Here we are starting another year full of expectations of great fishing. Well, not only was last year's fishing on the Vineyard mediocre in general but I fell way behind in keeping up with current fishing reports. So, resolution #1, I will be more diligent with keeping up to date reports on this site. Thanks to Gary Graham and his crew for the timely info for those fishing South of the border; they're timely every week without fail.
There were some hot spots last year: the big Blues for awhile in May, the good run of Albies in Sept/Oct and the Bonito just offshore for our boating friends. However, the consistency of Bass and Blues left a lot to be desired.
The year is starting off with a bang: Mackerel and Atlantic Herring from the piers in Edgartown harbor. Best time is twilight in the afternoon until it gets dark. It's been some time since we've seen this kind of winter fishing here. Received some very nice pickled Herring for Christmas from Janet Messineo--delicious! Also some scattered reports of Tautog there as well as Butterfish until very recently.
My wish list would include Smelt to show up--I love them lightly grilled, but no sign of them yet.
The continued mild weather has some of the Spring bulbs popping up in the yard. It also has a few stalwarts chasing Stripers trapped in the island saltwater ponds. Edgartown Great pond has been producing 15 to 20 plus pound Bass. Try the inside of where the opening would normally be; find a hole if you can. The fish are reportedly suspended in mid-depths so a count-down with a slowly sinking swimming lure is proobably your best bet.
Happy New Year and tight lines to all of you!
Bob Wasque
