The Claw #450
The Claw is a highly underrated offshore post because it is so close to many Cape Cod and South
Coast locales. The Claw is approximately 18nm SW of Gay Head, making it the closest spot
South of MV if you’re coming around the Noman’s Side of the Vineyard. Coxes Ledge (a very
large area) is approximately 11nm West of the Claw. These two areas are often scouted in
conjunction with each other.
The Claw is best known for early bluefin tuna but can also hold yellowfin, white marlin and
mahi later in the season. This spot can be loaded with bait. If there is bait at the Claw, then there
are fish at the Claw. It’s one fishy spot!
Like all the Southside spots, bait found inside of fish caught here often includes butterfish, small
squid, sand eels, hake and small mackerel. The most popular lures here mimic these baits. There
is often small bait here, so your best bet is to keep the lure size small unless bigger bait is visibly
present in the area.
A few tips to get you started:
- If the water here isn’t “blue” from offshore eddies, seeing “life” here is critically
important. Especially if you don’t have good reports. - If there is life in the era, pound the spot. Ideally, you want to see whales, birds AND bait.
(Obviously breaking fish!). Remember, baits are small here. Check out this video we
made here a few years ago when we were trolling “Capt. Mikes Spread” – a mix of big
bars with small baits. Color patterns mimicked sand eels, squid, butterfish and mackerel.
All three are known forages. Here’s a video from a shoot we did here a few years ago.
some mahi mahi.
- Approximate Lat & Long: 41° 04′ N, 70° 53′ W
- Best tide: Varies