"Late Season Fishing on Martha's Vineyard: Tides, Tactics, and Hotspots for Stripers, Tautog, and Albies"

As of November 24, 2024, the fishing scene around Martha's Vineyard is quite active, despite the late season. Here’s what you need to know:

**Tidal Report:**
Tides are crucial for fishing around the Vineyard. Today, low tide is at around 9:30 AM and high tide at 3:30 PM. These tidal shifts can bring in fresh bait and activate the fish.

**Weather:**
The weather is mild, with temperatures in the mid-50s and a light southwest breeze. This is ideal for fishing, as it keeps the water relatively calm and warm.

**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is at 6:42 AM, and sunset is at 4:14 PM, giving you ample daylight to fish.

**Fish Activity:**
Striped bass are still active in the skinny waters, particularly in the creeks and marshes across the south side of the island. They are feeding on small bait like peanuts, spearing, and herring fry. However, they can be finicky, so patience is key[3].

Tautog (blackfish) are also a hot target, especially in deeper waters. Anglers have been catching keeper tautog when conditions allow them to get out. Look for them around structures like rocks and jetties[3][4].

Albies (false albacores) have been spotted blitzing in Vineyard Sound, although they can be elusive. Keep an eye out for breaking fish and gulls to locate them[3].

**Best Lures and Bait:**
For stripers, small soft plastics and topwater plugs are effective. Tautog are best caught using crabs, clams, or mussels. If you're after albies, use albie jigs or small metal lures.

**Hot Spots:**
- **Middle Ground and Hedge Fence:** These areas are known for striped bass activity, especially around squid and gull activity[2].
- **Woods Hole:** This spot has been producing tautog from shore, and it's also a good place to look for stripers in the backwaters[3].
- **Vineyard Sound:** Keep an eye out here for albies and bonito, especially where you see breaking fish and gulls[3].

Overall, it's a good time to get out there and enjoy the late-season fishing on Martha's Vineyard. Be prepared for variable fish behavior, but the right spots and lures can make all the difference.