A Guide to Fishing Nantucket
Surfcasting on Nantucket Island is legendary. The island’s windswept beaches and points offer experienced surf anglers a chance at trophy striped bass, voracious bluefish, and speedy false albacore from spring through late fall. Success here demands an understanding of seasonal fish movements, the right gear to handle powerful surf and strong fish, and the savvy to read ever-changing conditions of tide, wind, and water. This essay explores advanced strategies for each season, recommends gear tailored to Nantucket’s surf, explains how to adapt to local conditions, and provides detailed insights into specific Nantucket beaches – from the famous Great Point to the hidden corners of Madaket – including how to access them, which species to expect, and tactical tips for each location. Armed with local knowledge and expert tips, even veteran surfcasters will be prepared to chase Nantucket’s surfcasting “grand slam” of bass, blues, bonito, and albies along the island’s shores.
Seasonal Surfcasting Strategies
Spring: Early Arrivals and Migratory Stripers
Spring on Nantucket heralds the arrival of migrating striped bass, making it an exciting time for surf fishermen eager to shake off winter. The first stripers typically show up in May as they migrate northward, following baitfish and warming waters. In fact, Smith’s Point at the island’s west end is usually one of the first places to welcome spring stripers as they arrive. Early in the season these fish tend to be schoolie bass (smaller stripers), but larger fish aren’t far behind. By late May and early June, water temperatures climb into the 50s °F and bigger stripers flood in, chasing abundant schools of sand eels, herring, squid, and even crabs. During this period, surfcasters can find bass cruising both the oceanfront and the harbors. It pays to explore the north shore flats and harbor mouths on mild days, as stripers often move into the warmer, shallow waters to feed in spring. Focus efforts around high tide cycles in these areas, when rising water lets bass push in close to shore to forage. Early morning and dusk are prime times – experienced anglers often set out before first light to intercept stripers on a flooding tide, or hit the beaches at sunset into night. Remember that in spring, these fish are hungry from migration, so they may strike readily at well-presented lures. At Eel Point on Nantucket’s northwest tip, for example, the spring tides create a “highway” for fish moving from the south side to the north side; many striped bass funnel through this area on their way into Nantucket Harbor or the sound-side flats. Logging time on the water is key – devote time to different tides and spots and note patterns. Those first fresh-run stripers provide great action and set the stage for the season ahead.
Summer: Peak Season Patterns
By June and into the summer, Nantucket’s surf fishing hits its stride. June is often the single best month for striped bass fishing around the island. In a typical June, large schools of stripers roam the south shore and then swing around to the western and northern shores as they find warmer shallows and abundant bait. Surfcasters can encounter bass all around the island in early summer – reports routinely come in of stripers taken from the harbor, the north shore, and west-end spots like Eel Point and Smith’s Point during June mornings and evenings. A mid-June fishing report noted anglers catching 20-pound class stripers (and even a 40+ inch fish) off Nantucket’s south shore, with consistent action island-wide as long as you “put the time in”. In summer’s height, bluefish become a major player on Nantucket. Big, “toothy” bluefish move in force especially along the south and east-facing beaches, often dominating those areas in July and August. Daytime in summer often belongs to bluefish – they thrive in the warmer, clearer conditions and will smash surface plugs in the rolling surf. Packs of bluefish patrol the bars off Sconset Beach on the east shore; strong currents from offshore shoals (like Old Man Shoal) funnel baitfish there, creating a mecca for blues and the surfcasters chasing them. Meanwhile, larger striped bass can become a bit more elusive on hot summer days, frequently retreating to deeper, cooler waters just offshore or holding in strong currents where bait is flushed. Many experienced anglers switch to night fishing in midsummer when targeting striped bass. After dark, big bass venture back into the surf to hunt. The new moon periods (dark nights) of July or August can produce excellent action for those tossing needlefish plugs or swimming lures in the wash, while full moon tides bring extra current that can draw fish closer to shore. Don’t overlook the rips and bars off the eastern end in summer either. Quidnet Rip, for instance, might be “wall to wall with bluefish” in July, but by working a deeper edge or fishing a tide change you might find striped bass in the mix. Summer offers the longest window of fishing on Nantucket’s beaches – from the first light pre-dawn topwater bite for blues, to midday sight-casting on clear flats, to midnight excursions for trophy bass. Adapting your tactics to the summer pattern (surface action for bluefish in light and slow-rolling presentations deep at night for bass) will keep the rods bent all season.
Fall: The Blitz and “Albie” Chase
As Labor Day passes and the summer crowds leave, Nantucket transforms into an angler’s paradise in the fall. Autumn brings a cooling of the water and an explosion of life in the surf. False albacore (“albies”) and bonito arrive in late summer and build to peak numbers in September, joining striped bass and bluefish that are feeding heavily before migrating south. Come September, schools of albies start tearing through bait just offshore and often venture within casting range of island beaches. These small tunas are the ultimate light-tackle challenge: blistering speed, sudden direction changes, and a tendency to appear and vanish unpredictably. When false albacore are busting bait on the surface within reach of the sand, the scene can be electric – anglers sprinting to intercept moving schools, birds diving, and albies slicing through baitfish leaving sprays of silver in their wake. Bonito (the albies’ slightly smaller, mackerel-marked cousins) also make appearances, often in late summer into early fall, and while not as numerous as albies, they provide similar thrills with their speed and are a prized catch for surfcasters. Striped bass, for their part, get a second wind in the fall. Many bass that stayed in deeper water in summer will move back toward the beaches to feed on abundant baitfish schools in September and October. Nantucket’s east and south shore beaches are known autumn stop-overs for migrating stripers – fish pause on their southward journey to gorge on sand eels and bay anchovies, leading to occasional surf blitzes of stripers well into October. Bluefish stick around too, often remaining aggressive through October until water temperatures drop sharply. In fact, October can produce some of the best mixed-bag surfcasting: one cast might yield a striped bass, the next a bluefish, and the next an albie screaming drag. False albacore typically remain in island waters through most of October (in a hot year, even into November). A famous fall scenario played out in 2011, when albies piled into the channel between Smith’s Point and Tuckernuck for weeks, feeding predictably on each falling tide. Of course, late fall fishing can be hit-or-miss – a sudden cold snap or storm can send fish packing. Some days you may find your favorite beach lifeless and wintery, but on another day the same spot might erupt with fish “gorging themselves” with furious energy before migrating. The key in fall is to be persistent and mobile. Chase the birds, watch for baitfish fleeing in the wash, and be ready for anything. The payoff is often spectacular: the fall run on Nantucket is when personal best catches and surf “grand slams” (bass, blues, bonito, and albie all in one trip) become real possibilities. It’s high-adrenaline fishing and a fitting finale to the season.
Gear and Tackle for Nantucket Surfcasting
Targeting strong ocean-going fish from Nantucket’s surf requires robust yet versatile gear. Experienced surfcasters typically favor medium-heavy spinning tackle that can cast long distances and handle both the surging surf and the powerful runs of striped bass and false albacore. Rods in the 9 to 11-foot range are popular for their balance of casting range and fish-fighting leverage. A 10-foot graphite surf rod paired with a quality spinning reel in the 6000-8000 size class gives you the line capacity and drag strength to battle sizable stripers or an albie that might sprint 100 yards in seconds. Most anglers spool up with braided line (20-30 lb test) for its thin diameter and low stretch. Braided line lets you cast farther – crucial when breaking fish stay just outside the bar – and it transmits even light bites immediately, which helps when working subtle lures or detecting a cautious striper’s pickup. A monofilament or fluorocarbon leader of 30-50 lb test is usually added, both for abrasion resistance (important around sandbars or any rocks and against bluefish teeth) and for a degree of invisibility in Nantucket’s clear water. In fact, for bluefish trips many locals carry a few short wire leaders to attach when bluefish are thick, to prevent these razor-mouthed predators from slicing off your favorite lures. Overall, a two-rod quiver – for example, one heavier setup for big plugs/metals and one lighter setup for smaller lures or tossing in calm conditions – will cover most surf situations on the island.
Lures are the primary tools of Nantucket surfcasters, and a well-stocked plug bag is a point of pride. Proven striper lures like swimming minnows (e.g. Bomber Long A or Daiwa SP Minnows), surface poppers, and soft plastic stickbaits all have their place. From the open Nantucket beaches, bomber-style swimmers have traditionally been a go-to choice, but in recent years soft plastic paddle tails on jigheads (e.g. Hogy or Storm shads) and even needlefish or darter plugs have gained popularity. Topwater plugs – including pencil poppers and walking spook lures – are especially deadly during low-light or whenever fish are actively feeding near the surface. A bluefish crashing a surface plug in the Sudbury surf or a striper exploding on a pencil popper at dawn is pure excitement. Soft plastics shine in calmer conditions or at night; a 9-inch Slug-Go or a soft-bodied sand eel imitation can be worked slowly to tempt big stripers when they’re finicky. For false albacore and bonito, small metal lures and epoxy jigs are essentials – lures like Deadly Dicks, Maria jigs, or Hogy Epoxy Jigs that mimic silversides and bay anchovies will fool these speedsters. Albies have keen eyesight and often feed on small bait, so having compact lures (0.5 to 1 ounce metals in silver, green, or pink) and retrieving them fast is the ticket. It’s wise to carry a variety of lures that cover different water depths and mimic different bait, and always bring duplicates of your favorites. Nantucket’s surf can dish out losses (whether to a bluefish’s bite or a cut-off on a submerged snag), and when the fish are hitting a particular lure, you’ll want a spare ready. Some veteran surfcasters on Nantucket also swear by natural baits in certain scenarios – for example, fresh squid or mackerel chunks fished on the bottom can produce bass (and blues or even a stray dogfish) at night on the south shore, and live eels are a classic nighttime offering for trophy stripers on calm nights. If you do fish bait, use a sturdy rod spike to hold your rod and be attentive to avoid a rod getting yanked into the drink by a big fish. However, for most on Nantucket’s beaches, artificial lures are preferred for covering water and prompting aggressive strikes from these gamefish.
Outfitting yourself for Nantucket surfcasting also means gearing up for the elements. A quality pair of breathable waders with a wading belt is indispensable for spring and fall, when water and air temperatures are cooler. Waders allow you to wade out onto sandbars or into the wash to gain casting distance – for instance, at spots like Eel Point or Smith’s Point, you might wade knee to waist deep on the flats as you cast, so chest waders are helpful. Even in summer, many anglers wear lightweight breathable waders at night for comfort, or switch to wetsuit bottoms or shorts and surf tops in the warmest months. Sturdy wading boots with good tread will keep you sure-footed on wet sand, and some anglers add carbide studs to their boots if they plan to fish around jetties or any rocky areas (much of Nantucket’s open beach is sandy, but jetties at harbor entrances or scattered glacial rocks can be found). It’s also wise to wear a surf top or waterproof jacket in cooler weather or rough seas – Nantucket’s surf can go from calm to rough quickly with a wind shift, and staying dry and warm keeps you fishing effectively. Other tackle considerations include a surf bag or plug bag to carry your lures, extra leader material, pliers for hook removal (and cutting wire or hooks as needed), and a stout surf belt to attach tools and the bag. Don’t forget polarized sunglasses (especially for daytime fishing or scouting – they help you see baitfish, shoals, and fish flashes in the water) and a headlamp for those pre-dawn or after-dark hours. With the right gear in hand – robust rods and reels, a selection of trusted lures, and proper wading apparel – an angler on Nantucket’s shore can confidently handle whatever the surf and fish have in store.
Reading Nantucket’s Conditions: Tides, Wind, Water Clarity & Moon
Success in surf fishing is often about being in the right place at the right time – and that means carefully reading and responding to the conditions. Nantucket’s coastal environment is dynamic, with shifting tides, frequent wind changes, and varying water clarity, all under the influence of moon phases and weather. Experienced anglers treat these factors as clues to adjust their tactics.
Tides & Currents: The island’s tides dramatically influence surf fishing, dictating when and where fish feed. As a rule of thumb, moving water is productive – a strong incoming or outgoing tide creates currents that dislodge bait and get predator fish active. For example, the narrow channels and cuts around Nantucket (like the opening of Madaket Harbor or the rip at Great Point) fish best on moving tides that concentrate bait. At spots such as Brant Point, which guards the main Nantucket Harbor inlet, the rising or falling tide produces fast-moving current through the tight channel, pulling bait in and out and drawing in striped bass and bluefish to feed. On the other hand, slack tide (the period of peak high or low when current pauses) is often quiet, but not always a dead zone – sometimes stripers take advantage of slack to corral bait without fighting the current. In fact, local Nantucket guides have noted that on slack tide, fish are no longer forced to hold in specific areas by current, so they may roam and round up baitfish, which can lead to surprise action. As you gain experience, you’ll learn nuances: perhaps a certain boulder or trough on a beach produces only on an incoming tide, or a sandbar off Cisco Beach holds fish on the start of the outgoing. Generally, an incoming (flood) tide on Nantucket’s ocean beaches often brings fish closer to the shore (as baitfish ride the tide in), whereas an outgoing (ebb) tide can concentrate fish at outflows and cuts (as bait is swept seaward). It pays to plan sessions around prime tide stages. Many anglers prefer the last two hours of a rising tide and first hour of the drop on the ocean-facing beaches for stripers. Conversely, in the back harbors (like Polpis or Madaket), the beginning of the outgoing tide can flush bait out of the ponds and estuaries, kicking off a feeding frenzy at the harbor mouths. Learning each spot’s “magic hour” in the tide cycle is part of the challenge – keep notes on when you see bait and hookups, and over time you’ll develop a tide strategy for each location.
Wind Direction & Water Conditions: Wind is a constant companion on Nantucket and can dictate not only where you can fish comfortably, but also where fish will be feeding. A basic principle is wind in your face often brings fish to the place – an onshore wind will push baitfish and nutrient-rich water toward the beach, sometimes improving the bite close to shore. For instance, a stiff south/southwest wind will pound the south shore surf (like at Nobadeer or Surfside) and can stir up the shallows, disorienting bait and attracting stripers and blues into the turbulent wash. Some of Nantucket’s best blitzes have occurred on “sporty” days with a chopping onshore wind and perhaps a gray sky or light rain; false albacore in particular seem to “love a rainy day with strong gusts” and will aggressively chase bait in rougher water. However, heavy winds can also bring challenges: big surf and weed-choked water can make fishing difficult or even unsafe. When the wind howls and the open beaches are unfishable, smart surfcasters seek the lee side of the island. Because Nantucket is an island, you can often find a shore with calmer conditions. A hard northwest wind, for example, will flatten the south shore surf (offshore breeze) but will make the north shore choppy. A prolonged north or east wind tends to favor the north sound and east-facing spots by making the water there clearer and more conducive to casting from shore. In fact, during one season when a dominant north/east wind set up, anglers at Great Point found that the leeward sound side (north side) of the point fished better, as the wind at their back allowed long casts and kept that side’s water relatively calm and clear. Conversely, a summer southwest breeze might make Great Point’s outer rip challenging but could ignite a bluefish bite on the east side beaches. Always check the wind forecast and consider how it will affect surf conditions and water clarity.
Speaking of water clarity, Nantucket generally benefits from “gin-clear” ocean water around its shores. This clear water is one reason the albie fishery is so good – these sight-feeding speedsters are most active when they can see their prey. After a storm or heavy surf, if the water turns turbid (sandy or weedy), false albacore and bonito may move offshore to find cleaner water, and even stripers can become shy in a sand-clouded sea. In those cases, either waiting a day for the sediment to settle or seeking a different part of the island that wasn’t as churned up is wise. An example: a nor’easter blows through churning the east and south surf into brown froth; the day after, you might find better luck on the west end (Madaket side) where waters have cleared sooner. Generally, a bit of wave action is good – it oxygenates the water and camouflages your presence – but too much churn can hamper the fishing.
Moon Phase & Light: The moon’s cycle, and the related tides and light levels, play a significant role in planning Nantucket surf outings. Around the full moon, tides are larger (higher highs, lower lows) and currents stronger. These spring tides can benefit surfcasters by flushing abundant bait out of estuaries and off shoals; many anglers get excited for the full moon tides of June and July, knowing that “bigger than average tides” will be moving a lot of water and potentially drawing in stripers close to shore. The full moon itself also means brighter night conditions – some fishermen avoid fishing on the brightest nights (believing stripers feed less aggressively when the moon lights up the water), while others relish it for the experience and the ability to see without a headlamp. Nantucket’s waters have yielded big stripers on many a moonlit night, often on those extra strong tide nights around the full moon. The new moon brings equally strong tides but with dark nights, conditions often favored by anglers hunting trophy bass in shallows. Under the cover of darkness in the new moon, stripers may venture extremely close to shore to feed, and lures like needlefish or darters fished slowly can be deadly then. Ultimately, both moon phases have their advantages: use the stronger currents to your benefit, and adjust your approach to the light levels (brighter nights might call for more subtle lure presentations, whereas pitch dark may allow you to fish closer without spooking fish). Additionally, low-light times of day – dawn and dusk – consistently produce action. Striped bass and bluefish often ramp up feeding at first and last light, regardless of moon, so being on your chosen beach at daybreak can pay off with that magic hour bite. In summary, stay attuned to Nantucket’s conditions: plan around favorable tides, use the wind to pick your spots (or decide when to brave the surf), watch the water clarity, and factor in the moon and light. The best anglers are those who adapt on the fly – if the conditions change, don’t hesitate to switch locations or tactics. Nantucket rewards those who fish intelligently in harmony with Mother Nature’s rhythms.
Nantucket’s Top Surfcasting Beaches and How to Fish Them
One of Nantucket’s charms is the sheer variety of surfcasting locations along its 82 miles of coastline. From sandy ocean beaches to remote barrier points and even harbor flats, the island offers a diversity of environments – each with its own character, access considerations, and productive strategies. Below, we delve into several of the island’s renowned surf fishing spots, with details on how to get there, what species you’re likely to encounter, the best times and conditions to fish, and effective tactics for each.
Great Point (Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge)
Surfcasters lining the sand at Great Point, Nantucket’s northeastern tip, which is famed for its fishing. Reaching this remote spot often requires a 4WD vehicle and a beach permit, but the reward is access to prime waters teeming with striped bass, bluefish, bonito, and false albacore.
Great Point is perhaps Nantucket’s most iconic surfcasting location – a long, narrow spit at the far northeastern tip of the island that separates Nantucket Sound from the Atlantic. Capped by a historic lighthouse, Great Point has a storied reputation as a surf fisher’s mecca, and for good reason: it consistently produces all of Nantucket’s “big four” species (striped bass, bluefish, Atlantic bonito, and false albacore) from the beach. Accessing Great Point is an adventure in itself. The point lies within the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, and reaching it typically requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a proper oversand permit, along with lowered tire pressure for driving over miles of soft sand and rutted dunes. (Anglers without a 4WD sometimes arrange rides or partake in guided trips, or else face a very long hike up the beach from the nearest parking.) Once out there, you find 7 miles of undeveloped beach and dynamic conditions – shifting bars, a deep channel off the tip, and currents from two large bodies of water converging.
The most coveted spot is the very tip of Great Point, where a pronounced rip current forms as the Atlantic Ocean meets Nantucket Sound. Here, when conditions align, predatory fish stack up to ambush bait being swept by. Catch the right tide at the right time of day, and the surfcasting can be phenomenal. Anglers have described Great Point as either “paradise or purgatory” – timing is everything. In spring and summer, Great Point’s surf produces striped bass and bluefish most reliably. On an early summer morning with a light southwest breeze, you might find bass cruising just outside the breakers on the ocean side or in the gentle lee on the sound side. It’s common to hook into schoolie stripers and 5-10 pound bluefish here during June and July, especially if you’re willing to fish dawn or dusk when the crowds (and boat traffic) are light. Many fly-fishermen also flock to Great Point; casting big sand eel flies or poppers at first light can result in explosive strikes from bass in the shallow wash. For fly rodders and light-tackle anglers, the inside flats of Coatue (the long spit opposite Great Point, forming the other side of the harbor entrance) can offer sight-fishing opportunities to stripers on calmer days as well. By late summer, the focus at Great Point shifts – bonito and false albacore move in. Come September, the very tip of Great Point can be one of the best spots in New England to target false albacore from shore. On days when albies are around, you’ll see anglers lined up scanning for breaking fish or birds. Albies and bonito tend to roam just off the rip; a good strategy is to position yourself on whichever side (ocean or sound) has cleaner water and bait presence, and watch for any surface disturbance. When an albie blitz comes within range, it’s a test of speed and accuracy: you’ll want to fire a small metal lure or epoxy jig into the fray and crank at high speed. Keep gear handy for quick changes – if bass and blues are up, a bigger plug or soft plastic might work better, but for albies switch to the metals. Great Point in the fall truly offers the shot at a Nantucket “grand slam.” Local anglers regard catching a striper, blue, bonito, and false albacore from the beach at Great Point in a single day as the ultimate achievement – a rare feat, but not impossible when the fall run is in full swing. Best conditions for Great Point often include a moderate wind (to create some white water but not so much that casting is impossible) and either the flood or ebb tide that sets up the rip current. Slack tide can be slow here. Also, be mindful of large gray seals that frequent the point – they can spook fish or even steal your catch off the line. Despite the challenges, Great Point’s isolation and potential for extraordinary fishing make it a must-visit for any serious surf angler visiting Nantucket.
Eel Point (Northwest Flats and Tidal Cut)
Eel Point is another beloved spot for surfcasters, situated at the far western end of Nantucket’s north shore. This sandy peninsula curls toward nearby Tuckernuck Island, and between the two lies a narrow channel (often called “The Gut” or simply the cut) with strong tidal flow. Eel Point offers a mix of shallow flats and deeper channels, making it a prime feeding ground for gamefish and a particularly appealing spot for wade-fishing and fly fishing. Access is via Dionis and Eel Point Road; you can drive up to a small parking area and then it’s a short hike through dunes to the beach. Four-wheel drive vehicles can sometimes continue onto parts of the beach if permitted, though closures for nesting birds are common in summer. Once on the sand, you’ll notice expansive sandbars and shallows at lower tides. Anglers can often wade out on these bars quite far (especially at mid to low tide), gaining casting access to deeper water.
Eel Point is renowned for its tidal currents. During a good tide (either ebb or flood), baitfish get funneled through the cut between Nantucket’s western tip and Tuckernuck, creating a situation akin to a saltwater river where striped bass and bluefish lie in wait in the current seams. Sundown is often magic at Eel Point. As one local description puts it, “turning tidal exchanges” pull bait through that narrow passage and predatory fish set up ambush, with sunset being especially productive. Anglers should avoid dead slack here, as a slack tide means the “river” shuts off – the current stops and the fish tend to scatter or cruise elsewhere until the flow resumes. When water is moving, focus on any observable rip lines or points where the current bends around a sandbar. These are lies where stripers in particular will hang. Fly anglers love Eel Point because the abundant knee- to waist-deep flats allow for easy casting and false casting without heavy surf to contend with. You might stand in shallow water casting a big Deceiver fly or an epoxy sand eel and suddenly see a bass swirl behind it in just a couple feet of water. On spinning gear, try swimming plugs or soft plastics that you can swing in the current. Cast slightly uptide and let your lure sweep through the cut with a natural presentation. If bluefish are around, topwater plugs retrieved across the current rip can draw vicious strikes. Bluefish and schoolie bass are common catches all summer here, and in years when sand eels abound, larger stripers will stick around the point to gorge. Because Eel Point is somewhat sheltered from huge surf (it faces the sound, not the open ocean), the water is often calmer and clearer – great for sight-fishing when the sun is high. That said, a stiff northerly wind can rough it up, and an evening sea breeze can bring in cooler ocean water. Some seasoned anglers will work Eel Point at night as well for stripers, slowly working needlefish lures in the channel on a dropping tide. Overall, Eel Point is best fished when tide is moving (either direction is fine), with a slight preference for the outgoing (which flushes bait from the harbor and flats through the gut). Evening into dusk is peak, but morning can produce too. Come prepared to move with the fish – sometimes the bass push onto the flats with the flood tide, in which case you wade and cast shallow; other times they stay in the deeper cut and you might want to reach it from the end of the point. Eel Point rewards anglers who are observant and adaptable, offering some of the most scenic and rewarding surfcasting on Nantucket’s west end.
Smith’s Point (Madaket Beach & “Bonito Bar”)
If you continue past Eel Point around to the extreme western tip of Nantucket, you reach Smith’s Point – a sandy spit that stretches westward from Madaket. Smith’s Point is a classic barrier beach environment, with a north-facing side along Nantucket Sound and a south-facing side on the Atlantic, which converge at a point overlooking Tuckernuck Island across a narrow channel. This spot is cherished by anglers, especially in the fall. It’s known not only for great fishing but also for the stunning Madaket sunsets over the water. Reaching Smith’s Point is done by following Madaket Road to the end and then taking the sand track down Massachusetts Avenue onto the beach (four-wheel drive required beyond the parking area, and one must heed fencing and closures for shorebirds in season). The sand here is very soft, so if you’re driving, be sure your vehicle is properly equipped for beach travel. Alternatively, one can hike down the beach if vehicle access is restricted (which it often is during plover nesting or if the point has eroded into an island, as it has in some years).
Fishing at Smith’s Point offers a tale of two waters: the calmer north side and the wilder south side. The north side faces Madaket Harbor and Nantucket Sound, featuring calmer, warmer water and broad tidal flats – an inviting area for stripers especially in spring and early summer. The south side faces open ocean, with deeper water and more surf where bluefish and bass hunt in the breakers. This diversity makes Smith’s Point productive throughout the season. In fact, striped bass use the area throughout the season – it’s noted that Smith’s is usually the very first place stripers show up in spring, likely due to that mix of warmer shallows and proximity to deep water. Early season anglers often find schoolie bass here in May, cruising the edges of the flats on the sound side. As summer progresses, bluefish become abundant. The southern shoreline of Smith’s (basically the tail end of Madaket Beach) has a moderate surf and deeper troughs where bluefish love to chase sand eels and squid. On a summer evening you might cast a steel spoon or popper and connect with 5-10 lb bluefish here until your arms tire.
Smith’s Point truly shines in the fall, earning its reputation as a hard-tail hotspot. It is often loaded with false albacore and bluefish in September and October. The area even has something called the “Bonito Bar” – a shallow sandbar feature that has historically been known to attract Atlantic bonito (and albies), making it possible for shore anglers to hook these fast tunas within casting range. In years when the bait is thick, Smith’s Point can offer shore casters shots at false albacore blitzing bait right off the tip. The falling tide, which concentrates bait flowing out of Madaket Harbor through the cut between Smith’s and Tuckernuck, is often the prime time for this action (similar to what boat anglers target in the adjacent channel). When albies are around, a good approach is to stand near the point where you have a 360-degree vantage. Scan both the harbor side and the ocean side for breaking fish or diving terns. Albies might pop up on either side or even in the channel itself. Keep an epoxy jig tied on for quick casting – the clear water here means albies will chase bright, flashy lures if they’re feeding. Many big bluefish also roam Smith’s in fall; some anglers specifically target them by chunking bait. One local tactic: if you land a bluefish and want a shot at something bigger (like a shark or a larger blue), you can use a hunk of that bluefish as bait – as the saying goes, “cut that bluefish in half and chuck it back,” it might attract a larger predator cruising the same waters. Smith’s Point has seen its share of surprise catches too, from Spanish mackerel in warm years to the occasional stray tuna species. For tackle, you’ll want something that can cast far – a lot of the fishing involves covering water from the point, so an 8-9 foot rod may be slightly short; many prefer a 10-11 foot rod to reach busting fish. Also be prepared to wade. When the point is connected and not cut off by water, you can walk quite far out toward Tuckernuck at lower tides, effectively bringing you closer to fish. Just be cautious of the tides so you don’t get stranded by an incoming flow. All told, Smith’s Point is a versatile location. Spring brings the first bass, summer brings blues (and a peaceful refuge at times when other beaches are crowded), and fall brings the hard-charging albies, bonito, and big blues that test tackle and drag. It’s a spot that encapsulates the seasonality of Nantucket surf fishing in one beautiful locale.
South Shore Beaches (Nobadeer, Cisco, and Surroundings)
Nantucket’s south shore is a long expanse of sandy beach facing the open Atlantic, and it hosts several popular surfcasting spots, notably Nobadeer Beach and Cisco Beach among others (Surfside, Miacomet, Madequecham, and Tom Nevers are also along this stretch). These south-facing beaches share some characteristics: generally heavier surf, deeper water close to shore, and strong wave action due to their open exposure. They are also easily accessible compared to remote points – Nobadeer and Cisco both have parking areas and are within a few miles of town, making them go-to choices for many anglers and beachgoers alike.
Nobadeer Beach, near the airport, is known for its pounding shore break and its popularity with swimmers and surfers by day – but it doubles as an excellent fishing spot, especially during off-peak times. One interesting feature of Nobadeer is how the wave action forms a steep drop-off and occasional sandbars that can trap baitfish in the shallows right against the beach. It’s been noted that at Nobadeer, bass can often be seen “flats hunting” just feet from the sand; it’s not uncommon for surfcasters to literally have striped bass swimming around their ankles in the wash when conditions are right. That’s an exhilarating experience – imagine casting out only to find fish feeding practically at your feet in thigh-deep water. The best times at Nobadeer tend to be first light, dusk, or night, primarily to avoid the daytime beach crowds of summer and because gamefish feel more comfortable coming close to shore in low light. Anglers can drive onto Nobadeer with a permitted 4WD vehicle (which is handy for covering more of the beach or doing night fishing). Typical catches at Nobadeer include striped bass and bluefish. In late spring and early summer, stripers move along the south shore chasing squid and sand eels – a white or pink soft plastic “squid” plug cast into the breakers on a June evening is a top producer. In mid-summer, bluefish often dominate daytime bites. They will hit poppers ferociously in the churning surf. Using a bright metal spoon or heavy fiberglass jig can also be effective for reaching beyond the breakers when wind is in your face. Because Nobadeer’s surf can be rough, using a slightly heavier lure (1.5 to 3 ounces) helps with casting and staying in the strike zone amid the waves. Also, consider using a shock leader because the waves can abrade your line on the sand.
Heading a bit westward, Cisco Beach offers a slightly different setup. Cisco is near where a point of land creates a subtle corner in the shoreline (by Hummock Pond outlet), which in turn generates a gentle rip current and eddies. This structure, combined with the typically heavy surf of the south shore, makes Cisco a productive spot. A local description notes Cisco has shallow waters meeting deep drop-offs, creating “holes and eddies where bass lay in wait for dinner,” and that night fishing can be very productive. In fact, some anglers swear by Cisco on summer nights; after the daytime crowds leave, stripers move into the troughs close to shore. Casting a swimmer or darter parallel to the beach in the moonlight can yield a big strike out of nowhere. Cisco’s surf during the day can be daunting (it’s a famed surfing beach), but that wave action oxygenates the water and churns up crabs and bait, attracting fish. It’s a classic case of rough conditions being good for fishing – to a point. When the waves are huge, it’s not feasible, but moderate surf is ideal. Cisco has convenient parking and is only a short drive from town (just past Bartlett Farm). It doesn’t allow driving on the beach in summer (and in fact is often busy with surfers and families), so plan to fish early or late. Expect bluefish in abundance mid-summer – fishermen pulling shiny tins through the surf at dawn often find blues here. Later in the season, Cisco can get a run of false albacore as well, especially if bait like peanut bunker or sand eels schools up along the beach. Having a heavy metal lure to cast far at Cisco is wise for those occasions when fish are just outside the breakers.
Other south shore spots like Madequecham or Tom Nevers are similar in nature: broad, windswept beaches where you might find solitude and the odd blitz of blues or bass. Surfside Beach, closer to town, is another high-traffic beach by day that anglers visit at night. The conditions along the whole south coast are usually “rolling surf with a shallow sandbar at low tide” – good structure for gamefish but also meaning one should be cautious wading. When fishing these areas, gear up for long casts and plan for some trial and error to find fish – they could be holding in a particular bowl or hole in the sandbar, which might take a few casts to locate. Pay attention to the “suds” and foam patterns; they can reveal where deeper water (darker, smoother surface) is close to shore versus shallower foamy zones. Striped bass often patrol just outside the outer sandbar or in the cut between bars on an incoming tide. If you find one of these spots (often by walking the beach at low tide to visually note any deeper troughs), that’s where you’ll want to focus when the tide comes up. In summary, the south shore beaches of Nantucket offer classic surf fishing: strong fights with blues and bass in a picturesque setting of dunes and big ocean. They are best fished when human activity is low (night or off-season), and when you have a manageable wind (an offshore north wind will calm the surf, an onshore south wind will make it rough – each can be good, but you’ll fish them differently). Bring a mix of plugs (surface and swimming), metals, and jigs to adapt to the surf conditions. And always keep an eye on the water – sneaker waves or rip currents are a reality on these unprotected shores, so safety comes first.
East Shore (Siasconset and the Old Man Shoal)
Nantucket’s eastern shoreline, stretching from Sankaty Head (in Siasconset village) down to Great Point on the northeastern tip, sees fewer anglers than the north or south shores but can offer excellent fishing, especially for bluefish and, at times, striped bass and bonito. The prominent features here are offshore shoals like Old Man Shoal and others that lie a few miles out to sea, which influence the currents and create rich feeding grounds that sometimes extend to the beach.
Sconset Beach, below the bluff where the Sankaty Lighthouse stands, is one of the accessible spots on the east side. You can reach Sconset via road and park near the public beach access in the village, then walk onto a broad beach that goes on for miles north or south. This area faces due east into the Atlantic. Because of the proximity of shoals offshore, the currents along the Sconset area can be quite strong, and the waves can get large when the wind is onshore (northeast). Historically, the east end has been famous for monster bluefish; it takes a bit of a hardy angler to fish here (hence one source calling it “for the braver of anglers”), but the rewards can be big chopper blues and, particularly in fall, striped bass that have come down from Great Point. During summer, if the western and southern parts of the island are full of people, often one can find solitude on an early morning in Sconset casting into a lively surf. Bluefish roam this coast in summer, often feeding on sand eels and squid being swept by the currents. A strong swimmer like a metal-lipped plug or a heavy bucktail jig can be useful to cut through the currents here. Sconset doesn’t have much structure (it’s mostly straight beach), but reading the waves can show you any sloughs or points. Notably, in October or late September, stripers heading south “often pause to feed along the east and south shores” of Nantucket, so Sconset can see a spike in striper action in the fall. If you’re targeting these stripers, try to align with a bait presence – maybe sand eels in the wash or mackerel just offshore. Lures like a Deadly Dick (which also doubles as a bonito/albie lure) or a swimmer like a Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow (which has been effective on stripers and albies when they’re mixed in) are good calls; interestingly, the Bomber Long-A in a pearl color is a local favorite for stripers in these waters.
Farther up the east shore toward Great Point, spots like Quidnet and Hoicks Hollow (near Sankaty) are worth mentioning. Quidnet (near Sesachacha Pond outlet) has a rip that in summer is usually overrun with bluefish, but come fall it can produce stripers. Hoicks Hollow was highlighted by guides as an east side hotspot in June when a separate push of big striped bass that “somehow missed the island” on the way north will hit the eastern sandbars and come in to feed. In good years, Hoicks (just north of Sconset) can be on fire in June if those bass find the sand eels there. Anglers will trek over the dunes to cast pencil poppers and Slug-Gos into a calm morning surf and suddenly be into 20-pound stripers that few others even knew were there. It’s a bit more of a local’s game, as access is trickier (mostly walking in from parking by nearby roads, and being mindful of private property boundaries). But the main takeaway: the east side is somewhat under-fished and can yield great bites if you hit it when fish are present.
One unique aspect of the east shore fishing is that you might encounter bonito and even albies along these beaches too, particularly closer to Great Point. When warm-core eddies of water push in or bait runs down the coast, these species will swing by. Reports of bonito from the beach around Quidnet or Wauwinet do pop up, typically late August or early September, usually on days with calm seas and baitfish like sand eels thick in the wash. If targeting those, it becomes more like fishing Great Point or the Vineyard – have a light rod ready to cast metals at any breaking fish. But truthfully, bluefish are the bread-and-butter on the east side, with stripers a close second in spring/fall. As for tactics, given the strong currents influenced by Old Man Shoal, using slightly heavier jigs or sinkers can keep you in the zone. Some anglers will actually chunk bait (such as bunker or mackerel) on the east shore for bluefish or even sharks; with deep water close, you never know if a stray thresher or sandbar shark might take interest in a chunk in the dog days of summer. Chunking a half bluefish as bait, as alluded earlier, might even bring a big surprise. Always ensure you are familiar with any special regulations (for example, certain areas might be closed at times due to erosion or to protect seal haul-outs). And speaking of seals – the east side, being near Great Point, can have grey seals cruising along, which occasionally might snatch a fish off your line or spook a school. It’s part of the ecosystem now.
In summary, Nantucket’s east shore beaches like Sconset offer adventurous surfcasters a more rugged experience with potentially large bluefish action and seasonal shots at stripers and bonito. Fish them on moving tides if possible, watch the currents, and bring the right hardware to punch through the wind and waves. The backdrop of the rising sun over the Atlantic and the knowledge that you’re fishing where comparatively few others do adds to the allure of this side of the island.
Harbor Entrances and Flats (Brant Point & Coatue Area)
While the open ocean beaches get much of the glory, Nantucket’s more protected waters – such as the harbor entrances and inner flats – also present fantastic opportunities for experienced anglers, especially those adept at light tackle or fly fishing. Two noteworthy areas are Brant Point (the jettied entrance to Nantucket Harbor in town) and the extensive flats and beaches of Coatue and Coskata inside Nantucket Harbor and around Polpis Harbor.
Brant Point is the tip of land in Nantucket Town, marked by a small lighthouse, that forms one side of the harbor channel (the other side being Coatue). It is the easiest to access of all spots – you can basically walk or bike from town right to the beach by the lighthouse. Despite (or because of) its convenience, Brant Point can get elbow-to-elbow with anglers at times, particularly during the peak of the striper runs. The draw here is the concentrated current of the harbor outlet. On a rising or falling tide, the water that rushes past Brant Point creates a classic ambush situation for fish. Baitfish pouring through the narrow channel get disoriented, and stripers set up behind rocks or along the channel edges to feed. Bluefish also run through here chasing squid and menhaden. It’s not unusual to see a line of surfcasters casting into the rip, and for good reason – a steep drop-off exists just a few yards out (the depth plunges from a few feet to 40+ feet very close to the point), so big fish can come very close. When the conditions are right – say a strong incoming tide at dawn – Brant Point can produce fast action. Lures that work well include swimming plugs (which you can crank down into the current) and jigs (which sink into the strike zone even in the fast flow). One local favorite lure for the harbor mouth is a heavy bucktail jig with a curly tail trailer; by casting up-current and letting it sink and sweep near the bottom, you imitate a baitfish being pulled out with the tide, which striped bass find hard to resist. The challenge at Brant Point is the competition and the snags (the bottom has rock and debris given the lighthouse and jetty). Hooking a fish might be immediate here, but landing it requires steering it away from pilings and jetty stones. Also, the area can become a bit of a circus when the bite is on – multiple hookups and crossing lines. It’s all part of the experience. If you prefer solitude, Brant Point at first light or at night is better; it can be productive at night for bass using darters or live eels (for those who bring bait).
Across the water from Brant, the long sand peninsula of Coatue offers numerous spots along its inside (harbor-facing) and outside (sound-facing) shores. Coatue’s inside beaches and the adjacent Polpis Harbor flats serve as nurseries and feeding grounds for many juvenile fish and the stripers that prey on them. These areas are generally best accessed by boat or 4WD (Coatue is also part of the refuge, but one can drive partway with a permit), but if you can get there, you’ll find calm, shallow waters ideal for sight-fishing. In June, after the initial arrival of stripers to the south side, many fish “either go into the harbor to forage or to the beaches of Coatue to warm themselves”. This means the flats of Coatue (such as around Third Bend, or the cove across from Pocomo) can load up with striped bass basking in the warmer water. The scenario is akin to bonefishing – you might see tails or wakes on a quiet morning as bass push over the flats chasing sand eels or crabs. Fly fishermen in particular love this kind of challenge; an 8 or 9-weight rod with a crab fly or a small Clouser minnow dropped in front of a cruising striper can result in a thrilling sight-cast take. Even spin anglers can wade these flats, tossing small soft plastics or unweighted slug-gos and reeling just fast enough to provoke a reaction. Because these spots are shallow, topwater lures like tiny poppers or gurglers on fly can also draw strikes. Moving further into Polpis Harbor, you have even more sheltered coves where micro-tides (small tidal flows within the larger harbor system) create gentle currents. It can be buggy in summer evenings (bring bug spray), but the reward could be a great session of catching schoolie bass one after another on light tackle. These inner areas tend to fish best in late spring to early summer and again in early fall. In the heat of late July and August, they often get too warm and many fish vacate for cooler waters (although you might still find snapper blues or small baitfish around).
On the outside of Coatue (facing Nantucket Sound), there are also spots to surfcast – e.g., the stretch known as 40th Pole and up to Great Point. These north shore beaches are known in summer for lots of bluefish. Indeed, recent reports often say places like 40th Pole and Dionis (just west of Coatue) are “covered in Bluefish” during the summer months
. Those beaches have calmer waves (since they face the Sound) and make a nice evening outing to cast for blues using light tackle. Many local families actually enjoy fishing those north shore spots because the action can be steady with smaller blues on surface lures, and it’s easy casting with little wave disturbance. Striped bass will be there too, especially in spring and fall or at night. A neat aspect of the north shore is that during certain winds, that water can be crystal clear, letting you witness strikes. When the wind turns northeast and churns things up, those same spots might slow down and you’d shift your efforts elsewhere.
In essence, the harbor entrances and flats of Nantucket present a different flavor of surf fishing – one that’s more about finesse and observing fish behavior up close, versus the power surf and long casts of the ocean beaches. Brant Point condenses big-water energy into a small area and is excellent for a quick before-breakfast or after-dinner session when the tides align. The harbor flats and inner coves require a bit more exploration but can reward you with dozens of feisty schoolie bass and the challenge of stalking fish in skinny water. All these spots benefit from local knowledge: talk to the tackle shops (like Bill Fisher Tackle in town) for the latest info on what bait is in the harbor or if the blues have shown up at the Jetties (another term for Brant Point area). Many an angler has started an afternoon catching blues at Brant Point on a dropping tide, then hopped in a truck to finish the evening with stripers on an incoming tide on the south shore – that’s the beauty of Nantucket, you can often make such multi-spot plans in a single day. Every beach or inlet is relatively close. By learning and linking these locations, you can capitalize on the full spectrum of Nantucket’s surf fishing potential.
Conclusion: Nantucket Island offers an unparalleled surf fishing experience for those with the skill and passion to pursue it. Throughout spring, summer, and fall, the island’s beaches produce world-class action for striped bass, bluefish, and the thrilling false albacore. We’ve covered how each season brings its own strategies – from targeting the first spring stripers on the flats of Smith’s Point, to summer nights on the south shore for trophy bass, to the frenzied fall blitzes of albies and blues off Great Point and Madaket. Equipping yourself with the right rods, reels, lures, and waders is crucial, as is tuning into the ever-changing conditions of tides, winds, clarity, and moon that dictate fish behavior. We’ve taken a tour of Nantucket’s prime surfcasting spots: the legendary Great Point rip, the currents of Eel Point, the flats and bars of Smith’s Point, the heavy surf of Nobadeer and Cisco, the wild east edges of Sconset, and the productive harbor mouths and flats. Each locale has its secrets, but they all reward the prepared angler with potentially memorable catches and the kind of days (or nights) on the water that become fishing lore.--