Avalon House - A local island destination in Buzzards Bay, Ma.
Spend an evening, a weekend, or a week at the exclusive and venerable Avalon House on secluded Cuttyhunk Island fishing for Striped Bass, Blue Fish, False Albacore, and Bonito.
September is the hot month for offshore light tackle fishing for bluefin and yellowfin tuna, shark, and mahi mahi. Book early.
"Speak softly, and carry a 9', 8wt fishin' stick."
When 26th President Teddy Roosevelt wasn't rough riding up San Juan Hill or shooting big game in Africa, he was casting to Stripers and smoking cigars on Cuttyhunk Island in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. Once a striper hot spot for the rich and famous, Cuttyhunk has regained its reputation as the place for big stipers. Firefly Outfitters offers an exclusive fishing lodge experience at our very own Avalon House. Built in 1917, Avalon House is now home to Firefly Outfitters' exclusive fly fishing/light tackle destination.
Westernmost of the Elizabeth Islands, Cuttyhunk is the only island in the archipelago not privately owned. The sheltered inlets and protected shores make excellent feeding waters for sport fish and provide ample casting cover from the prevailing Southwesterly winds.
Avalon House is set upon several acres of open lawn atop a steep bluff which affords a spectacular view of Vineyard Sound with Gay Head in the distance. For the less fanatical fishermen there is swimming, billiards, relaxing and a network of hidden paths to explore the island.
With its intimate and relaxed setting as well as their close proximity to Boston, the Avalon House is an excellent location for family or group trips, corporate retreats and client getaways. We will take care of all the details so you can concentrate on enjoying your vacation and most importantly, enjoy the fishing.
We are taking reservations for June, July, August, September and October.
A basic trip to Avalon House includes the following:
- One roundtrip boat transportation between New Bedford and Avalon for the whole group (approximately 45 minutes).
- Accommodations at the Avalon House and use of all its facilities
- Wonderful cuisine, featuring local specialties.
- Beer, wine, and hors d'oeuvres.
- Boats with Coast Guard certified guides/captains.
- Fishing equipment on the boats including spin tackle for the non fly fisherman.
- A Firefly representative present to ensure your stay runs smoothly.
Of course, we can customize many aspects of your trip. In the past we have offered the following extras:
- Float plane transportation between New Bedford and Cuttyhunk.
- Instructional clinics in Boston prior to trip.
- Instructional clinic for casting or fly tying on Cuttyhunk.
- Goodie bag for each participant containing Striper flies, hat, fleece vest and fun gifts.
- Specialty hors d'oeuvres including smoked salmon, caviar, little necks, and oysters.
- Port wine and fine cigars.
- Selected liquors.
- Guided evening fishing.
- Evening lecture.
- Massage therapy.
We will be happy to meet with you to help plan your visit to Cuttyhunk. All participants will receive a 10% discount on purchases at the shop prior to the trip. Five percent Massachussetts meal tax, 5% room tax and a 15% gratuity will be added to final invoice. For single occupancy the per room rate will be higher. Many references are available upon request.
Example of a corporate itinerary
"This was an awesome trip. The guides were great, the food was excellent, and we all caught fish (even those who had never held a fly rod before). Avalon House was absolutely stunning. Not only was the setting beautiful but it provided a great group environment. We've already booked for next summer." (7th trip for June of 2005)
--Jim McLaughlin, V.P. Fixed Income, Morgan Stanley, Boston
Friday
- Ferry departs from New Bedford, MA at 4:00 PM, arrives Cuttyhunk Island 4:45 PM.
- Cocktails and settle in.
- Dinner at 6:15.
- Following dinner, saltwater fly fishing clinic on the front lawn.
- Slide show on fishing the local waters. Port and cigars served.
- Fly tyer demonstrates tying local patterns.
Saturday
- Coffee and muffins available at 4:45 AM.
- From 5:30 AM to 10:30 AM boats depart for first light fishing.(Those that elect to sleep in can fish from the shore, then switch to the boat after breakfast.)
- 10:45 hearty breakfast and then free time. Guides will plan appropriate fishing strategy for the remainder of the day depending on the tide and the wind.
- 12:00 noon boat departure with snacks on board for 4 or 5 hours of fishing.
- Dinner served around 8:00 PM.
Sunday
- Same itinerary as Saturday.
- Departure between 12 and 4 PM for New Bedford, MA.
Equipment needed:
- Waders and cleated boots mandatory for shore fishing.
- Polarized sunglasses.
- Rain wear including windbreaker.
- Boat shoes or white soled sneakers.
- Clothing for both hot and cold New England weather (quick dry fishing clothing)
- Sunscreen.
- Camera. Flashlight/Headlamp
For those who want to bring their own equipment we would suggest an 8 to 10 weight flyrod/reel with 2 spools (for intermediate and sinking line) or a light (14lb.) saltwater spin rod. You will also need an appropriate number of flies and lures, leaders and tippet, stripping gloves and Boga Grip.
Please remember to call (617 423-3474) or email (info@fireflyoutfitters.com) for any information or recommendations and to take advantage of our 10% discount for all guests prior to your trip.
Rate Sheet
Avalon House - Buzzard's Bay, Massachusetts
Included services
- All room and board (customized menus and culinary delights)
- One round-trip passage for the whole group from mainland
- All luggage transfers on Cuttyhunk
- All wine, beer and hors d' oeuvres
- Coast Guard certified guides with boats for 2 anglers each for 9+ hours per day
- All equipment while on the boat
- andthe peace that only angling can bring!
Cost per 24-hour period
$800.00 per Person (minimum 10 guests, or be willing to join another group to make a group of 10 or more)
On every trip that we host we like to offer the opportunity for you to have a fine selection of options that enhance your visit with us. These can include many items, but below are the most requested (you may add to the list if you so desire).
- Smoked Atlantic Salmon
- Raw Bar (oysters, little necks, shrimp)
- Specialty Liquors
- Cigars
- Embroidery (shirts, Fleece, bags)
- Evening Charter (large boat after dinner)
- Specialty Foods (lobsters, filets)
- Gifts or Prizes
Other expenses include Guide Gratuity, Staff Gratuity, Ma. food and room tax.
A 50% deposit is required immediately to secure your dates at booking with the remainder due 40 days prior to the trip. Your deposit is non-refundable unless Firefly cancels the trip. If weather is an issue (the ferry can't run) your trip will be rescheduled within a year. Ten guests @ $775.00 each for 2 days = $15,500.00 ($7,750.00 at booking and $7,750.00 40 days prior to trip).
All other expenses will be presented in a final bill.
Please Contact the Store to Book Today!