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.