Current Waters: Late August Nantucket Fishing Report
Capt. Carl Bois •
Striper fishing is decent and only getting better. We do have to work for them, though. We’ve adjusted to deeper presentations in cooler water. We’re not repeating the same spots, same tide. We almost have to figure it out again after every trip, but we are pulling it off. We’ve made it past the August doldrums, so the striper fishing should improve from here on out.
Bonito are around. I don’t know about the bonito bar, but they’re around in the likely places. We’ve caught some while bass fishing in the usual spots.
Bluefish… well, I can’t let out any secrets until the August Blues tournament is over. There are some out there, though. They’re not in great numbers, but they can be caught. Sorry, beachgoers - I hear it’s been tough from shore. I did hear that there was a bluefish feed during the storm last week on the north shore. Not sure if it lasted once Erin passed.
It’s the last weekend for black seabass, which closes September 1st. Put the work in and you’ll get some, but I haven’t found the hotspot yet.
A true sign of August is usually the return of the False Albacore (Albies). Albies prefer relatively warm water and spend much of their lives in near-shore and inshore waters, making them more available to anglers, especially in late summer/early autumn. We’ve also caught them on spreader bars while tuna fishing way east of Great Point, so they can cover a lot of water, not just inshore.
This small sport fish is a welcome return when it arrives to the Nantucket waters, usually by this time of year. They tend to travel in pretty large groups, so when you get into them, it can be a lot of fun.
The first albie was reported caught by Matt Aguiar this week by boat. The funny thing is that they’ve been pretty absent the past couple of weeks. I looked back at previous fishing reports and last year we were catching them by mid-August. In 2023 the first ones were caught the week of August 10th. So, what’s the deal?
I think it may just that they’ve got what they need wherever they are. Albies follow the food, the baitfish. So maybe they’ll be a little late or it could be a thinner season for them. Last year I remember them being in fewer numbers out here for us, but it doesn’t mean doom and gloom for the albie fishery.
False Albacore (Euthynnus alletteratus), sometimes called little tunny, is closely related to the mackerels and has the silvery sheen to show for it. They look like mini-tuna, are lightning fast and a fun surface water catch. You’ll know when you have one on the line with the classic sounds of the drag peeling off. Sometimes they’ll swim to the side fast enough that it looks like the line is cutting the water. They really are an awesome fish to fight.
Albies are often found wherever baitfish congregate—in inlets, around jetties, and sandbars. Baitfish make up the majority of their diet, although they will also feed on crustaceans and squids. Like other fish that feed in schools, false albacore will drive bait to the surface or into shore in order to concentrate the food.
Albies lack a swim bladder, which means they must be in constant motion, explaining their phenomenal swimming power. The thump of their tail hitting the line as they’re swimming fast; it’s unmistakable. They may frustrate many a fisherman, but the fight and ultimate catch are worth the challenge. They are a great sportfish, so we hope their numbers improve for this season.
The “first albie” award is still open on the August Blues leaderboard. Even when the tournament ends, that category will remain open until won. So get out there! Beach, boat, and junior divisions.
Speaking of the August Blues Tournament, it’s the last weekend for all the anglers and the competition is heating up. Fishing ends by 11:59 p.m. on August 31 (this Sunday). The awards ceremony will be held on Monday evening. Great tournament for a great cause with a bunch of fun prizes to keep it interesting.
Remember, this week is a great time to sign up for the Nantucket Inshore Classic hosted by the Nantucket Anglers' Club. Saturday, September 6th is the opening party at 5 p.m. at the Anglers' Club. This is the 20th anniversary of this fun fall tournament which goes from September 7th to October 11th and is open to all.
Until next tide…we’ll see you on the water!