Surfcasting: Reel in the adventures
with your feet in the sand,
casting into the surf

At Johnny-C Guiding, we are surfcasting specialists. We teach and inspire current and future anglers — and help them connect to the magic of fishing and the natural world.

Johnny-C Guiding was founded in 2022 with a vision of giving families, beginners, and sport fishermen the skill sets they need to fish and come back to learn more. We want everyone to have a memorable surfcasting experience and be transformed by the magic of the ocean. Join us and reel in adventures from the beach.

- Top Adventure Options -

Family Scup Adventure

Bluefish Adventure

Shark Fishing

Introduce your family to the fun of fishing and the ocean’s ecosystem by catching and observing fish with our Family Scup Adventure. The abundance of the scup — or porgy — makes it a fun fish to catch and sparks an interest in fishing. Their iridescent scales can reflect the colors of the rainbow.

This option is great for families with up to 3 kids.

Reel in a majestic bluefish with the help of our expert guide. Bluefish have big chompers and are known to provide an exciting aerial show when hooked. You will learn an assortment of specific strategies, lures, and techniques to increase your skill level in catching this acrobatic fish.

This is an adventure for up to 3 people over the age of 14.

From late July onward, you can book an adventure of a lifetime to fish Sharks from the beach. Sand tigers and brown sharks are local to Martha’s Vineyard waters and a thrill to catch and release.

This adventure is recommended for up to 4 people over the age of 14.

- Client Testimonials -

“The best part of fishing with John is his passion for fishing and willingness to share that passion during his trips. His knowledge of the best Island fishing spots, making sure that we are using the right lures, and his instructions on how to fish them, makes for a great fishing experience."
- Peter

“Fishing with John is great! He’s very knowledgeable, whether you want to go for Striped Bass or go for Blues and Sharks, he will put you on the fish!"
- Ryan

“Energy pumping. I have never moved as quickly as having a shark on the line. John’s expertise guided us through and made for a stellar evening”
- Ann

“I’m an avid fisherman and I highly recommend John Carney for a day’s fishing if you are on the Vineyard. John puts you on the fish! He is super pleasant and easy to be with and John was as happy as I was to hook my first False Albacore the morning we fished. You won’t go wrong with John!”
- Greg

    
 
 
        
   Ayana Morris 
 October 21, 2023
 
 
  We had the most wonderful experience fishing with Johnny! Super professional, knowledgeable and friendly. He brought all the supplies including chairs. It was our first time fishing as a family and we caught lots of fish. He scaled them for cooking and they made a delicious dinner. Highly recommend if you want an intimate experience.
  
 
       
   Jamie Harmon 
 August 24, 2023
 
 
  We caught 3 sharks with John - just from the beach!  This one was a huge brown shark.  John is a real pro.  My son said it was the best day of the summer!
  
 
       
   John 
 August 12, 2023
 
 
  Amazing Adventure

John was a terrific guide. His local area knowledge was second to none. He took us to some amazing beaches on Chappy Island & got us on the fish. He gave us some excellent advice on lures & how to make them move. My son & I had an absolute blast. So much so that we’re already planning a return trip in the fall & will definitely get in touch with John for another adventure. Highly recommended
  
 
       
   Caitlin Carey 
 August 1, 2023
 
 
  Exceptional Vineyard experience! We caught 2 sharks + 2 bluefish with Captain John out on Chappy. Very professional + communicative...easy booking process on the website. John met us at the Chappy ferry + drove us out to a secret beach location. He brought all the supplies + bait...the whole beach was captivated watching him reel in the sharks -- we will definitely book again! Highly recommend!
  
 
       
   William Wise 
 July 24, 2023
 
 
  Fantastic  guide for shore fishing!   We caught blues and sharks (catch and release) on an evening in July.
  
 
       
   Robert Reeves 
 July 21, 2023
 
 
  Had a great family fishing day with John in Edgatown! He was well prepared, knowledgeable, and very attentive, especially for the kids and first timers. We were able to just relax and enjoy the day. Excellent guide!
  
 
       
   Nestor John Salazar 
 July 15, 2023
 
 
  Me and my 8yo surf fished for blues and sharks with John off Chappy this past Th evening.  Great time. Knowledgeable guy, and he was great with my 8 yo daughter.  He kept us on the fish explaining what he was doing and why. Personable always attentive.  His guiding is a bargain. Surf fishing easily more fun per dollar vs getting a charter on a boat.

Set up with John, if you're lucky the Cristea brothers will make an appearnace.
  
 
       
   Erika Price 
 July 8, 2023
 
 
  A day spent surfcasting with John is a day well spent! John’s passion, expertise, and enthusiasm for fishing is truly infectious and shines through in his guided trips. As a novice, I really appreciated John’s patience and positivity as he guided me in reeling in my first blue fish! I appreciated his catch and release philosophy, and his respect and love for the ocean and its inhabitants is so evident. You are sure to have a truly memorable and enjoyable experience with Johnny-C Guiding. Highly, highly recommend!
  
 
  
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 8 reviews

John's Story

John’s love for fishing started at the age of four. That love has become his passion and has taken him on a journey from a fly-fishing guide in Colorado to an expert guide for saltwater fishing on the Vineyard shores. As a fisherman, John is a natural navigator of all the local Vineyard fishing spots and follows the tides and other key elements to find the best catches on the Island. John is excited to share his knowledge of the ocean and help clients as they reel in adventure.

Surfcasting: Reel in the adventures with your feet in the sand, casting into the surf