Elizabeth Islands/Martha's Vineyard in July?

[Wild Bill]

Looking for a place to the north to fish for stripers or really anything on the fly the middle of July. Thinking of staying in East Falmouth and fishing the Elizabeth Island and possibly the Vineyard. Boat has plenty of range and willing to run if the weather is not too bad.

Anyone fish that area in summer? I know June and October are pirme. Would there likely be enough fish to make it worthwhile?

Any other suggestions for July?

[Brandon]

Hey Bill,

I stayed and fished with Chris C. in that area in August of last year. We stayed on Menencha Pond and fished out of there. We slipped over to the Elizabeth Islands every day. The key over around those islands is tide. I need to go back over my notes to give more specifics because I do not remember the names of the channels between the islands and things. I do remember the tide timing though and it was like someone flipped a switch at the beginning of the tide, the bite would last maybe an hour or so and then the bite would shut off again. We caught some really nice fish around the Elizabeth Islands, I'll dig up some pics as well.

The other thing I will say while I am thinking about it is that to fish that area, in between the channels of those islands, you need two very experienced boat handlers on board (I know you are one, just make sure you have at least one other or you will never get to cast a rod). The tide rips though those islands and you fish along the edges of the shore where there are HUGE rocks. One person has to stay at the wheel at all times. Thats the downside, upside is that if you are willing to navigate the rocks you can catch some really nice fish!

I'll check my notes and dig up a little more information for you. Its a great area to be this time of year to escape the heat as well [smile]

Brandon

[Wild Bill]

Thanks Brandon-

It sure looks like a fishy area. I remember how strong the current was when I fished the middle grounds up there. There were no rocks there however. I can see if you had that current and had to navigate around rocks it would be a full time job at the wheel.

Do you think the fish are there in the middle of July also?

We fished rocks at Narragansett Bay several weeks ago but the current was mild.

[BMac2]

If you want to go a little further east, I'd suggest the Chatham/Monomoy area. I've done very well there in July both off my feet on the flats (sightfishing in calf-deep water for 10-20# stripers -- think bonefishing) and in a boat. When I've fished from a boat, it's been with guides, but I don't think it would be too hard to figure out on your own. Let me know if you want more details.

[Wild Bill]

Thanks BMac2-

I like figuring out new places as much as catching fish--maybe more. Would like to hear more about Chatham. We would go for a week, so distance in not much of a factor. You are the second person to suggest that area.

B-mail me if you want or I can call you.

[Striper22]

Monomoy Island and South beach are a blast in July. Sight fishing for both Blues and Stripers. Usually the Albies are beginning to show as well. Miles of knee deep flats.

With a boat there are plenty of cuts to work. The entire area over to Morris Island should fish well. I've caught tons of fish around there in July.

Take a look at yankeeangler.com for daily reports from the Chatham area. Lots of general info and pictures.

[Wild Bill]

Thanks Striper 22 for the info. We had Randy Jones give a presentation to our TU group seveal years ago when I was prog chair. He talked about steelhead that night but mentioned he was also getting into flats fishing.

[TLT III]

Bill,
If you go to Chatham/Monomoy the earlier the better in July. The fish around and on the flats of Monomoy need the exaggerated tides to bring slugs of new fish in. Otherwise you will be casting to Phd resident fish. In your boat you can hit the rips south of the area and even try for the bluefin in the ocean if they're there. I have been fishing up there every summer for fifteen years and the albie have not showed except for some bonito catches closer to the Vinyard. The ocean fishing off of South Beach has not been what it had been a few years ago. The area is beautiful though and a nice break from the Virginia heat.

[Wild Bill]

Thanks Thomas-

Chatham it is. We will be there July 16 to 23. A fly fisher I met at Montauk last year has fished it for the past nine years and was quite helpful in setting up the trip. It is not prime time but he has done pretty well this time of year. We will be boat fishing from Monomoy Point and around the ocean side when weather permits. I do not intend to wade the Monomoy Flats this trip.

Would also like to try for the BFT if we get the weather.

[TLT III]

Good luck Bill. I will be there as well at the end of your stay. I am hoping for good weather. It has been lousy up there for most of June with rain and fog, so hopefully it will get it out of its system.
In addition to sand eels, try your heavier flies that you use in OCMD. You will be doing some jigging in deeper water and in the rips. Squid flies are also good as well. If fishing the rips, many guys keep their sterns perpendicular to the waves and drop the fly back in the rip. Then they keep it there and pull it in and let it back out. It is really cool to see a large striper surfing down one of those waves to get a fly. Tie up some half and halfs in rootbeer over white with coneheads. The ocean sand eels almost look maroon. Where are you staying?