The Elizabeth Islands, the chain running southwest from Woods Hole to Cuttyhunk, Naushon, Pasque, Nashawena and the rest, form some of the most storied striped bass water anywhere. The holes between the islands (Robinsons Hole, Quicks Hole, Canapitsit) rip hard current, and big bass stack in the rips to feed.
The ground
Fish the holes and the rips where tremendous current sweeps between the islands, funneling squid, sand eels and bait. The down-current edges of the rips are where the bass hold.
How to fish it
This is rip fishing at its best: position in the current, swing soft plastics, jigs or flies through the seam, and fish live eels at night for the biggest fish. The current is powerful, so boat handling matters.
Tip The holes run ferocious current, so respect the water and fish the tide. Learn which stage fires each rip, position up-current, and let your offering swing naturally, fighting the current with a fast retrieve just does not look right to the fish.