Kismet Outfitters opened last year in Edgartown. And I am sure like me, you might have been intrigued by what they offer in this fun-looking shop on Upper Main Street in Edgartown. We stopped by to learn more about Fishing On Martha’s Vineyard With Kismet Outfitters – it definitely makes for a great addition to our We Love MV series.
Fishing On Martha’s Vineyard With Kismet Outfitters – Meet Abbie Schuster
Kismet means that it was fate that it happened, and that’s how Abbie Schuster’s business began — kismet. Abbie learned to fish on Martha’s Vineyard. Her grandmother has a house in Edgartown and fishing was an important part of her family’s time here.
Fishing is what Abbie is passionate about, particularly fly fishing. It is an art form, a skill — beautiful to watch, and one that yields results. Fly fishing on Martha’s Vineyard? You bet, and Abbie is just the person to teach you.
Abbie went to school in Montana, and there she learned that there is such a thing as a fishing and adventure guide. So, in addition to college, she went to Sweetwater Travel Guide School. She begin her career as a guide while in college.
She always knew she had to come back to the East Coast. She missed the saltwater and the Vineyard. Also, her parents have a home on Chappy, and it is always nice to be home.
Her brother was working at The Revelry, which was in the space that Kismet now occupies. While there, he learned that the building was going to be available, and let Abbie know. She was looking for a space on Martha’s Vineyard for her guide business and outfitter shop. A little Vineyard magic, and Abbie’s Kismet Outfitters is opened.
Fishing On Martha’s Vineyard With Kismet Outfitters – Fly Fishing on The Vineyard
For some reason, I associate fly fishing as a river sport, but that is not the case. For Abbie, it is the way to fish on the island. It is an art that she has become quite skilled at over the years, and she is helping others learn to fly fish.
It’s no surprise that fly fishing has become increasingly popular over the last year. It is a social distance sport by nature — you don’t want to be too close to those flying hooks.
At Kismet, you can get casting lessons for $60 per hour. For a half-day surf cast lesson (wading) it’s $350 for one or two people. You can also learn to fly fish on Elsie, Abbie’s 23 foot Parker boat. Elsie is named in honor of Abbie’s great grandmother who was a great fisherwoman. This runs about $500 for one or two people. You can also do a full day on shore or in the boat. How awesome is it that you can learn to fly fish on Martha’s Vineyard!
Abbie has taught a number of islanders and visitors. It’s an interesting mix of people wanting to learn how to fly fish. She often takes people to Wasque or Lobsterville. She definitely has her favorite spots to fly fish.
What are they catching? Striped bass, bluefish, bonito, false albacore, and if you’re really lucky, a black sea bass. Fishing with a fly rod is quiet and gets you in the zone, helping you connect with the water. I have never done fly fishing, but listening to Abbie talk about it, has my interest piqued!
Fishing On Martha’s Vineyard With Kismet Outfitters – What’s In The Edgartown Shop
Now that you are a person who loves to fly fish, you can get all your fly fishing needs at Kismet Outfitters in Edgartown. From lures made on Chappy, to fly rods, Abbie carries Thomas & Thomas which are made in Massachusetts, to all your Yeti needs, to Fish Pond dry bags and such, to Kismet Outfitters apparel (which is really well designed). It can all be found here!
Fishing On Martha’s Vineyard With Kismet Outfitters – Guided Stand Up Paddleboarding
In addition to the fly fishing component, Kismet Outfitters also rents Revel paddleboards, which can be delivered to your home or island destination. These paddleboards feature a catamaran-designed hull which makes them much more stable and great for fishing!
You can also get guided paddleboard tours through Kismet Outfitters. A guided tour can offer you an experience that is really memorable. You can learn so much about the island from a guided tour.
Book your casting lesson or guided today at Kismet, Abbie is taking people out starting the middle of May. The fish will be here for sure, but there is more bounty starting in June.
Kismet is open year-round. Click here to book your experience or to find out more.
*I also have to mention that I think it is wonderful that Kismet Outfitters is owned and operated by a lovely young woman whose hobby became her career, and her passion for what she does in contagious. We are lucky to have her on the Island.
We Love MV is our ongoing series capturing the spirit of Martha’s Vineyard year-round. We hope you are staying safe during these times. Please don’t forget to “Like” Point B Realty on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Linked In, Pinterest, Youtube and Instagram.
