Striped Bass

Anglers seeking striped bass will have to change their routines and tactics as we enter the hot month of July.  For boaters, Tom Shoal and Wasque Point to the east and southeast of Vineyard are the best bets for fish.  Jigs fished with wireline outfits or tube and worm rigs have been producing there.  Cooler water — and more bass — can also be found off Gay Head to Devil’s Bridge where jigging and tubing are also producing.  Along the Elizabeth Islands, eels fished in the dawn, dusk or night hours are very effective.  For shore anglers, the best advice is to at dark, when a chunk of fresh pogie should lead to a keeper bass.

Bluefish

As usual, the summer heat seems to attract the summer blues which can still be found throughout the two Sounds and Buzzards Bay.  Most blues are under five pounds but there are occasional schools of 8 to 10-lb fish around.  Top water plugs, metal casting lures and chunk bait will all work.

Fluke

Lots of fluke around, except that most are short of the 17-1/2-inch minimum.  The best fluking for bigger fish is in the deep water side of Lucas Shoal and along the 60 and 80-foot contours heading toward Devil’s Bridge.

Bottom Fish

The game is pretty much scup which are abundant throughout the area.  Sea worms fished on a #2 hook just off the bottom is effective.  Black sea bass, now dispersed throughout the area, are harder to come by.