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A C T I V I T I E S 61

A-fish-ionados: CHARTER FISHING ON NANTUCKET

FOR NOVICES AND EXPERTS

B y D o n n a S m i t h F e e

“Nantucket’s heritage and livelihood has for many years

centered on fishing. In the beginning, the Island’s economy thrived on whaling,

before modern technology eliminated the need for whale oil products.

The Island’s people turned to fishing of codfish

and other species, and thus the village of ’Sconset

was created. All through the evolution of Nantucket’s history,

one theme is predominant

– the sea and fishing.”

— Nantucket Fishtales and Recipes

A C T I V I T I E S62

Fishing on Nantucket is as much apart of the Island as are the beaches and the historical

downtown. Our centuries-old cobblestone streets would

not be here if whaling boats had not used the stones as

ballast. Before Nantucket came onto the national scene

with its whaling success in the 1800s, the Wampanoag

Native Americans fished peacefully from the shores and

waters surrounding Nantucket. Without fishing,

Nantucket would be just another spit of sand. Fish have

fed us and brought us income for hundreds of years.

Cape Cod is, after all, named after a fish.

Today the adventure of being out in the open water

angling for fish is a vacation destination for many and still

a way of life for a few hearty souls who continue to make

fishing their livelihood. You can experience the adventure

and excitement of open water fishing by booking your

own charter fishing trip. It’s more fun and affordable

than you may have dreamed.

Imagine this: It’s a clear day with gentle breezes blowing

in from the southeast. Ocean water laps against the sleek

hull of the 27-footer on which you’ve found yourself. The

air is clean and salty, and you are thinking about nothing

except what might be swimming toward the lure you have

in the brisk Atlantic, just a mile off-shore from Great

Point. The sun warms your face and you smile because

you know for sure that this time a beautiful bass will soon

be challenging you. It makes no difference to you that

you’ve never fished before. You’re listening to Louis

Armstrong as he sings with Bing Crosby. You sing along

to the words you know: “You weren’t tied up, you old dog.

You gone fish’in.” The kids are making bets on who is

going to get the biggest fish. Kids? On a charter fishing

trip? Absolutely! Nantucket sportfishing captains

welcome families.

The beauty of fishing on Nantucket, aside from

the breath-taking essence of our shores and the deep dark

blue of our waters is that there is no shortage of capable,

responsible, highly professional fishing experts to assist

you and your family on your quest for fish. No matter

your level of expertise, captains and mates await to take

you off-shore where the water is cool and the fish are

biting. Another song by Taj Mahal plays in your head,

“Any fish bite if you got good bait. I’m a going fish’in and

my baby’s going fishing too.”

Trolling is a sit-back-and-let-it-happen kind of fishing.

It’s relaxing sitting on the back of a boat on a sunny day,

letting your line troll the water while the boat slowly

moves. You can handle the reels yourself or ask one of the

mates to help. Once you feel that tug on the end of your

line, be ready to bring in a bass, bluefish, or perhaps, a

bonito.

Many charter boats offer two types of trips: private or per

person with a two person minimum. Rates vary so

contact your captain for price information. Different

A C T I V I T I E S 63

boats also go to different parts of the Island. some head

out toward Great Point where the riptide turns up bait

and often traps the very fish that you want to catch.

One effective way to outsmart the fish is to hire a charter

that utilizes a depth sounder with a fish finder. These

devices are on most boats and allow the captain to

virtually see underwater. Little blips appear on a screen

when sounds are sent into the water. These little blips

represent dinner. The fisher finder tells no lies, unlike

many a fish story… .

If fishing with a native Nantucketer intrigues you, call

Captain Ty Anderson of Ty One On SportfishingCharters. He was born and raised on Nantucket andknows the waters well. His love of the water and fishing is

infectious. After you spend time with him, you will feel as

if you have always been on the other end of a fishing rod.

Whether catching stripers or off-shore tuna and shark,

your day with Ty will be one to remember and you will

leave with a booking in place for next year!

So what happens to all the fish you catch? You have

basically two options. You can eat it or throw it back. “If

people want to keep fish to eat, I will clean them up on the

dock at the end of the trip.” said Captain Ty. “l encourage

people on my charters to release the fish they catch.”

Many folks who are fishing on Nantucket are staying in B

and B’s and don’t have the facilities to cook the fruits of

their fishing expedition. However, should you be lucky

enough to have both a kitchen and a freshly caught and

filleted bluefish, then the world is indeed your oyster. By

the way, if your fish cleaning skills are rusty, the mates will

be happy to clean the fish for you. This article ends with

a few delectable recipes for your fresh catch.

Action can be the focus of your charter fishing trip if

relaxing on the back of the boat is too calm an experience

for you. Sportfishing is indeed a sport and can take all

your strength and concentration. It taps into our most

basic human need of hunting for food. Years of shopping

in grocery stores and ordering cooked food in restaurants

have not destroyed the hunting spirit in us. One trip for

a fish will convince you of that. Starr Fish Charterswith Jay and Lionel Starr, a father and son team, have over

80 years of combined fishing experience and more fish

tales than fish caught in the sea! Their 35 foot Downeast

Sportfish will take you to some of the best spots for

fishing in Nantucket, and they know them all.

Something happens on Althea K SportfishingCharters when you’re out in the open and a fish startsto tug on your rod. Captain Pete Kaizer has over 30 year

experience fishing on Nantucket. IWhen you go out with

him, it is exciting down to the very aspects that make us

both human and animal. It’s the chase and the fight. It

raises your adrenaline and makes your heart beat fast. It’s

probably the most exciting, fun thing you can do on

Nantucket. And the beauty of it all is that once the

A C T I V I T I E S64

struggle is over, you can go home at the end of the day to

tell the tale.

Nantucket Outfitters, with Captain Bill Tolestedton-board, will help you to enjoy some of the best fly and

light tackle fishing on the east coast. His boat goes out of

Madaket’s west end and traverses the inshore rips and

shoals for stripers, blues, bonito and false albacore. A day

with Captain Bill is as wonderful as a Madaket sunset!

Don’t worry if you don’t own a fly reel or even know the

difference between tackle and tickle, a charter fishing trip

can supply you with everything you need. Just walk along

the docks or simply call up a captain on the phone. They

do love to chat and just as importantly, they love to fish.

Once you’ve tasted fish this fresh, your palate will be

spoiled forever by fish that had to ride in ice on the back

of someone’s truck. Fresh is best and even better when

you catch it yourself. Fishing brings you to beautiful

places and you meet wonderful people. Nantucket

certainly proves this rule. It’s not only fun fishing for our

many species but you’ll also experience the beauty of the

waters around Nantucket.

There are a few practical things to take note of. You’ll need

to wear the proper shoes. The deck of the boat can and

most likely will get wet so dress for success on the water.

On a more delicate matter, bathroom facilities do exist on

the boat, however many are little port-a-potties that just

cover the necessities. Be sure to bring sun block, a cover-

up and a hat.

If you really, really wants to eat fresh fish, then join the

ranks of the avid fishing population. Don’t be intimidated

by all that equipment or vocabulary you don’t know.

Like any teacher, the captains are eager to introduce new

students to a world of excitement and adventure. If you’re

new to the art of fishing, it may be time for some

elementary lessons. Even if you’re in elementary school,

there is a fishing boat for you. In fact, many charter

fishing captains love to teach kids to fish. Once you’re out

there, you’ll see how hard the crew works and how

versatile they are. They are teachers, lifesavers, fishing

professionals, waiters, tour guides, history buffs, maritime

scholars, and your new buddy on Nantucket. Besides yur

charter cost, please tip the captain accordingly.

A festive fleet of pristine boats andknowledgeable captains wait to take you

on a fishing adventure.

While out on the water, think of all the proud mates and crewwho have gone before you into the

winds and surf of Nantucket history.

A C T I V I T I E S 65

B O N I T O

The striker will fillet your fish (bonito canbe steaked if you prefer).

This is one of our favorite fish to eat. Thisfish must be eaten the same day youcatch it. There are two ways to preparebonito. First, it is great raw with a littlesoy and wasabi. We have this quitefrequently on the boat right after a bonitois landed. Thinly slice the fish and simplydip in soy and/or wasabi. You are in for atreat.

The second way we prepare bonito is tomarinade it first for a couple of hours inan Italian salad dressing such as PaulNewman's Own. Place it right on the grill.Cook it on high heat to quickly sear it. Welike our bonito (and any tuna) rare. Youcan cook it to how you best like your fish.

MAPLE BASTED GRILLED BLUEFISH

2 tbsp dark amber maple syrup

8 bluefish, about three pounds total

Freshly ground sea salt and freshly

ground black pepper

Pour maple syrup in a shallow bowl. Add bluefish fillets and turn to coat

thoroughly. Set aside to marinade. Brush grill with olive oil to prevent

bluefish from sticking. Grill bluefish 2-4 minutes on medium heat on each

side. Baste fish with syrup once or twice until fish flakes and the outside is

lightly caramelized.

WILD ONE SANDBAR SPECIAL(from Nantucket Fishtails and Recipes)

5 lbs bass filets (skinned)

1/8 tsp salt

2 beaten eggs

1 tsp baking flour

1 cup Miller’s Beer

Mix together above ingredients. Cut bass into serving pieces. Dip fish pieces

in batter and deep fat fry it until fish has gold crust. (Should a "boatsman"

run aground overnight, this is definitely a recipe to try in the galley while

waiting for high water.)

Althea Kaltheaksportfishing.comChildren’s Beach 508-325-2167

Nantucket Outfittersackoutfitters.com Madaket Public Landing 917-584-5270

Shearwater Excursionsexplorenantucket.comStraight Warf, Slip 1011 508-228-7037

Starr Fish Chartersstarrfishcharters.comTown Pier 508-228-6950

Ty One On Sportfishing Charterstyoneon.comTown Pier 508-423-5126

NANTUCK E T F I S H I NG CHA RT E R S