Cuttyhunk trip advice

[Camhabib]

Thinking about booking a trip to Cuttyhunk, staying at the fishing club on the island for a couple of nights in June. Wondering if anyone could give some feedback on their experience, tips for the island, or just anything at all about the area. Planning on going with a smaller group, almost all will be fishing as well. MA native, just never been down to the island before. Thanks!

[Chunkah]

Prepare to walk a lot. Most of the coast is covered in bowling ball sized rocks, so Korkers are pretty much always necessary. There are generally a good amount of ticks on the island, so spraying some of your clothes with permethrin in advance is a good idea. Down at the dock (not the one the boat brings you in on) they sometimes run the lights at night, so if the squid are in you can fill a bucket quickly. The lobster guy and the oyster shack are both open daily....the oysters are amazing. Be sure to have a good look around the club. There is so much history there, and there are some great books hanging around that make great reading. If you can find your way up to the bunkers that look over the west end of the island, the view is amazing. As are the sunrises.

I love the solitude of the island, it is one of my favorite places to be. I'll actually be there in a few weeks.  

[Camhabib]

Really appreciate the tips! Pictures are beautiful, really looking forward to visiting. Are there any bait shops at all on the island or that has to be brought over? Are the boulders possible to navigate with Korkers or they’re tricky even then? Would you recommend studs or felt? 

[PaulS]

No baitshops, use studs, search previous posts. 

[Steel Pulse]

Couple pics of Nirvana 

[bassmaster]

Bring ear plugs, them rocks get loud

[Chunkah]

On 5/21/2023 at 11:58 AM, Camhabib said:

Really appreciate the tips! Pictures are beautiful, really looking forward to visiting. Are there any bait shops at all on the island or that has to be brought over? Are the boulders possible to navigate with Korkers or they’re tricky even then? Would you recommend studs or felt? 

You have to bring EVERYTHING over. Don't depend on island resources for anything, even water. 

[HanoverStriper]

On 5/21/2023 at 9:42 PM, Chunkah said:

You have to bring EVERYTHING over. Don't depend on island resources for anything, even water. 

2 of everything...

[z-man]

Is there just the one ferry out of New Bedford or are there other options to get there? 

[Camhabib]

On 5/21/2023 at 9:42 PM, Chunkah said:

You have to bring EVERYTHING over. Don't depend on island resources for anything, even water. 

I was under the impression from reading various reports that there were some basic amenities, like running water and a couple

of small places for lunch, is this not true? Do people just pack a tote of food and other essentials to bring with them?

[Camhabib]

On 5/21/2023 at 9:53 PM, z-man said:

Is there just the one ferry out of New Bedford or are there other options to get there? 

To the best of my knowledge, it’s just New Bedford. There are multiple companies that seem to operate out of there but that seems to be the only port. 

[Dah seee]

You will find that being in waders will be limiting in a lot of areas on the island. This is wetsuit territory. You might have to wade out past your chest to get on a rock. Those waves can be gnarly too and full of surprises so better off to be prepared.

[nightfighter]

I have run more than a few trips over to the island, and I never packed korkers and never owned a wetsuit for fishing. Now there almost always a couple or five in the groups that did wetsuit, but it is not necessary. Backpack everything in. Water on the island is good. If you are at the Club before it opens their restaurant, you might have access to the kitchen to cook your meals. Best fishing is at night, as are the get togethers back at the Club porch at o dark thirty. We never had anyone drinking before we/they went out. Use a buddy system for nights unless you are just fishing in front of the club or in the harbor. First day is for scouting.  Don't kill yourself the first day, especially in the sun. Guys have had to go back home early when they did not protect themselves from the June sun... Don't bring the kitchen sink for tackle. You will end up using less than a dozen lures. Don't judge the trip on number of fish caught.... It is a magical place to really let yourself "get away." Just take it in...

 

 

And yes, we did that... and we were not the first.

Edited May 22 by nightfighter

[DonLBI]

The club is under new management, so still not sure of the kitchen policy. However, I do believe the charcoal grills are still available. Yes you have to bring your own charcoal. The stands on the dock that serve food may only be open on weekends. 

[clambellies]

I always wanted to go, because of the history associated with the island.  A friend of mine did a few years back and while he enjoyed it, he said he wouldn't do it again.  The bowling ball rocks were extremely difficult for a guy in his 60's and he was constantly in fear of a broken ankle.  It's a young man's game.  I'm too old (and cautious) now.