A Day to Remember: Chasing Bonito in Nantucket Sound – On The Water
Growing up spending my summers on the Cape, I’ve always loved to fish in Nantucket Sound. Whether it’s off the jetty, at the Tire Reef, or chasing stripers in the rips down Monomoy, summer days spent fishing down the Cape have been a cherished part of my life ever since I could swim. There’s something magical about the salty air, the gentle rocking of the boat, and the camaraderie of friends and family gathered on the water. This past weekend, a memorable day unfolded in Nantucket Sound—one that reminded me of the joys of fishing and the thrill of a hard-fought catch.
My dad, a seasoned skipper, and two of my closest friends, Brian and Jordan, joined me aboard our trusty 20-foot Whaler, “Closing Argument II.” As we set out on that bright morning, the sun glistened on the water, and the anticipation of a great fishing day filled the air. We had been jigging for flounder most of the day with little luck, capturing mostly scup, so we decided to relocate.
The Call of the Birds
It was around mid-morning when we spotted a flurry of birds working the surface in Harwich. The sight of birds is always an electrifying signal for anglers—where there are birds, there are fish. We could see the splashing of the fish and the school moving through the crystal-clear water. As my dad expertly maneuvered the boat and cruised toward the feed, he turned swiftly to port and backed down on the throttle just in time to avoid scaring off the birds or the fish.
With no time to swap out our lures, we decided to start casting right into the frenzy. In about 30 seconds, as I reeled in my bucktail jig tipped with squid, we were on.
The Thrill of the Fight
The fish I hooked immediately began to run, pulling line off the reel and heading away from the boat and down towards the bottom. It was a chaotic dance as we scrambled to get out of each other’s way, trying to avoid tangling our lines while reeling in our catches. The fight had the frantic action of a bluefish but the strength of a striper. My rod began to make noises I hadn’t ever heard, and it felt like my reel was locking up. For a moment, I feared I had lost the fish due to a lack of tension. But just when I thought it was over, the fish surged again, and I had to scramble toward the bow to keep the line taut.
I could feel the fish getting closer as I shuffled back and forth, anxiously awaiting to see what was fighting me on the other end. Just when we started to see color in the water, my buddy Brian shouted, “It’s an albie!”. Or so we thought.
“Get it in the boat, boys! Grab the net!” my dad, the skipper, called out. The excitement reached a fever pitch as Brian leaned over with the net, poised to scoop up the fish. While Brian and I worked to land the fish, Jordan, my other friend on board, got his phone ready to snap some pictures.
As we brought the fish alongside the boat, relief washed over us. We had worked hard for this moment, and the anticipation of what we had caught was palpable. We noticed its distinct features and its especially its sharp teeth. This was no albie. The realization hit us like a wave: it was a bonito!
In all my 20-plus years of fishing on the Cape, I had never pulled in a bonito before. The thrill of this catch was magnified by the rarity of the experience for me. We marveled at its sleek body and the vibrant colors that shimmered in the sunlight. It was a moment I’ll cherish forever—a highlight of a summer filled with memories.
As the excitement settled and we admired our catch, I couldn’t help but reflect on the importance of days like this. Fishing is more than just a hobby; it’s a tradition that brings people together, creates lasting bonds, and teaches valuable lessons about patience and perseverance. Whether it’s the joy of reeling in a big catch or the quiet moments shared among friends on the water, fishing has a way of grounding us and connecting us to nature.
As summer begins to wind down, I feel grateful for the time spent with my dad and friends. We exchanged stories and laughs, sharing in the camaraderie that only a day on the water can bring. That bonito became be a delicious meal, but more importantly, it served as a reminder of the adventure we shared—a day filled with excitement, teamwork, and the simple joy of being out on the water.
Looking Ahead
With the sun starting to dip low in the sky and a cool breeze picking up, we made our way back to shore. The anticipation of future fishing trips loomed in our minds. We couldn’t wait to get back out there the next weekend, hoping for more adventures and the thrill of landing another prized catch. Each fishing trip is a new opportunity, and we were eager to see what the ocean would reveal to us next.
When I reflect on that unforgettable day, I’m reminded of why I love fishing so much. It’s not just about the fish; it’s about the shared experiences, the laughter, and the stories that bind us. Whether it’s a big bonito, a small flounder, or even a handful of pesky scup, every catch holds its own special place in our hearts.
Here’s to many more summers on the Cape, filled with friendship, adventure, and, of course, the thrill of the catch.
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