offer great opportunities, especially for early-season bluefish, which may make a sporadic appearance.

For bait, sandworms and clam strips work well for bottom feeders like flounder and tautog, which are active near rocky structures. If you prefer artificial lures, soft plastics, needlefish plugs, and darker-colored darters are proving effective for stripers. Locals also swear by floating sand eel imitations, which are excellent when fishing in calm, shallow waters.

Recent local catches have included some tautog near rocky outcrops and a mix of freshwater species like largemouth bass in ponds across the island. Fly fishing enthusiasts will find Lobsterville Beach a prime spot for early action, while areas like Great Rock Bight offer diverse fishery opportunities.

If you're looking for hotspots today, Wasque Point is a fantastic choice, especially with its strong rip currents attracting predators. Another great option is Chappaquiddick Gut, where tidal flows concentrate baitfish, always a good condition for a productive catch.

As we edge closer to mid-May, the fishing scene will pick up dramatically with increasing numbers of bluefish, striped bass, and perhaps the first fluke of the season. Until then, enjoy the peaceful and picturesque waters of Martha's Vineyard and don’t forget to visit local bait shops like Coop's Bait and Tackle for the latest updates and supplies. Tight lines!

April 12, 2025, brings promising opportunities for anglers around Martha's Vineyard. Sunrise at 6:06 AM and sunset at 7:19 PM give plenty of daylight for an adventure. The tides are favorable today, with low tide at 5:36 AM (-0.02 ft) and 5:50 PM (0.03 ft), and high tide at 12:22 PM (1.65 ft), making mid-day an excellent time for fishing.

The water temperatures remain cool, but activity is picking up. Herring are running strong in local waters, drawing in predators such as striped bass. Though larger migratory stripers may be a week or two away, smaller schoolies have begun appearing near the herring runs. Bluefish sightings remain limited, but they could pop up soon as waters warm in the coming weeks. Tautog fishing has been steady, with legal-sized catches reported at locations like the Mass Maritime Academy breakwater. Sea clams are working well for tautog, though green crabs are expected to become more widely available soon.

For freshwater enthusiasts, trout fishing is excellent with stocked rainbow trout biting on shiners, nightcrawlers, and small spinners. Local ponds such as Duarte’s Pond are ideal.

Top fishing spots to target today include Wasque Point, known for its surfcasting and bluefish potential, and Lobsterville Beach, perfect for fly fishing or targeting striped bass. The Oak Bluffs fishing pier is also a reliable option for shore anglers. Menemsha Public Beach, a quieter location, can be ideal for those looking to relax while casting for scup or small stripers.

Lure selection is key. For stripers, try herring imitations such as soft plastics or plugs like Chappy Lures' handmade darters or needlefish, available locally at Larry’s Tackle Shop. If live bait is your style, fresh or frozen herring, seaworms, and clams are excellent choices.

Weather forecasts suggest mild conditions today, with temperatures possibly reaching the low 60s if the sun breaks through, offering a pleasant outing for anglers. The solunar tables show moderate fish activity, with improving chances around high tide in the early afternoon.

If you're heading out this weekend, keep an eye on the rivers and estuaries where herring congregate, and don't hesitate to check out iconic spots like Chappaquiddick Gut for some prime early-season action. Tight lines!