The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission voted last week to keep the status quo for striped bass. The interstate regulatory board was considering a 12 per cent reduction in striper harvest to protect the species.
Island fishermen are hoping that regulators will take steps to protect the fragile striped bass population after several proposals were aired for public comment last month.
Within the first 20 minutes of opening, 70 rods were purchased at the annual Martha’s Vineyard Surfcasters Association’s used tackle sale on Saturday.
Longfin squid have returned to Vineyard waters as they do every spring. When dusk approaches, fishermen all over the Island congregate on the docks and beaches, or head slightly offshore.
At the break of dawn on Saturday, five-year-old Aurora Lapierre reeled in a 14-inch trout at Duarte’s Pond using her rainbow striped pole and worms she had named Wormy and Squirmy.
The Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club will begin its winter fly-tying get-togethers on Tuesday Feb. 4.