Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Rod and Gun Club's Catch & Release tournament?

The 2003 tournament is going to be held on Saturday June 7th. You can read/download the instructions and application HERE

What do I need to drive on the beach?

A beach vehicle sticker and safety equipment, including a tire gauge, a full-size spare, a board capable of supporting a tire jack, a shovel, and a tow strap are required to drive on the beach. Norton Point Beach, the three mile ribbon of sand that connects Katama and Chappaquiddick, is managed by the Dukes County Commissioners. Beach stickers cost $50 for residents, and $75 for nonresidents. Stickers are available at the County offices at the Martha's Vineyard Airport (www.dukescounty.org), or may be purchased on the beach from a beach ranger.
The Trustees of Reservations (www.TTOR.org), a private nonprofit conservation group, manages the longest stretch of beach accesible by off road vehicles, approximately six miles, from Wasque Point to Cape Poge gut at the tip of Chappaquiddick. Vehicle beach stickers cost $120 for residents, and $160 for nonresidents. TTOR members receive a 50 percent discount. Beach permits are available at Coop's and from TTOR rangers. Beaches are subject to seasonal closures to protect nesting shorebirds from late May to August so it is a good thing to check the status of the beach before you set out. The Trustees shore bird closure telephone number is (508) 696-0731.

Where is a good place to go clamming?

If you are staying in Edgartown, the flats of Katama Bay, Cape Poge Bay, and Sengecontacket all offer great opportunities to dig for clams. You will need a seasonal claming permit from town hall to take clams and a guage to check the size. Coop's sells clam rakes and guages.

Where can I get tide information?

Weekly tide information is available in both of the island's weekly newspapers, The Martha's Vineyard Times (mvtimes.com) or the Vineyard Gazette (mvgazette.com). Tides vary greatly around the Island, but in general tides advance approximately 50 minutes each day and repeat every two weeks. We are frequently asked about the best tides for fishing. There is no set answer, but in general fishermen prefer a rising tide on the north shore, and a falling tide at Wasque Rip, the bridges, Lobsterville Beach, and along the south shore.

How's the fishing?

That can change day to day, and hour to hour, but what do you care if you can come to Martha's Vineyard and fish. But since you asked, the striper fishing begins in May and heats up considerably in June. Bluefish show up in force by mid-May and taper off through June. Shore fishing for bass slows in July and August. In general, bonito show up in July and are soon followed by false albacore in late August. Fall fishing offers an opportunity to take all four species. Some of the biggest bass are taken in late October and early November.

- MV Derby Kids Day

- Rod & Gun: Trap Championship: April / Clays for Kids, R&G: Aug / Skeet Championship: Aug / Archery Championship: Sept / Pistol Championship: Nov / Deer Shoot: Nov / Black Powder: Dec /