MEET YOUR CAPTAIN Captain John Christian is a Woods Hole native who has fished the waters of Woods Hole and the Elizabeth Islands since childhood. A U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain, he has fished commercially with rod and reel for over 30 years. Captain John has been taking out bass-fishing charters aboard the Susan Jean for the past 13 years. He has guided charters for everyone from the serious fishing enthusiast, willing to leave at the crack of dawn and put in a challenging day in hopes of landing a trophy striper, to the grandfather, looking to introduce his grandchildren to the thrill of fishing the exquisitely beautiful waters of Vineyard Sound. CHARTER A TRIP We'll hunt our quarry throughout the Elizabeth Islands, a chain of 11 islands nestled between Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound, extending 14 miles southwest from the mainland of Cape Cod. Formed when the glaciers receded eons ago, the Elizabeths, with their rocky shoreline, uneven bottom, and tumbling currents, form a natural habitat for the trophy-sized bass we seek. As we transit the island sand passages, we'll see deer and sheep roaming the rolling hills, while seagulls, osprey, and red-tailed hawks soar above. My guiding specialty is working the rocky shores of the Elizabeth Islands, including world-famous Cuttyhunk Island--the westernmost island in the Elizabeth Island chain. A typical charter might include trolling, casting, or wire line jigging to reach those holes, edges, and rock piles that hold lunker bass. You may fish Quicks and Robinson's Holes (passages between the islands), famed Canapitsit Channel, and the hallowed Sow and Pigs Reef at Cuttyhunk. Cuttyhunk Island is the home of two world's record bass and the former site of the internationally known Cuttyhunk Bass Club. You may still see extending southward on the rocks the rusted iron rods that once supported the stands of the club and serve as reminders of days gone past and the great lure of this enchanting island. ABOARD THE SUSAN JEAN The Susan Jean, a shallow draft, 22' Aquasport center-console, running on a 115 h.p. Mercury outboard, is especially well suited for fishing tight to the rock-strewn coastlines. The tackle provided is geared to meet the demands of the strong currents, broken bottom, and powerful fish we'll encounter. For your personal comfort and so that adequate attention can be given to each individual, my charters are limited to a maximum of three passengers. Rates are $450 per day, and reservations are now being accepted for the 2002 season. Gift certificates are available. If you have any questions or want to reserve a date for a charter, please don't hesitate to drop me a line. See you on the water!