Labor Day is now behind us and the time that many fishermen consider to be the the most exciting of the fishing year is about to begin. All around Nantucket island, the bait is plentiful which should entice the predators closer to shore. Bonita so far have been erratic although there was a good catch at the Bonita Bar off of Madaket over the weekend. The Spanish Mackerel are beginning to show up. Early morning at Great Point is your best bet for these delicious tasting fish. If you catch one and do not want to eat it you can be pretty sure the person fishing next to you will gladly accept it from you.

False Albacore, on the other hand, are not really edible. So far these exciting-to -catch speedsters have not shown up along Nantucket’s beaches but could arrive any day. Only one False Albacore was weighed in yesterday during the first day of the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. Small Bluefish are plentiful just about anywhere around Nantucket property. Although the water is still relatively warm, a few reports of keeper sized Stripers in the morning and evening are starting to come in.

Speaking of Fishing Tournaments, the month long Nantucket Inshore Classic kicked off yesterday. This is a great way to enjoy fishing on Nantucket in the Fall and to meet other fishermen vying for great prizes and bragging rights until next year. There is still plenty of time to register, so ask about the Tournament at your favorite Tackle Store.