Black sea bass fishing out of Martha’s Vineyard is a summer bottom fishery on rough bottom in Vineyard Sound and around Middle Ground. Harbors, ramps and access are in the Martha’s Vineyard port guide. This guide covers the grounds, the methods and the charters that list them. For the wider coast, see the black sea bass fishing in the Atlantic Northeast and the Atlantic Northeast offshore fishing guide.
When black sea bass are around Martha’s Vineyard
Black sea bass are a summer fish here. Tomahawk Charters and Fishsticks Charters both list summer trips for them.
For biology and the wider seasonal picture, see the black sea bass species guide. Local timing outside summer isn’t established, so plan around the summer window and check the forecast for your day.
Where boats run and the grounds that hold them
Boats run to rough bottom and structure in Vineyard Sound and around Middle Ground. The table lists the named grounds and structure near the island, with positions as charted.
| Name | Location | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Ground | North side of the Vineyard, about 2.5 NM long east to west | 3 ft on its shallowest part; sea bass ground |
| Bow Bell | Western end of Middle Ground | Marks the west end |
| Vineyard Sound rough bottom | Vineyard Sound | Sea bass ground |
| Lucas Shoal | Vineyard Sound, off Oak Bluffs and East Chop | Named structure |
| Tom’s Shoal | Near Wasque, Chappaquiddick | Named structure |
| Mutton Shoal | Wasque area | Named structure |
| Rips off Gay Head Cliffs | Western Vineyard near Aquinnah | Named structure |
| Squibnocket | West end of the Vineyard | Named striped bass spot |
| Devil’s Bridge | On the Vineyard | Named striped bass spot |
Middle Ground and Bow Bell
Middle Ground sits on the north side of the Vineyard. It runs about 2.5 NM east to west and shoals to 3 ft on its shallowest part. Bow Bell is at the western end. Sea bass are caught here; the method is covered below.
Vineyard Sound rough bottom
Rough bottom and structure in Vineyard Sound hold the fish. Chart layers such as Chart Contours can help locate rough bottom, but they aren’t for navigation.
Other named structure
Lucas Shoal lies in Vineyard Sound off Oak Bluffs and East Chop. Tom’s Shoal is near Wasque, Chappaquiddick, and Mutton Shoal is in the Wasque area. The rips off Gay Head Cliffs are on the western Vineyard near Aquinnah. These are places to read on the chart; none is confirmed as a sea bass spot.
Striped bass spots
Squibnocket, at the west end of the Vineyard, and Devil’s Bridge, on the Vineyard, are both known as striped bass spots.
Reading conditions: buoy 44020
The reference buoy is NOAA NDBC station 44020 in Nantucket Sound, at 41.497 N, 70.283 W. Read wind, wave height and period from it, then check the official Nantucket Sound marine forecast.
The buoy isn’t on Middle Ground or in Vineyard Sound, so its numbers describe nearby water rather than the grounds themselves, and the forecast carries the usual uncertainty.
How black sea bass are fished here
Locals use standard bottom rigs with bait, and squid or heavy jigs at Middle Ground. For the broader picture, see the regional reef and bottom fish guides.
Bait rigs
Standard bottom-fishing rigs with bait are the local method.
Squid and heavy jigs at Middle Ground
Middle Ground sea bass are caught on squid or on heavy jigs that hold bottom. The current there is the reason for the weight: the jig has to stay on the bottom in the flow.
Who fishes for them out of this port
Three local charters list black sea bass.
- Tomahawk Charters: Capt. Buddy Vanderhoop runs a 35 ft Carolina Classic, Tomahawk 3, and lists summer sea bass trips. See the Tomahawk Charters website.
- Captain Clarke Charters: The boat is Femme Fatale. See the Captain Clarke Charters fishing charters page.
- Fishsticks Charters: Summer trips are listed under Fishsticks Charters seasons and species.
FAQ: black sea bass fishing out of Martha’s Vineyard
Where is Middle Ground?
On the north side of the Vineyard, about 2.5 NM long east to west and 3 ft on its shallowest part. Bow Bell marks its western end.
What bait works for sea bass here?
Standard bottom rigs with bait. At Middle Ground, squid or heavy jigs that hold bottom.
When is the season?
Summer. Local charters list summer trips. Open dates are on the agency pages linked in the Regulations section above.
Which buoy should I check?
NOAA NDBC 44020 in Nantucket Sound. Read wind, wave height and period, and check the official forecast. The buoy is not on the grounds.
Who runs sea bass charters from the Vineyard?
Tomahawk Charters (Capt. Buddy Vanderhoop, Tomahawk 3), Captain Clarke Charters (Femme Fatale) and Fishsticks Charters.
