elisabeth islands

[HARVEY RUDE]

Need some info and advice. A couple of friends and myself are thinking about not going to Montauk for a week in June and insted heading up your way. We have been to the vinyard and always wanted to fish the islands. We would bring a 18ft center console, looking to plug from the boat to shore along the islands. Is it posible to beach the boat and walk the shore also? We realize the islands are hazardous and are prepared to sit out weather and watch the rocks etc. I also believe there is a launch at woods hole also, is this the best spot to launch? We would go first or second week in june. Places to stay, crowds? Any info would be great. Thanks

[Angler #1]

Harvey, Woods hole has a launch site as well as Green Pond. One could also launch from the west end of the Cape Cod canal.

If you are thinking about the first two weeks in June you would be picking a good time as the Herring Runs or what are left of them will be in full force. You might also hit the end of the Squid migration in Nantucket and Vineyard sound

Plan on getting detail structure maps if you plan on fishing around the Island I am afraid I can not assist you in this detail, but perhaps others looking in will help you in that matter.

I do not know of any reason why one could not beach your boat to walk and fish the rack line. but why would you need to do that ???

The many rips that form up will provide you some top water action early morning and before dusk. Then again you might try some wire or lead during the mid day times.

You should find plenty of action around Woods Hole if the weather does not allow you to make the trip to the Elizabeth's.

Launching from Green Pond might be a shorter run as well depending on where you might decide to go.

I will get back later on this subject.

Angler

[busterblue]

Harvey, Anglers got you covered from the Cape heading West. Here's my take, from the West heading East. You can Launch in S. Dartmouth at apponagansett landing $5/day and head almost due S to Cuttyhunk. You're pretty well protected as you head out with a tall bluff on the W protecting yu from thepredominant SW winds. Lots of ledge alongside of deep water on the way to Cutty. I've seen folks tent camp on thebeach of Cutty. From cutty you can make your way west to Quick's hole, etc. Look at wind direction and choose your route between the N side of the Islands (Buzzard's BAy) and the S side (Vineyard Sound).

That said, it can get pretty big out there pretty quick and 18" is not alot of boat. Be careful and if possible buddy up with another boat.

Try me back before you go. I may be on my way too.

[Squidhound_ Jones]

Does anyone know if fuel is available in Cuttyhunk harbor these days? Last time I was in there during daytime it wasn't.

[Angler #1]

David glad you came up with other launching area to our guests.

I suppose every thing is relative to water condtions and as you stated the water does get some what mean at times and that one needs to be extra careful in strange waters thus the idea of a buddy boat makes a lot of sense.

Angler

[HARVEY RUDE]

Thanks for the come backs and keep them coming. I want this trip to happen.

[Gloucester2]

Woods Hole can be a zoo at times - parking a trailer will only compound that - June might not be too bad.

There is a brand new launch - opened last year -on Scranton Ave on Falmouth Harbor (near the Band Shell) that has ample parking - only a short run to MV and the rest of the Islands.

[Moses]

Green Pond is a nice launching facility. I spent alot of time launching there the last couple of seasons. Best part is you have many options right at your fibgertips. You can scoot along the outside (Vineyard side) or inside (Buzz Bay) of Elizabeth Islands. You can also shoot right accross to the Vineyard and fish Middleground. If the squid are running, this is a perfect place to be. I did it for a few years in a 16.5 whaler and last year upgraded to a 22. Just be careful and pay attention to weather conditions. Options are really endless.

[Andrew B.]

Originally posted by HARVEY RUDE:
Is it posible to beach the boat and walk the shore also?

Other than Cuttyhunk, the Islands are privately owned and they frown on visitors.

I second on WH being zoo and not a lot of parking.
For a boat that size there are other smaller ramps on the BB side of the cape.
PM if you want some ideas.

[NEXT2NUN]

Andrew is right. But Cuttyhunk southwest end is where you want to fish anyway, you can stay at the fishing club there or rent a cottage and keep your boat in the harbor. Tons of underwater obstructions (ROCKS) make sure you have a good GPS. Dartmouth $3 is the closest good ramp to launch.

[popper john]

HR,
Cuttyhunk is world class striper fishing.....
as indicated earlier,the boat will take a beating!
recommend westport river to launch from...stay off the Islands as, not only are they posted,they are LOADED with ticks!!!

[HARVEY RUDE]

To all who responded, THANKS! This trip has been put on hold for this year, looks as if we will stay in NJ this June and see if the bunker show up again mid month. Thanks again for all your help. Have a great and safe season.

[dogboy]

FWIW, you can walk below mean high water anywhere on the massachusetts coast for the purpose of "fishing or fowling"....as long as you have a fishing rod in your hand you are covered


of course if you start traimpsing over an island owned by the mellon family you might have some explaining to do...

[Andrew B.]

Originally posted by dogboy:
owned by the mellon

Forbes

[FishAgain]

The islands mentioned are owned by the Forbes family. They are off limits except;(I think),for the beaches at Tarpaulin Cove and Kettle Cove. But since the tics are everywhere you are better off staying in the boat. There is a cut between Cuttyhunk and Nashawena that a small boat can get through.