Current Waters: Nantucket Fishing Report

We’re still waiting for the stripers to put on the fall feed bag. There are some to be caught, but not what we’re used to for this time of year.

The small, rec-sized bluefin tuna – we got some for a recent tournament, but we had to go for a long-a$$ ride to get to them. Hopefully they keep moving closer. For our bluefin tuna fishing, we’ve been leaning more on the giants. We’ve certainly been having a fun season on those giants, and that continues.

With some effort, you can find some bonito and albies. They seem to be feeding on small butterfish and sand eels. Really small presentations seem to be beneficial.

Bottom fishing is there. There is less pressure (fewer boats) now, so that is a bonus. A reminder of some fisheries closing soon: Fluke ends September 23, and you are allowed five fish per person, per day. Black sea bass ends on October 14, and remember, it’s two fish per person, per day.

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Well, another Bluefin Blast Fishing Tournament is in the books. This is one of the weekends we look forward to all summer. It is a little bittersweet, however. It’s a great chance for many of us to get together throughout the tournament weekend, but it also marks the beginning of the end of our fishing season. Congrats to everyone who got to fish it – it’s always fun. Out of 18 boats, just over half the fleet (10 boats) landed fish.

Congrats to Cast in Place for the win and Sylvie G for second. Topspin Fishing took third place overall. Thanks to Bob DeCosta, Christian Parrot, and the Nantucket Anglers Club for hosting and organizing.

Right from the Bluefin Blast, the next two days were the Reel Impact Inshore & Offshore Fishing Tournament at the Nantucket Boat Basin (formerly the Nantucket Slam tournament). Topspin and Starrfish teamed up with their charter for a great two days of inshore fishing. Our team took second overall. We got a grand slam and the largest striper at 41”. Congrats to all the anglers and the others who made the winner’s circle.

Despite the fall feel in the air, there is still plenty of fishing to be had. This is the time of the grand slam of Nantucket fishing: bluefish, striped bass, false albacore, and bonito. Better yet, there is still time to enter the Nantucket Inshore Classic fishing tournament, which is in full swing. Keep an eye on the leaderboard for weekly winners and who holds the tournament lead.

Our season had its ups and downs like every season does – we just never know when the + or the – is going to happen. It keeps things exciting.

As we sign off for the year, we want to thank all of our readers and clients for a great season. We love catching up with the clients that have become friends and the friendships that have started over fishing. We hear about their kids, the adventures they’re planning, and get their fishing stories. Keep those stories coming!

Over the winter, as an active board member of the Cape Cod Charter Boat Association, we’ll be keeping an eye on any fishing regulation changes to keep you informed for next season. Current Waters will return next spring. But don’t forget to check us out in the meantime if you want to get out on the water. If you want to know what we’re up to, check us out on Instagram or come visit us down on the docks.

Until next tide…