As the summer season comes to an end and the tourists board the boats for the mainland, the island gears up for the 63rd annual Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby which starts on Sept 14th and runs until October 18th. The Bonito remain the target fish of conversation right now according to Janet Messineo of Martha's Vineyard Fishing Charters and Taxidermy. Schools of breaking fish are keeping the boats occupied along State Beach between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. The commercial season is still open for stripers. Commercial Fishermen are still at only about 80% of the quota for this year. The bluefish seem to be getting "smaller" and huge schools of Snapper blues keep young anglers happy. Janet notes that it is always wonderful to see so many snappers because that assures us that the bluefish population is healthy. Anglers have landed a few False Albacore but there are not enough around to discourage the Bonito bite. The Kid's Day tournament is on Sept 21st. It is sponsored by the derby and free to all children. Participants should meet at the Oak Bluff ferry pier at 6am. Each child goes home a winner.
Check back every Thursday for a new report. –Tee Clarkson
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