Current Waters: Nantucket Fishing Report

Bass are scattered everywhere. The size varies by location so don’t be afraid to move around. Squid are a major component of their food so keep an eye out. It really is a great time for stripers.

Some bluefish are in the mix. Not a lot, but they are here. Albacore charters caught a few bluefish sometime earlier this week.

Bonito have been landed elsewhere in Mass. On June 10, one was caught off the Menemsha Jetty on Martha’s Vineyard. We don’t usually see them this early, but it’s only been in the past few years. Like the past year, it looks like we’re gearing up to have a secret bonito or two in June.

Based on some recent rumors there may be a shore bite for stripers starting. I did hear today that there may be a bit of a bite from the beach. Up until now, it’s been tough, but the stripers landed had been good-sized ones.

We’re in the last days of the Nantucket Sea Run opener which ends June 14^th. There is still the possibility of movement on the leaderboard, but it’s really about the kids at this point. Through a generous donation by the August Blues tournament, the first 10 junior anglers to enter fish win a prize. This is a great way to get our next generation excited about fishing. They are the future of our fishery, so take them out! The junior division will run until all 10 slots have been filled.

We had a great time last week at the kids' indoor fishing fun day hosted by the Nantucket Anglers’ Club. Thanks to Tammy King and all of the volunteers who put this event together. It’s great to see so many kids excited about fishing.

Another way to get kids excited about time on the water is one of my favorite events of the year, Touch-A-Boat Day! Touch-A-Boat Day is down at the Nantucket Boat Basin this Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Head on down to 1 Swain’s Wharf, where a number of different types of boats are on display and available for kids to climb around on, ask questions, and get a feel for life on the water. There are typically lobster boats, charter boats, the Coast Guard, and the Nantucket Harbormaster boats, among others… maybe even a pirate ship! We’ve always had a great time. Thanks to the Nantucket Boat Basin for hosting.

Touch a Boat Day is part of the Massachusetts Kids Boating and Fishing Week events (June 6-14 statewide). Did you know that over 70 percent of adult boaters started boating when they were kids? Mass KIDS Boating and Fishing Week is about getting kids on the water in a safe and smart manner. Events like this are a very important element of the future of the boating industry. And one of the most popular recreational activities done from a boat is fishing! So get out on the water and take a kid with you.

Don’t forget that next Sunday (June 21st) is Father’s Day. Make a plan to take your dad fishing. Maybe he taught you a thing or two?

Send us your fishing story. Bonus points if it features your dad. (topspinack@gmail.com)

Until next tide…