Massachusetts · Cape & Islands
PORGY FISHING
IN NANTUCKET
Nantucket is a solid destination for porgy fishing. Book a charter and target porgy with local experts.
About Porgy Fishing in Nantucket
Also called Scup, porgy are abundant and reliable pan fish found from New Jersey to Connecticut. These scrappy fighters are excellent eating and provide fast action on light tackle around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom structure.
Porgy — also called Scup — are one of the most reliable and abundant bottom fish from New Jersey to Connecticut. These small, pan-shaped fish with iridescent silver-blue scales and a distinctive spiny dorsal fin are excellent eating with sweet, mild flesh. Porgy gather in large schools around structure, making them easy to locate and fun to catch in quantity. While not glamorous, they are a bread-and-butter species that provides fast, consistent action for anglers of all skill levels — especially popular for family fishing trips.
Scientific name: Stenotomus chrysops
Porgy Seasonal Calendar — Nantucket
Month-by-month availability for porgy in Nantucket, MA.
How to Catch Porgy in Nantucket
Techniques & Bait
Small pieces of clam, squid, or sandworm on a high-low rig (two-hook bottom rig) with a bank sinker fished near rocky bottom, wrecks, and reefs in 20-80 feet of water is the standard technique. Small jigs (1/4-1/2 oz) tipped with clam or squid worked near the bottom also produce well. Chum with crushed clam or cat food to concentrate schools. Fish structure transitions — where rock meets sand — for the best catches. Porgy bite aggressively and provide quick, reliable action.
Recommended Tackle
Light spinning rod (6-7 ft), 2000-2500 reel, 8-10 lb braid, 10-15 lb fluorocarbon leader, small hooks (size 4-1/0), light sinkers (1/2-2 oz).
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Nantucket
Top spots where local captains target porgy and other nearshore species.
Nantucket Shoals
Nantucket Shoals extend miles east and south of the island in a vast network of shallow sand bars and channels where powerful currents churn the water into standing rips. Striped bass, bluefish, bonito, and false albacore converge on the shoals during the fall migration, creating some of the most exciting light-tackle fishing in the Northeast. The shoals' remote location and treacherous currents limit access to experienced boaters, but the fishing rewards are extraordinary.
Tuckernuck Rips
The rips between Nantucket and Tuckernuck Island are created by tidal currents racing through the shallow passage, churning up baitfish and attracting striped bass, bluefish, and bonito. The rips produce best during strong tidal flow when surface turbulence signals active fish feeding below. Boat anglers drift through the rips casting plugs, jigs, and flies for aggressive fish that compete for baitfish in the confused water.
Smith Point Surf
Smith Point on Nantucket's southwest corner faces the open Atlantic, and its beach offers outstanding surf-casting for striped bass, bluefish, and false albacore during the fall run. The beach's sand bar and trough system creates a defined feeding lane where migrating fish travel along the shore. Dawn and dusk sessions at Smith Point during October produce some of the finest surf-fishing on the island.
Great Point Rip
The Great Point Rip forms where Nantucket Sound currents collide with the Atlantic Ocean off the island's northern tip, creating a powerful tidal rip that attracts striped bass, bluefish, and false albacore. The rip is fishable from both boats and shore at the point itself, with the strongest action during peak tidal flow. Fall runs of false albacore through the Great Point Rip draw fly-fishers from across New England.
Other Species in Nantucket
More fish you can target while visiting Nantucket.
Porgy Fishing in Nantucket — FAQ
Porgy fishing in Nantucket is productive during .
Porgy fishing charters in Nantucket are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Small pieces of clam, squid, or sandworm on a high-low rig (two-hook bottom rig) with a bank sinker fished near rocky bottom, wrecks, and reefs in 20-80 feet of water is the standard technique. Small jigs (1/4-1/2 oz) tipped with clam or squid worked near the bottom also produce well. Chum with crushed clam or cat food to concentrate schools. Fish structure transitions — where rock meets sand — for the best catches. Porgy bite aggressively and provide quick, reliable action.
No — when you book a charter in Nantucket, your captain provides all required Massachusetts fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Porgy regulations in Massachusetts include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Porgy in Nantucket, you may also catch Striped Bass, Bluefin Tuna, Bluefish, Black Sea Bass, Fluke. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Porgy in Nantucket?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your porgy fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes