Whether you’re looking to catch that one fish you’ll tell your grandkids about someday or teach those same grandkids how to bait a hook, head for the legendary waters surrounding Martha’s Vineyard. Take your pick among our favorite Martha’s Vineyard fishing charters—you’ll find options for any budget, experience level, and age range.
Family Deep Sea Fishing on the MV Skipper
In the Skipper‘s 30 years at sea, Captain John Potter has helped thousands of kids catch their very first fish. He knows exactly when and where the fish will be feeding, and shares pointers and stories with a smile. Potter and his crew go the extra nautical mile to make this our favorite Martha’s Vineyard fishing charter for first-timers, families, and all-around fun. Unlike other outfits, the Skipper offers affordable individual rates in addition to private charters. It’s no wonder they’ve been reeling in Best of the Vineyard awards for decades.
Menemsha Blues Charters
For experienced anglers willing to make the short trip up-island, head over to Menemsha Blues Charters. This fishing charter departs from one of the island’s least-developed fishing towns, then sails past the clay cliffs of Aquinnah and into waters full of striped bass, bluefish, and other island favorites. Captain Boyd’s vessel, the Mary Sea, is available for half-day and full-day charters at a flat rate.
Tomahawk Charters
Captain Buddy Vanderhoop combines Native American fishing tradition with modern technology to help his clients catch especially large fish. A member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe, Vanderhoop harvests baitfish from the tribe’s natural herring fishery. His boat, the Tomahawk, is Martha’s Vineyard’s fastest fishing vessel, which means you’ll spend less time traveling to and from the fishing area and more time casting. It also allows Vanderhoop to access areas that would normally be impractical for a day trip. For a great story on this Martha’s Vineyard fishing charter, be sure to ask Captain Vanderhoop about his family’s whaling history.
Done Deal Charters
Done Deal Charters will pick you up from your preferred island location for a fully customized Martha’s Vineyard fishing adventure. The Done Deal can travel up to 300 miles on one tank of fuel and uses state-of-the-art electronics to find fish. On this high-tech fishing charter, we like our odds of bringing home a big one.
North Shore Charters
North Shore Charters tailors each trip to the group’s ability level, so it’s another great option for beginners and families. That said, we know plenty of experienced fishermen who swear by North Shore as well. The island’s oldest charter fishing outfit offers both in-shore and off-shore trips.
Edgartown Charter Fishing with Wayfarer Charters
Captain Jerome has been our neighbor for years—he was principal of the local school, and serves as president of the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. When he’s not leading fishing charters on the Wayfarer, he teaches aspiring captains the tricks of his trade. If you’re staying at Vineyard Square, a five-minute stroll will bring you right to Edgartown Harbor—in the time you would have spent traveling to another charter, catch some extra sleep or grab early morning breakfast at Dock Street Coffee Shop.
