Nantucket Fishing: the Great Point Lighthouse

Fishing In Nantucket

Nantucket, with its Native American name meaning “Faraway Land,” lives up to its reputation as an idyllic escape. Just 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, the island offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its cobblestone streets, charming seaside cottages, and largely untouched landscapes create an atmosphere where time seems to slow down, allowing visitors to unwind in a world far removed from modern distractions.

From the mid-1700s to the early 1800s, Nantucket was the whaling capital of the world. The island’s residents, many of whom spent years on dangerous whaling expeditions, built a thriving community around the lucrative industry. However, when petroleum replaced whale oil in the late 19th century, Nantucket’s commercial shipping business began to decline, and recreational boating took its place. Steamers brought summer visitors, and soon Nantucket became known as a family vacation destination, offering over 82 miles of stunning beaches and a step back in time.

Robin and I quickly fell under Nantucket’s spell, particularly in the village of Siasconset, fondly known as “Sconset.” During our recent visit, we embraced the island’s slower pace, taking leisurely walks, cycling through the picturesque streets, and enjoying the simple pleasure of visiting the local market each evening for ice cream. The days slipped by in a haze of relaxation—until, inevitably, someone mentioned fishing.

At first, the idea of fishing in Nantucket hadn’t crossed our minds. After all, this was a place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. But once the topic was raised, we became intrigued by the island’s appeal as a fishing destination. With its expansive coastline, abundant fish species, and rich maritime history, Nantucket is more than just a vacation spot—it’s a hidden gem for anglers.

For those looking to add a little adventure to their tranquil getaway, Nantucket offers a unique opportunity to explore its waters. From saltwater fly fishing to deep-sea charters, the surrounding waters are teeming with fish, making it an angler’s paradise. Whether you’re casting for striped bass, chasing bluefish, or hoping to hook an elusive tuna, Nantucket’s coastal waters provide endless opportunities for both experienced anglers and casual hobbyists alike.

That’s when Robin and I realized that beyond our daily walks and bike rides, there was another layer to Nantucket’s charm waiting to be uncovered—the thrill of fishing in one of the most beautiful locations on the East Coast.

Fishing North and East of Great Point Lighthouse: A Thrilling Adventure

Fishing north and east of Great Point Lighthouse is an adrenaline-pumping experience. The submerged sandbar, stretching out into Nantucket Sound where it meets the Atlantic, is a prime hotspot for game fish. It’s a natural ambush zone where predators take full advantage of the baitfish caught in the powerful currents. The bar is more than just a physical feature—it’s a dynamic stage where the battle between bait and predator unfolds in a way that draws anglers from all over.

On this particular outing, I had the privilege of joining Dale and Mike Waine, captains of All Hooked Up Charters, for a day of fishing during the outgoing tide. The timing couldn’t have been better—strong currents stirred up a frenzy of disoriented baitfish, and the predators took full advantage. For the baitfish, it was a perilous situation. Driven by the current, they became easy targets for the lurking stripers and bluefish, waiting like defensive players at the Super Bowl, ready to strike. Those that attempted to escape into deeper waters didn’t fare any better, as the skies were filled with gulls and terns, eager to pick them off from above. It was a tough day to be a baitfish, but for any angler with the right gear, it was an exhilarating opportunity.

Fly Fishing: Trolling and Casting

As Dale steered the 32’ Albemarle along the bar, Mike was busy unhooking bluefish in the seven to ten-pound range. After a while, I noticed he was tiring from the repetitive casting. I asked if he’d ever tried fly fishing. Mike chuckled and pointed to his freshwater trout fly rod, saying, “A couple of times, but I only have this rig.”

I saw an opportunity and handed him my nine-foot, nine-weight Thomas & Thomas rod, rigged with a sink-tip line and Clouser minnow streamer. Despite being a beginner, Mike cast with ease. On his first try, a bluefish hit the fly and took off, dragging the line 20 yards into the backing. After a brief but intense battle, Mike landed the fish with skill.

Impressed, Mike suggested we move to a part of the bar with more striped bass. Excited by the change, we headed deeper into the action. Whether trolling or casting, the waters around Great Point Lighthouse offer some of Nantucket’s most exhilarating fishing.

man and a woman with a striped bass caught in the striped bass habitat of New York State.

Strippers to Starboard

Amid the hum of the engines and gulls overhead, Mike’s voice rang out, “Stripers!” Without hesitation, Dale spun the wheel, gunned the throttle, and veered northeast along the Great Point sandbar. We traveled a mile before Dale turned sharply, heading toward the shallows where the water barely topped 2 ½ feet. “Stripers starboard!” he called, already spotting the action from the flybridge.

At first, I didn’t quite understand what I was seeing, but soon hundreds of big striped bass appeared, feeding on bait in the turbulent wash. It was a feeding frenzy. Without hesitation, I cast just beyond the rippling backs of the fish. My line hit the water, and before I could begin to strip, I felt a pull. But it wasn’t a striper—Mike quickly reassured me, “You’ve got a bluefish!” A nine-pound bluefish tugged fiercely at the line.

Mike, determined to get me a striper, gave me a quick lesson on how to position my fly. With gulls diving overhead and fish darting around, the scene was intense. But Mike’s instructions helped me stay focused. “Stripers on both sides and behind the boat!” Dale shouted from above, spotting the fish.

Once I had the hang of it, I got my fly back in the water, eyes scanning for stripers amidst the blues. When a bluefish darted toward my fly, Mike called out, “Bluefish!” and I quickly reeled in and reset. Mike’s guidance paid off, and soon I had my first Nantucket striper on the line. The thrill of hooking one of these powerful fish on the fly was exhilarating, and each cast left me feeling more confident.

A Successful Day Fishing in Siasconset, or “Sconset.”

We fished the bar until the tide began to slacken, and the baitfish scattered. For a moment, it seemed like the fish had retreated, but soon enough, the cycle would start again with the next tide. We headed back to Siasconset, where I found the family gathered at the picnic table beneath a weathered umbrella, chatting and soaking in the evening warmth. Their smiles greeted me, and it was clear they hadn’t noticed how much time had passed since I’d left for my fishing adventure.

An empty box of “Aunt Leah’s Fudge” sat on the table—proof that they’d had just as much fun as I had. Yet there was no disappointment, only contentment. I was full, not just from the fudge, but from a day of successful fishing and the thrill of new experiences. As the sun set, I knew this trip would become one of my many cherished memories of Nantucket.

Essential Fishing Gear Checklist for the Ultimate Experience

Whether you’re casting a line with a fly rod or spinning reel, having the right gear is crucial for a successful day on the water. Below is a detailed checklist to help you prepare for both fly fishing and spin fishing, ensuring you’re fully equipped to handle a variety of fishing conditions and species.

Fly Fishing Gear: Essential for Precision and Success

When you’re fly fishing, you’re engaging in a sport that demands precision, finesse, and the right equipment to match the subtle art of casting. For the best experience and results, here’s the essential gear you’ll need.

A 9-foot 9-weight rod, such as the Thomas & Thomas 9′ x 9wt, is a versatile choice for a variety of conditions, offering the perfect balance between casting power and accuracy. Ideal for larger fish, it provides the backbone needed for longer casts and handling fish like striped bass or lake trout, all while ensuring delicate presentations for more cautious species.

Paired with this rod is the J. Ryall Large Arbor Reel, size 10, which offers an excellent drag system and smooth retrieval, crucial for handling larger fish that make fast runs. With its durable construction, this reel excels in both freshwater and saltwater environments, making it an all-around reliable choice.

For the line, the Rio Medium Sink Tip is a great all-purpose option, allowing you to cast and retrieve at different depths, ideal for targeting species that stay near the bottom or in deeper layers of water. It balances well with the rod’s action for smooth, consistent casting.

As for flies, the Clouser Minnow is a time-tested pattern known for its effectiveness in catching everything from bass to bonefish. It’s great for subsurface fishing, particularly with its ability to mimic baitfish in various water conditions.

For surface action, a surface popper provides an exciting topwater bite, drawing strikes from fish eager to feed on the surface.

Spin Fishing Gear: Versatility and Durability

Spin fishing is a dynamic and versatile technique that allows anglers to cover large areas and target a wide range of species. Here’s a breakdown of the gear that will help you succeed in both saltwater and freshwater environments:

Rod: 7 ½ – 8 ½ Medium Action – A medium-action rod in this length provides the ideal combination of sensitivity and power, allowing for accurate casting and the ability to handle a wide variety of species. Whether you’re targeting smallmouth bass in freshwater or casting for stripers off the coast, this rod ensures you’ve got the strength and flexibility to handle it all.

Reel: Your Favorite Saltwater Reel with 200+ Yards of 15lb Test Capacity – A quality saltwater reel is crucial for spin fishing, especially when targeting larger fish that make long runs. Look for a reel with corrosion-resistant materials for longevity in salty environments. The reel should have a capacity of at least 200 yards of 15-pound test line, which provides a good balance between strength and manageability.

Lures: Assorted Soft Minnow Imitations & Classic Hopkins – Soft plastic minnow imitations are effective for mimicking baitfish and can be used for a variety of species, from trout to bass. These lures are versatile, allowing for slow or fast retrievals depending on the fish you’re targeting. The classic Hopkins lure is perfect for deep-water fishing, its erratic action enticing fish like stripers and bluefish to strike with power.

Additional Accessories for Both Styles of Fishing

While the primary gear listed above is essential, there are a few more items that will make your fishing experience more enjoyable and successful:

Tackle Box or Fly Box – Keep your flies, lures, and hooks organized in a dedicated box to save time and avoid frustration when trying to find the right bait.
Fishing Gloves – Protect your hands from sunburn, fish spines, and the wear-and-tear of casting or handling fish. A good pair of gloves also helps with grip, especially when handling larger fish.
Leader and Tippet Line – Whether you’re fly fishing or spin fishing, having the right leader or tippet line is crucial for presenting your bait or fly in the best possible way. Look for fluorocarbon for its invisibility underwater, or monofilament for a bit more stretch when setting the hook.
Sunglasses – Polarized sunglasses reduce glare on the water, improving your ability to see both fish and structure. They’re also essential for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Fishing Net – For catch-and-release fishing, a landing net with a rubberized mesh is ideal for safely handling fish and preventing harm to delicate species.

By equipping yourself with the right gear for the job—whether you’re fly fishing or spin fishing—you set yourself up for success. The proper rod, reel, line, and bait will ensure you’re prepared for whatever the waters throw your way, allowing you to focus on the most important part: enjoying the thrill of the catch.

Original Article By Gary and Robin Edwards

About The Author

Gary and Robin Edwards have been sharing their experiences in the outdoors for the last 25 years. Together they have traveled and fished across the country and around the world. Their fishing exploits have been featured in Sports Afield, Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Fly Fisherman, and numerous regional publications, as well as on ESPN and PBS. The Edwards offer hosted trips to Mexico, the Bahamas, Argentina, Belize, Wyoming, Montana, and more through their business Vacations on the Fly. www.vacationsonthefly.com

This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.

Nantucket Fishing: the Great Point Lighthouse

Fishing North and East of Great Point Lighthouse: A Thrilling Adventure

Fly Fishing: Trolling and Casting

Strippers to Starboard

A Successful Day Fishing in Siasconset, or “Sconset.”

Essential Fishing Gear Checklist for the Ultimate Experience

Fly Fishing Gear: Essential for Precision and Success

Spin Fishing Gear: Versatility and Durability

Additional Accessories for Both Styles of Fishing

Original Article By Gary and Robin Edwards

About The Author

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