For January 18, 2025, on Martha's Vineyard, the fishing scene is quite active despite the chilly winter conditions.

First, let's look at the tides: Today, the high tide is at 4:29 AM with 3.09 feet, and the low tide is at 11:27 AM with 0.28 feet. The next high tide will be at 4:40 PM with 3.22 feet, and the final low tide of the day will be at 11:55 PM with 0.16 feet[2].

The sunrise today is at around 7:10 AM, and the sunset will be at approximately 4:30 PM. The weather is expected to be cold, with temperatures dropping significantly, which is ideal for ice fishing in some areas, though Martha's Vineyard's coastal waters remain mostly open.

Fish activity has been steady, particularly for those targeting striped bass, although the season for striped bass is currently closed. However, holdover stripers are still active in the rivers and can be caught using lures like jigs and plugs. For surfcasters, the best spots include Moshup Beach, Great Rock Bight, and West Chop, where you can also find bluefish and the occasional bonito and false albacore[4].

Yesterday's catches included some striped bass, bluefish, and bonito, though the numbers were not as high as in previous years. Bonito were the most prolific shore fish, with 207 caught in recent weeks, though most were under five pounds[3].

For today, using lures that mimic baitfish, such as spoons and plugs, would be effective. Baitwise, squid and clams are good options for bottom fishing, while jigs tipped with shrimp or small crabs can attract species like bluefish and striped bass.

If you're looking for hot spots, Moshup Beach and Great Rock Bight are excellent choices. Moshup Beach offers a rugged terrain with rocky outcrops that attract baitfish and larger predators like striped bass. Great Rock Bight, with its varied underwater terrain, is another prime location for catching striped bass, fluke, and bluefish[4].

Overall, it's a good day to get out and enjoy the winter fishing on Martha's Vineyard, with the cold weather and tidal conditions setting up well for a productive day on the water.