What You'll Find at Brant Point

Brant Point is a narrow spit of sand at the entrance to Nantucket Harbor, roughly a mile northeast of the town of Nantucket. The point itself is a working lighthouse station and not open to the public, but the surrounding waters—particularly the shallows and channels immediately offshore—hold striped bass and bluefish throughout the season. The real fishing happens from boats or from the nearby public beaches and jetties that give access to the same tidal flows.

The appeal of Brant Point is its position at the harbor mouth. Water funnels in and out with the tide, concentrating baitfish and the predators that follow them. Depth ranges from 4 to 15 feet in the productive zones, making it accessible to small boats and kayaks. The bottom is sand and mud, with scattered rocks near the point itself. Stripers here run 18 to 35 inches most of the year; blues are typically 3 to 8 pounds but can reach double digits in fall.

Key Takeaways

  • Brant Point's main fishing happens in the channels and shallows around the harbor entrance, not at the lighthouse itself, which is off-limits to public access.
  • Striped bass and bluefish move through with the tide, so fishing is most productive during the two hours before and after the turn of the tide.
  • You can fish from boats, kayaks, or from nearby public access points like Jetties Beach and the Old North Wharf area, depending on your preference and skill level.
  • Massachusetts saltwater regulations require a fishing license for anyone 16 and older; check current size and bag limits before you fish, as they change year to year.

Seasons and What to Expect

Striped bass arrive in Nantucket waters in late April and May, moving through Brant Point on their way into the harbor to spawn. This spring run can be excellent, with fish feeding aggressively on sand eels and silversides. By June, many of the larger fish move back offshore, but resident and school-size stripers stay through the summer. Water temperature in July and August reaches the low 70s, and fishing slows during midday heat; early morning and evening sessions are more productive.

Fall is the strongest season. Stripers return in September and October, feeding heavily before their offshore migration. Bluefish show up in August and stay through October, often in aggressive schools. Water cools to the 60s and then 50s, and fish feed throughout the day. November can still be good, but by December the main populations have moved south. Winter fishing at Brant Point is light and unpredictable.

Tides, Currents, and Timing

Brant Point sits at the mouth of Nantucket Harbor, so tidal flow is the engine of the fishery. Incoming tide pushes water and baitfish into the harbor; outgoing tide drains it back out. The strongest current and the most active feeding happen during the two hours before and after the tide change—what locals call the "turn." Slack water (the brief period when current stops) can also be productive, but the dead-calm periods between tides are usually slow.

Tide tables for Nantucket are available from NOAA and most fishing apps. The tidal range here is roughly 2 feet, which is modest compared to other parts of Massachusetts, but it's enough to move fish predictably. If you're fishing from a boat, plan your trip around the tide schedule. If you're fishing from shore, the same rule applies—show up when the tide is moving, not when it's slack.

How to Fish Brant Point

From a boat, work the channels and shallow flats around the point with light tackle and live or rigged bait. Sand eels, silversides, and mackerel strips all work. Cast toward structure—the rocks near the lighthouse, the edges of deeper channels, and the drop-offs where shallow flats meet deeper water. Stripers often hold in 6 to 12 feet of water; blues cruise shallower, sometimes in 3 to 5 feet. Retrieve slowly and let the current do some of the work.

Kayak fishing is popular here because the shallow water and protected harbor entrance make it manageable for paddlers with basic skills. Anchor or drift in the shallows and cast small soft plastics or live baitfish. Stay aware of boat traffic, especially near the harbor entrance, and wear a personal flotation device.

From shore, fish the jetties and public beach access points. The Old North Wharf area and Jetties Beach both offer casting room. Use spinning tackle with 8- to 12-pound test and cast small plugs, soft plastics, or live bait into the current. Work the edges where deeper water meets shallows. Early morning and evening are best, especially in summer.

Access and Regulations

Brant Point lighthouse itself is closed to public access. However, several public fishing areas nearby give you water access. Jetties Beach is a town beach with parking and public facilities; it's a short walk to water that connects to Brant Point's productive zones. The Old North Wharf area in downtown Nantucket also offers shore access. If you're launching a boat, Nantucket has several public ramps; the Straight Wharf and Slip 14 are commonly used for small boats and kayaks.

You need a Massachusetts saltwater fishing license if you're 16 or older. The license is available online through the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries or at tackle shops on the island. Current regulations set a 19-inch minimum for striped bass and a 12-inch minimum for bluefish, but these change annually—check the DMF website or ask at a local shop before you fish. Bag limits also vary by year and species.

Tackle and Bait

For stripers, use 7- to 8-foot spinning rods with 8- to 12-pound test. Soft plastics in 3- to 5-inch lengths work well, as do small plugs and live baitfish. Sand eels and silversides are the natural forage here; if you can get them live or rigged fresh, you'll often outfish artificial lures. Bluefish will take the same tackle but are less picky—they'll hit almost anything moving.

If you're fishing from a boat in deeper water, consider 10- to 12-pound test and slightly heavier lures to reach fish in 12 to 15 feet. Jigging with small metal spoons or bucktail jigs can be effective when fish are holding tight to structure. Bring extra line and leaders; the rocks near the point will fray your gear.

Local Conditions and What to Watch For

Brant Point can get crowded during peak season, especially on weekends and during the fall run. If you're fishing from shore, arrive early or fish during weekday mornings. Boat traffic in and out of the harbor is steady, so stay alert and keep to the sides of the channel if you're in a kayak or small boat.

Weather changes fast on Nantucket. The point is exposed to the Atlantic, and wind can kick up quickly. Check the forecast before you go, and don't hesitate to head in if conditions worsen. Summer fog is common and can roll in suddenly; if you're in a boat, have navigation tools and a way to signal your position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from the Brant Point lighthouse area?

No, the lighthouse and the immediate grounds are closed to public access. However, the waters around the point are open to fishing from boats and kayaks. Shore fishing is available from nearby public beaches and the Old North Wharf area.

What's the best time of day to fish Brant Point?

Fish during the two hours before and after the tide change, when current is strongest and baitfish are most active. In summer, early morning and evening are also better than midday. Fall and spring allow productive fishing throughout the day if the tide is right.

Do I need a boat to fish Brant Point?

No. Shore fishing from Jetties Beach and the Old North Wharf area can be productive, especially during strong tides and in fall. A boat or kayak gives you more water to cover and access to deeper channels, but it's not required.

What size fish should I expect?

Stripers typically run 18 to 35 inches; larger fish (over 40 inches) are less common but do show up in spring and fall. Bluefish are usually 3 to 8 pounds, though fall fish can reach 10 to 12 pounds. School-size stripers (under 18 inches) are common in summer.

Where can I get bait on Nantucket?

Several tackle shops in downtown Nantucket sell live and rigged bait, including sand eels and silversides. Ask at your lodging or search for "tackle shop Nantucket" before you arrive. Availability can vary by season, so call ahead if you're looking for a specific bait.