Once known as the whaling capital of the world, the picturesque island of Nantucket today is a top vacation and second home spot and a desired destination for history enthusiasts, romantic couples, influencers, surfers, foodies, and anglers.
For over a century, whaling was the most significant business on the island and was even immortalized in the famous novel “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville. But after whaling declined due to the onset of alternative fuels and the industrial revolution, the islanders turned to tourism as a leading source of income.
Today, there are some top-tier resorts, various private rental residences, numerous top-class restaurants, exclusive stores and boutiques, museums, venues, and events that draw crowds from around the country.
The island, which is 30 miles south of Cape Cod, is a haven for recreational fishing lovers as well.
What can I catch?
Recreational fishing is extremely popular on the island, especially during the high season from June to mid-October. This is the time when the water around the island is warmer and attracts migrating fish such as bluefish, false albacore, stripers, and bonito, which feed on the local squid, herring, and sand eels near the shores.
These fish are perfect for beginners as they can be caught from the shore or the numerous docks with light tackle spins or with fly rods.
For more advanced anglers, there are options for renting kayaks and boats that can be used to head into the ocean and catch larger fish such as cod, stripers, and bluefish with the help of light to medium spinning tackles and longer lines.
For the most satisfying results, we suggest hiring one of the local fishing guides who will take you to the best places to catch different fish around the island and show you some local techniques and tips for a more successful fishing experience.
As for those wishing to test your fishing skills to a maximum, you can go on one of the fishing charters into the open waters of the Northern Atlantic, where you can try catching marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, and sharks. You can also get a glimpse of minke, humpback, finback, or pilot whales while on your fishing adventure.
You can bring your tackle, but these fishing charters offer all of the equipment you will need for the ultimate fishing experience.
Which spots to choose?
Nantucket is referred to as an angler’s paradise for a reason. There are so many excellent fishing locations you can choose from, including:
Brant Point – this is a great spot for surf casting, where you can easily catch predatory fish such as bluefish and striped bass.
Great Point – this is the northernmost point of the island, where you can catch game fish such as striper, bonito, and false albacore. Getting there is an adventure in itself and can be done via a 4WD vehicle and a beach driving permit.
Madaket Harbor – this is a perfect spot to rent a kayak or boat and head into the harbor to try your luck catching bluefish, bonito, big bass, fluke, or scup. After you are done, you can go watch one of the most stunning sunsets in the world at Madaket Beach.
Nantucket Sound – this is a semi-enclosed body of water in between Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. The water there is warmer than that of the open ocean so you can go fishing for giant striped bass, bluefish, black sea bass, scup, or fluke in the summer. Nantucket Sound is an excellent location for catching cod, sharks, and tuna throughout the year.
North Atlantic – this is a must for any advanced angler. You can get on a fishing charter from the island and go fishing for some real sea monsters, such as swordfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, marlin, and wahoo in the open ocean waters. There are spots there perfect for recreational fishing for haddock, cod, pollack, and other fish there too.
“Whatever you choose, you’ll need to get there. If you are not from Nantucket and don’t have a car on the island, you should definitely book one of the Nantucket Airport car rentals. You can select a perfect car of any category to fit your belongings and enjoy your favorite hobby.”
When is the best time to go?
The best time to go fishing on the island of Nantucket is when the water is warmer, which is from June to mid-October. This is especially true if you are planning to fish on shore for bluefish, striper, false albacore, or bonito.
For offshore fishing and bigger targets such as swordfish, marlin, tuna, wahoo, or mahi-mahi, you can go to Nantucket during any season you prefer.
Do I need a fishing permit?
All anglers need a MA saltwater fishing permit except those under 16 years of age, disabled persons, those who will be fishing on permitted chartered boats or other for-hire vessels, and non-residents who have valid recreational saltwater permits from CT, RI, or NH.
How to get there?
You can get to Nantucket by air or sea. There are several ferry services from Hyannis Port in Cape Cod. One is the Steamship Authority traditional ferry, and the other is the passenger-only Hy-Line Cruises ferry.
There are various flights available to Nantucket from Boston, NYC, Washington DC, and other big cities provided by Cape Air, Delta Air Lines, US Airways, and others. You can also take a plane from Hyannis to Nantucket.
You can rent a car or 4WD vehicle once you reach the island. If you want to, you can request a beach permit for beach driving on some of the northern coasts and other beaches on the island.
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