Banjo Charters Inc

Information may not be reliable

Starting May 1st, the near shore waters abound with striped bass, bluefish, flounder and blackfish. By June 1st, these migratory fish have set up residency, and the perfect trophy fish can be had. A host of bottom dwellers arrive including fluke, sea bass and scup, off-shore cod and shark are abundant. And by the end of June the Makos are here. As the water warms in July, the bonito add to the mix inshore, followed by Spanish mackerel and little tunny. Offshore (up to 100 miles) the warm summer waters bring white marlin, yellow and bluefin tuna, blue, thresher, dusky, tiger and mako shark.

The world record blue shark (454 pounds!) was caught in July, 1996 in the Oak Bluffs Monster Shark Tournament. By August, offshore fishing will be at its peak. Yellowfin tuna have been caught as much as six miles from shore, and a bit further out tuna catches can be outstanding; 10, 20 & 30 or more fish per day are common. Inshore a full day can produce several species of fish using any combination of IGFA qualifying tackle. In September and October, the fall migration is underway and the truly trophy fish feed heavily in Vineyard waters. What are you waiting for?

Banjo is a 32' Forest-Johnson built Prowler, powered by twin 200hp Volvo turbo diesels. The solid fiberglass hull is a flybridge model with galley, dinette, enclosed head and berths for 4 people.
The boat has a full complement of electronics including radar and fishfinder, making her ideally suited for fishing or touring Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod, Nantucket, the Elizabeth Islands or venturing out into near coastal waters for the pelagic that inhabit this world-renowned fishing destination.

A mate will teach a novice or leader a fish for the seasoned pro
It is recommended that you bring jackets, sun screen, cameras, suitable footwear and seasickness medication.
A large cooler with ice is provided for your refreshments, liquid and solid for this minimum 5 hour trip.

All this plus captain and mate make the Banjo ideally suited to fish or tour the many ports of Martha's Vineyard and New England.

Captain Robert Plante has 25 years experience fishing in the northeast Atlantic from swordfishing the Grand Banks to flyfishing the rips of Nantucket Sound. His ability to catch fish is topped only by his tenacity in the methods to accomplish that goal. So, whether it's a family outing or a record-seeking foray, let experience be the host; the Banjo will be the boat and satisfaction will be the results.
Mate Capt. Chris Clark when he is not at the helm of the Banjo is still assisting novice and seasoned angler alike. A recent college graduate and USCG licensee, Capt. Chris has been fishing the waters around Martha's Vineyard since he was six years old with ten years as mate on the Banjo. He is a master of all methods employed and species caught, so come aboard!

Banjo is located in the town of Oak Bluffs on the northeast corner of the island, Martha's Vineyard, situated five miles off the southern coast of Cape Cod, surrounded by the waters of Nantucket, Vineyard Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Martha's Vineyard is a world-renowned vacation resort and sportfishing Mecca accessible by air and sea. Oak Bluffs Marina is located in the center of town, with many fine restaurants and inns within a picturesque walk of slip 73.
The harbor's unique accessibility to the mainland, the sounds, and the ocean make touring as spectacular as world class fishing. For the convenience of those traveling by automobile, mainland pickups are available with free parking. A list of inns and hotels on the island will be provided on request. Your catch can be filletted by the crew and prepared by an island premiere chef.
The rates are $800.00 for a half-day (5 hour) charter and $1500.00 for a full-day (10+ hour) charter. Split charters can be arranged at $200.00 per person, and specialty charters can be arranged as well. A 50% deposit is required to book your charter, and MasterCard, Visa, and Discover cards are accepted.