Elizabeth Islands
A string of small, mostly private islands stretching southwest from Woods Hole into Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. The passages between Naushon, Pasque, Nashawena, and Cuttyhunk produce some of the strongest tidal rips in New England and some of the best striped bass fishing on the East Coast.
The Island Chain
The Elizabeth Islands are a chain of 16 small islands and rocks extending 14 miles southwest from Woods Hole at the tip of Cape Cod. The major islands — Naushon, Pasque, Nashawena, and Cuttyhunk — are separated by narrow passages called “holes” where massive volumes of tidal water funnel between Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. These rips create the conditions that make the Elizabeth Islands one of the most legendary fishing destinations in New England.
When the tide runs, the current through these passages accelerates to speeds that overwhelm baitfish. Sand eels, squid, menhaden, and juvenile herring get swept into the rips, and striped bass, bluefish, and bonito stack up in the eddies to ambush them. The rocky shorelines of the islands provide additional structure where resident fish hold and feed. Cuttyhunk, the westernmost inhabited island, has been a destination for trophy striped bass fishermen since the 1800s — the Cuttyhunk Fishing Club, founded in 1865, was one of the first sportfishing clubs in America.
The passages between the islands — Robinsons Hole, Quicks Hole, Canapitsit Channel — each have their own character and fishing patterns. Some are best on incoming tide, others on outgoing. Our captains know every passage intimately and time each trip to fish the optimal tidal windows. On peak tides during the fall migration, the fishing in these rips can be extraordinary — striped bass over 40 pounds are caught here every season.
Species Found Here
The Elizabeth Islands are defined by their current. The tidal rips between the islands create a feeding conveyor belt that attracts gamefish from spring through late fall. This is trophy striper water, but the chain also produces outstanding bluefish, bonito, and false albacore fishing during the summer and early fall.
Best Times & Conditions
The Elizabeth Islands fish best from May through October. Trophy striped bass fishing peaks in June and again in September–October during the fall run. The rips are most productive during the middle two hours of both incoming and outgoing tides, when current speed is highest. Bonito arrive in August, followed by false albacore in September — both species feed aggressively in the rips and provide world-class light-tackle action. Southwest winds can build chop in the passages, so calmer days or early morning trips often fish best.
Why Fish With Us
Falmouth Harbor is the closest major port to the Elizabeth Islands. Bloodline Charters can reach the first passages in under 20 minutes, giving you maximum time on the fish. Our captains grew up fishing these rips and know the tidal timing, bottom structure, and seasonal patterns that make the difference between a good trip and a great one.
Our 36-foot Harris Cuttyhunk — named after the island at the end of the chain — handles the strong currents and occasional chop of the passages with stability and confidence. This is our home water, and it shows.
Available Charter Trips
Inshore Half Day
Fish the tidal rips and rocky shorelines between Naushon, Pasque, and Nashawena for striped bass, bluefish, and bonito. Timed around peak tidal flow.
Inshore Full Day
Cover the full island chain from Woods Hole to Cuttyhunk. Multiple passages and tide windows for extended opportunities at trophy stripers.
Offshore Tuna
Run south past Cuttyhunk to the offshore grounds below Martha's Vineyard. Bluefin tuna from school-size to giants.
Sunset Cruise
Cruise the Elizabeth Islands at sunset. Views of Cuttyhunk, the Vineyard, and the open Atlantic from the western end of the chain.
Explore More
Fish the Elizabeth Islands
Bloodline Charters runs to the Elizabeth Islands from Falmouth Harbor — the closest port to the chain. Fish the legendary rips for trophy stripers. Inshore trips from $800. All gear and tackle provided.
Or call us directly: (774) 313-6722