Marking the edge of Wasque Shoal where it dumps off into Muskegut Channel, the Hooter is a well-known hotspot that has a long history of producing a wide array of fish species. This green, cylindrical can is equipped with a low frequency whistle that sounds as the buoy rises and falls in the waves, giving “Muskegut Channel Buoy 1” it’s more unforgettable name, ‘The Hooter.’
With all of the hype surrounding early albies, it just seemed like the perfect hotspot for our August issue in 2023. “The Hooter always seems to be one of the first spots where we see bonito and then – a little later – false albacore.” Said Doug Asselin of Dick’s Bait and Tackle in Oak Bluffs. This spot has become a destination for anglers seeking bonito and albies at any time during the late summer and fall and is a favorite spot for anglers trying to land Grand Leader albies and bones in the Vineyard Derby as well.
Those seeking bonito tend to do a lot of fast trolling with small and slender swimming plugs like Crystal Minnows or X-Raps. Albie hunters will keep it conventional and throw small tins and resin jigs, the Game On Exo Jig has gained rapid acclaim over the past few seasons and the Shimano Coltsniper Jigs are also albie slaying machines. “Don’t overlook the Rebel Jumpin’ Minnow for albies and the occasional bonito out here,” Capt. Corey Pietrasek of Plug-N-Play Charters told me. Of course, any tried and true albie lure will catch fish here; Albie Snax, Ron-Z’s, Zoom Flukes, Epoxy Jigs, Point Jude Po-Jees and whatever others make your personal roster of favorites.
The it’s not just ‘little tunny’ that call the waters surrounding The Hooter their home, when the right baitfish show up in the area, bluefin tuna have been known to show up in Muskegut Channel and the colliding currents at The Hooter have proven to be a favorite stop. “The Hooter, being at the bottom of Muskegut Channel in clashing currents and holding schools of baitfish,” said local angler and Martha’s Vineyard resident Alex Friedman, “is adjacent to deep water and sometimes sees bluefin tuna ranging inside to feast. And we’re not talking about just footballs either!” In addition, another offshore species will periodically visit the area of the buoy. “Any time water temps are north of 66 degrees, white marlin will come in close around The Hooter, showering bait and tailing hard! It’s always good to have a spinning rod rigged and ready to pitch a live eel or live scup in front on them!” Alex added.
As with any place that features drastic depth changes and fast water, striped bass are regular residents of the shoal and channel around The Hooter. In the springtime and into the summer, sand eels and squid are a favorite target for stripers and bluefish in the area. There are great opportunities for topwater action here in the springtime and as waters warm – and the bass move off into deeper water – snapping wire and other forms of deep trolling take over. When conditions are right, the bass can really pile into this area of angry currents and dramatic drop-offs.
Whether you’re visiting the Vineyard or just making the run from the mainland, the Hooter has a storied history to support the fact that it’s much more than just a buoy with a slightly hilarious name. Give it a try and you’ll see why.
