Some visit Martha’s Vineyard for the beaches, others for the coastal charm, but for many, fishing is the real highlight. This guide summarizes the basics to help you get started in 2025:
🎣 What You Need: Gear & Where to Get It
The island offers several bait and tackle shops catering to both beginners and seasoned anglers. Here are some options:
Larry's Tackle Shop (Edgartown): Larry's has been a cornerstone for Vineyard anglers, offering a wide selection of fishing gear and up-to-date fishing reports.
Coop's Bait & Tackle (Edgartown): Coop's is a destination for many fly fishers and derby anglers
Dick's Bait & Tackle (Oak Bluffs): Dick's is known for its friendly service and insider tips on the best fishing spots around the island.
These shops offer both rental and purchase options for fishing gear.
🏫 How to Learn: Classes & Fishing Communities
If fishing feels intimidating, the right support and local guidance can make all the difference. Last year’s Derby winner was a first-time angler who learned from locals, and there’s plenty of knowledge to go around.
Kismet Outfitters (Edgartown): Specializes in guided fly fishing trips, casting clinics, and schools for all skill levels. They combine guiding with teaching.
Martha's Vineyard Rod & Gun Club (Edgartown): A private non-profit club offering fly-tying classes during winter and saltwater fly fishing clinics in warmer months. These programs are open to the public and cater to various experience levels.
Martha's Vineyard Surfcasters Association (Edgartown): Dedicated to promoting surfcasting, this association welcomes members of all experience levels.
📍 Where to Go: Best Fishing Spots for Beginners
I suggest starting with a pier, beach, or jetty:
Oak Bluffs Fishing Pier (Oak Bluffs) – Well-maintained pier providing easy access and a stable platform, ideal for those new to fishing.
Norton Point Beach (Edgartown) – Managed by The Trustees, this beach provides surfcasting opportunities. Access requires a permit for over sand vehicles but walk-ons are allowed.
Menemsha Jetty (Chilmark) – Rock structure that extends into the water, the channel is good for fishing as fish enter and leave the bay. It can be trickier for kids and parking is limited near sunset hours, plan accordingly.
Convenient Beginner-Friendly Spots: State Beach (Edgartown–Oak Bluffs), Big Bridge and Little Bridge (along State Beach), Eastville Beach (Oak Bluffs). These locations have nearby parking and easy shoreline access.
Beginner Spots with Limited Parking or Permit Requirements: Lobsterville Beach (Aquinnah) and Wasque Point (Chappaquiddick). These areas offer great fishing opportunities but may require parking permits, ferry rides, beach access passes, or a longer walk from available parking.
🚤 Boat Charters: Let the Experts Guide
Most half-day charters for four people run between $500 and $850, with $600 being the average price. Here are a few:
Menemsha: Menemsha Blues Charters, Tomahawk Charters
Edgartown: Capawock Charters, Seahawk Charters, Wayfarer Charters, Fish Chappy
Oak Bluffs: Kismet Outfitters, North Shore Charters, MV Skipper (this last one is not private but by the seat)
If you're having trouble booking, local tackle shops can help connect you with captains beyond this list.
🐟 Types of Fish: What You’ll Catch & When
Most fish are abundant from mid-May to mid-October. Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke, and Black Sea Bass are the most common, while Bonito & False Albacore are usually caught by boat
Keeping Your Catch: Regulations can be found on the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries website and are frequently updated in The Martha’s Vineyard Times fishing reports.
🏆 Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby
The Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby is a five-week fishing tournament that has been bringing the island community together every fall since 1946. The 2025 Derby runs from September 14 to October 18, with divisions for adults, juniors, and fly fishing. The Derby also includes events like Kids’ Day, where young anglers learn from experienced fishermen. Beginners are welcome to join by registering at a tackle shop and following the size rules.
✅ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing permit?
Saltwater fishing: Anglers 16 and older need a Massachusetts Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit, which costs $10 and can be purchased through the MassFishHunt portal.
Freshwater fishing: A separate Massachusetts Freshwater Fishing License is required for ponds and lakes.
Clamming & shellfishing: Each town has its own permit system with different fees, limits, and designated harvesting areas.
When should I fish?
Early morning and late afternoon
Overcast or stable weather days
During tide changes: Fish feed more during incoming and outgoing tides, making high and low tide prime times to cast a line. You can check tide charts through the Vineyard Gazette.
What about shellfishing?
If you're new to shellfishing on MV, it's important to know that each town has its own rules about when and where you can collect shellfish like quahogs, bay scallops, and soft-shell clams.
For example, in Edgartown, the recreational scalloping season runs from 10/1/24 to 3/31/25, with a limit of one ten-gallon basket per week. Non-resident permits (April–September) allow shellfishing in areas like Lagoon Pond and Sengekontacket Pond. These can be purchased at Dick’s Bait & Tackle in season.
Since regulations vary, it's a good idea to check with the local shellfish department or visit the town's official website before heading out.
Are there any local sustainability efforts?
The Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group works to preserve the island’s shellfish populations by cultivating millions of oysters, bay scallops, and quahogs annually.
The Martha’s Vineyard Seafood Collaborative helps support local fishermen by providing direct access to fresh, sustainably caught seafood.
🎣 Final Thoughts
Martha’s Vineyard offers plenty of ways to enjoy fishing, whether from shore, boat, or even digging for clams. No matter how you choose to fish, it's important to respect the regulations, pay attention to the tides, and ask locals for tips.
If you have suggestions, updates, or anything I missed, I’d love to hear from you (info@mvacay.com). I always welcome community input to keep this guide as helpful as possible!