One of the best places to look for early season striped bass is off the Islands. To be more specific, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.
Thus it's really no surprise that these latest reports have come from the southern side of the Vineyard. I would imagine that if there are schoolie stripers at the Vineyard, then there is also a good chance that there are small bass off Nantucket as well.
I believe the first reported bass was caught at the Vineyard on March 28th, with multiple other catches since then.
I wish I had the chance to hop on a ferry and check out the Vineyard bite for myself. Unfortunately I have work commitments and an upcoming trip to South Carolina (not complaining!) that will prevent me from fishing anytime soon.
If you get a chance to head out fishing this weekend, then consider making the trek to the Vineyard. Some of the best spots to target striped bass from shore include:
Wasque
Quansoo
Tisbury Pond
The opening of Edgartown Pond
The opening of Katama Bay
Now I am no expert at fishing the Vineyard, so you are a bit on your own with this one.
The good news is that these bass should start filtering into Cape Cod's own early season hot spots over the next week or so. I'm a bit more familiar and confident with these areas. Some good spots to check out include:
Weweantic River
Agawam River
Popponesset Beach
Waquoit Bay
West Falmouth beaches - in particular Old Silver Beach
If any of you guys hook up with a fish this week or weekend, be sure to let me know! I am really chomping at the bit now with this latest news - unfortunately my fishing season won't start until May 1st!
Go get 'em,
Ryan