Current Waters: From The Boat Or The Beach, Fishing Is On Fire Right Now

Fishing is on fire right now from boat or beach. The bluefish are in and the bigger stripers are arriving. Right now, you can try anything from jerk baits to top water. South shore has been solid from the beach, but as the big fish move in, the harbor is a great place to throw a line.

Striped bass like water temperatures between 55° F and 68° F. To stay within this temperature range, most striped bass migrate and move around throughout the season. According to the NOAA weather buoy at the Steamship dock, the harbor water temperature is 63.7° F right now. So now is the time.

If you haven’t been fishing, you should be ashamed of yourself. All kidding aside, just get out there.

But we’re not all about fishing. Being out on the water exposes you to all kinds of marine life. You never know what you’re going to see or what’s going to happen. Take, for example, the excitement of the past week’s great white shark sightings. None of those anglers hopped on a boat with the intention of seeing a shark. Just lucky, I guess. Seals, whale carcasses, pelagic birds, and more. And then there was the 14,000 pound shoal buoy recovery via the Army National Guard helicopter!

The long and short of it is, you don’t have to have the best equipment or fanciest gear. Just show up and get out there.

Have you ever walked around the boats along the docks of Nantucket and just really wanted to reach out and touch one? Well, this Saturday is your lucky day!

This Saturday is Touch-a-Boat day with the Nantucket Boat Basin. This free event runs from 10am to 1pm Saturday June 4th at Swain’s wharf. Touch-a-Boat day is part of the Massachusetts Kids Boating Day which began in 2017 and the Nantucket Boat Basin and been hosting our local event ever since. According to the state website, ”Over 70% of adult boaters started boating when they were kids.“ With our rich maritime history, it’s important to teach the next generation to love the water and learn safe boating. We will all benefit.

During this weekend’s event, families will have the chance to meet and greet local fishermen, multiple types of boats, and enjoy some refreshments. There will be commercial boats, charter and recreational boats, and even divers for part of the day. Check out the gear, ask questions, and learn about Nantucket boat life. Free and open to all!

One of the most popular activities to do by boat is to fish. In case you needed an excuse to get out there with a rod, to coincide with Kids Boating Day is Kids fishing day. There aren’t any special events on Nantucket to celebrate this state event, but you can go out an make a memory to honor the day yourself.

Captain Carl Bois is the owner and operator of Topspin Fishing Charters, booking now for the 2022 season. Click here.