The first Atlantic Bonito of the season showed up the week of July 20 with the so-called funny fish spotted at the Hooter, Hedge Fence and inside Edgartown Harbor.  The most productive way to hook a Bonito or False Albecore, which should arrive within the next several weeks, is to troll a Yo-Zuri Deep Diver or Rebel Fastrac.  The most exciting way to pursue the Funny Fish is to find a breaking pod and cast small metal lures or jigs.  Since both are in the tuna family, the funny fish put up a furious fight.

With the dog days of summer finally settling in, bass fishing has become a night-time proposition or a trip to the colder waters off Wasque or Squibnocket Points and from Gayhead to Devils Bridge.  Night fishing with eels along the Elizabeth Islands or inside Woods Hole Passage can be effective.  For those wishing to fish with the sun in the sky, a tube and worm trolled along the Islands is the most effective daylight technique.

Bluefish schools continue to roam the Sounds and Buzzards Bay, although not quite in the numbers of several weeks ago. First and last light bites are the best bets for blues.

Fluke fishing is good, although shorts far outnumber keepers (18-1/2″).  The deep water surrounding Middle Ground and Lucas Shoals and the holes off Nobska Point are the best bets for keeper fluke.

Bottom fishing for scup is very good, whether from a boat or jetty.  A scup rig tipped with sea worms will do the trick at any time of day.

For people fishing from the beach, chunking at night or first light offers the best chance for a striped bass.  Chunking will also produce the occasional brown shark during the night.