Janet Messineo, a revered fisherman who stalked the nighttime shores of the Vineyard for more than 50 years, died on Dec. 17 at her home in Vineyard Haven.
Janet Messineo, a revered fisherman who stalked the nighttime shores of the Vineyard for more than 50 years and in the process paved the way for other women to do the same, died on Dec. 17 at her home in Vineyard Haven. She was 76 and had been suffering from ALS for several years.
Ms. Messineo was known and beloved all over the Vineyard for her prowess with rod and reel, and also as the Island’s only taxidermist for many decades.
“She was a rock star. It is overwhelming how many people loved and cared for her,” her husband Tristan Israel said Wednesday, mentioning numerous Vineyard communities, including her fishing and writing friends, along with the recovery community where she helped so many get clean and sober.
But her fame was not limited to local shores. She was a longtime columnist for On the Water Magazine, and in 2019 her memoir Casting Into the Light; Tales of a Fishing Life was published by Pantheon. The skill of her words matched her subject and she quickly acquired admirers from all over.
At derby weigh-in.
At derby weigh-in.
“During the off-season, from December until mid-April, I live a normal life,” she wrote in the opening to her book. “I work, clean the house and cook dinners, walk the dog, pay my bills, and take care of everyday business. Come April, the first time I get my fishing rod out of its winter storage and stand in the surf up to my thighs to cast, I exhale. It feels as though I have been holding my breath for the last five months.”
Ms. Messineo was born in Lawrence and grew up in nearby Salem, N.H., the daughter of mill workers. When she turned 18 years old, she left home in search of adventure. It was 1966 and she headed for Provincetown with visions of becoming an artist.
When Provincetown didn’t work out she traveled down the coast until she met up with some fellow free-spirits on their way to Martha’s Vineyard, a place she had never heard of.
“Being from a small mill town, I pictured palm trees, monkeys, and bananas. That sounded fascinating to me,” she wrote in her memoir about her expectations of moving to an island. She soon found out the Vineyard was not a tropical island, but it had other attributes going for it.
At The Moth this summer.
At The Moth this summer.
She settled in with the artistic community, finding restaurant jobs at the Black Dog, Helios and the Homeport. Soon enough she discovered fishing, focusing on casting from shore rather than boat due, at first, to financial constraints.
“I never thought about fishing from a boat,” she wrote in her memoir. “I worked as a waitress for twenty years and then as a fish taxidermist for the next thirty, and on my wages, purchasing a boat was out of the question.”
She often fished with mentors, Jackie Coutinho and Bob (Hawkeye) Jacobs, and became an essential part of the Vineyard fishing community. But chasing striped bass, who feed at night, also required the courage to face the unknown alone.
“Occasionally, the bogeyman shows up at one of my favorite spots,” she wrote, describing what it can feel like at the ocean’s edge when all is dark and quiet. “I can feel him. Sometimes we share the beach quite comfortably, and on other nights the bogeyman leaves me alone to fish in the night, but then there are times when my hair stands up on the back of my neck and I get the message that it is time to go home.”
A bogeyman she wrestled with during her younger years was addiction, which she wrote and talked about candidly. She got sober in 1985.
“She was one of a kind,” said Lisa Belcastro, a fellow fisherman and member of her writers group. “She was brave and courageous, and she won her fight with addiction and shared her story to help others. She was passionate about fishing and honoring the planet and her heart.”
Ms. Messineo took up taxidermy upon learning that the Island didn’t have any taxidermists and anyone who wanted to mount their fish had to send it off-Island to Falmouth. She did this once and didn’t like the result so she set up her own shop. Her first customer was Johnny Hoy, who brought her a 54-pound striped bass to mount.
With Derby president John Custer, at this year's opening bell.
With Derby president John Custer, at this year's opening bell.
“There were a lot of tears” the first couple of months, she recalled in an interview with the Gazette in 2012. But she kept at it thanks to the encouragement of her clients. “Don’t worry, we trust you,” they told her.
As the years progressed, she made taxidermy her art form, literally, holding exhibits at Featherstone, the Louisa Gould Gallery and more.
“My taxidermy has kind of developed into... I call it wild art,” she said in 2012.
This summer, Ms. Messineo shared the story of her life and fishing at The Moth, a storytelling series that hosts an event on the Vineyard each summer.
“At first I thought that all fish looked alike,” she told the crowd at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs. “But then I realized that, like human beings, every fish is different from the next. I feel deeply the ultimate paradox of wanting to catch the biggest fish in history, and then I see myself standing over this glorious creature and I feel compassion.”
Ms. Messineo received a standing ovation after finishing her story.
As the news of her death spread across the Island Tuesday, the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby shared condolences online.
“It is with great sadness and admiration for a fishing life well-lived that we share the news of Janet Messineo’s passing,” the organization wrote. “She will be missed deeply by so many.”
At the start of this year’s Derby in September, Ms. Messineo was given the honor of ringing the opening bell. It marked her 46th derby, and although she could not fish in it due to the constraints of her ALS, her passion for the sport and the Island’s fishing community was still evident.
“Bringing people fishing and seeing them catch their first fish,” Ms. Messineo said after ringing the opening bell. “That’s better than me catching a fish.”
Comments
I am deeply saddened to learn
Don Jacobs New JerseyI am deeply saddened to learn of Janet's passing. She was a thoroughly decent person, and was a great friend to my brother.
Had the pleasure of meeting
Susan J Lema Charlestown, RIHad the pleasure of meeting Janet at a RI Saltwater Anglers meeting a few years back. We shared an enthusiasm for fishing and art. Her respect for the fish she hunted and her enthusiasm for the sport will stay with me forever. RIP.
I met Janet on the Edgartown
Chris Murphy Mainland and EdgartownI met Janet on the Edgartown town dock last summer (2023). What a great person and angler. I learned a lot about fishing and fish that day. I am sorry that we will not be seeing her out there in the future, but I am sure her spirit will be there. RIP.
Janet was a wonderful woman!
Betty Doherty Quincy MaJanet was a wonderful woman! I’m grateful to have met her !
Janet was all in. It’s hard
Aram Berberian CTJanet was all in. It’s hard to fathom the energy and enthusiasm she showed about the things she was passionate about. It was certainly infectious. When I think about some the “Janet stories” I am privy too, I have to smile even now, in my sadness. She was quite a character. We will all miss her.
I too am so sorry about this.
Amarylis Douglas Vineyard HavenI too am so sorry about this. We heard her tell about of her tale at The Moth last summer. I am glad for the mention of Hawk eye her partner for a while. I know their friendship also meant the world to him. This just breaks everyone s heart
I am so sorry to learn of
Karen Mack LakewoodI am so sorry to learn of Janet’s passing.
We may have known it was coming one day, but we likely all agree this seems like it’s just TOO SOON!
Janet was a Very Special Person!
I’m so happy to have had a chance to meet her and she will be missed!
I was lucky enough to share a
OB WTI was lucky enough to share a jetty rock with Janet the morning of October 9, 2018. We took casts at finicky false albacore while lamenting the state of the striped bass fishery, and reflecting on the glory days we knew some decades ago. I had known of Janet my entire life, but this was my first and only time meeting her, and later on that evening, with the encounter fresh in my mind, I landed my personal best striped bass from shore and took first place in the derby. I will always think of and thank Janet for that fish and the experience that followed, a dream of mine since childhood realized within hours of meeting a true island legend.
What an awesome story. You
NasusWhat an awesome story. You got your mojo for that striped bass from yesterday, a true fishing legend!! I miss her a lot.
An extraordinary talented and
Niki Patton West TisburyAn extraordinary talented and down to earth woman whose writing a best selling fishing book at age 71 seemed like "well, that makes perfect sense" in her very un-ordinary ordinary life. Whenever I saw or talked to her I'd note how authentic and comfortable she was in her own skin -- no matter where she was or what she was doing --prompting those around her to be more comfortable too. Thank you for being Janet -- you were a blessing to all.
Well put. Yes she was so
NasusWell put. Yes she was so comfortable in her own skin.
I first met Janet Messineo at
Nelson Sigelman Vineyard HavenI first met Janet Messineo at Wasque Point, the southeast corner of Chappaquiddick, known for its churning rip current and excellent fishing. It was early morning, and a line of Derby fishermen cast big plugs, hoping to hook a bluefish. Little was happening, so I was chatting with a group of guys, the Massimino brothers and their brother-in-law, all from Jersey, as they sipped sambuca and waited for some sign of action.
A sprite of a woman walked down the beach to the water’s edge and cast out a butterfish attached to a heavy sinker. Bait fishing in the rip was frowned upon because the stationary line interfered with casting lures into the current. Several negative comments followed until the woman’s rod bent under the strain of a heavy fish, and she pulled a very large bluefish (which won Janet the Derby shore category) onto the beach. The following day, many fishermen were heaving bait.
I’m honored to have known her
R Scott Patterson EdgartownI’m honored to have known her and been her friend. Rest in peace Janet, I’m heartbroken. I hope you’re fishing on the other side.
We won’t see another Janet-
David Finkelstein West TisburyWe won’t see another Janet- an original. Beside her expertise with everything fish- she was kind and sharing. Martha’s Vineyard has lost a true hero
It feels like the Island has
A M 02539It feels like the Island has lost too many of its true rocks this year….I hope and pray there are others who share their spirit, commitment, and leadership that are coming close behind.
My old friend John from
Gloria AmericaMy old friend John from Plymouth told me about Janet in the 1980’s. He had met a lot of Vineyard folk fishing the derby. He loaned me Reading the Water, an excellent book with a chapter dedicated to Janet and her taxidermy. Over 30 years later, I met Janet while out surfing casting on Chappy. We got to chat about fishing and life, mostly about her early days on the Island. She was finished with her book but was not settled on a title…
I read Casting into the Light, which now more than ever seems like the perfect title for the story of her life. I’ll miss her light.
It may have been Ed Lepore
Dave Wright MarshfieldIt may have been Ed Lepore that first introduced us to Janet. What I will always remember was that she welcomed and embraced people that loved fishing regardless of whether they were “local”. I can remember many a time being on a jetty when it was only Janet and us and our kids. She was more than willing to tolerate their “skill building”, and they soaked in what she said more than what mom and dad could offer sometimes.
I will miss pulling off to hit a spot and seeing her truck there knowing that I’ll have the chance to have a good conversation and learn something new about fishing the island we love.
Tight lines, Janet
I had the honor of fishing
Tom Engley West TisburyI had the honor of fishing with Janet just a few times at Chappaquansett north shore she was the kindest person. Always helping people learn how to catch fish. She did things her way which was always the right way. Tristen my deepest condolences.
Janet was a compassionate
David Daniels WESTPORTJanet was a compassionate woman in a sport long dominated by men. She lived an authentic and purposeful life... What else is there? RIP. The Vineyard will hold your spirit lovingly for generations to come...
Heartfelt condolences to
Pua Webster EdgartownHeartfelt condolences to Tristan. Fifteen months ago my husband of 42 years died, and I could never have imagined how broken his passing would leave me. Sobriety and the salve of human connection have been my saving grace. Please don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, because you're going to need it. Godspeed.
What a loss. Janet and
Eleanor Magdolna Phoenix, ArizonaWhat a loss. Janet and Tristan hosted me for two visits to the Vineyard in 2021 and 2022 to play music by the post office off Circuit. They were glorious times, and a big highlight was meeting this woman who was such a model for how to be independent and do exactly what you want to do. I'm gutted that my next visit to the Vineyard will not be graced with Janet's presence. Rest in peace, Janet. Time to read your book again.
I had the honor of fishing
Corey Briggs Quincy MaI had the honor of fishing one night with Janet and fellow legend Paul Schultz one night many years ago. She was the best chunk bait fisherman I ever saw. Also a very nice person to boot! She will be missed. Tight lines…there is a 50lber in g HR raven just waiting to be caught!
I am very sad to hear of
Fred Carelli Cape Canaveral FloridaI am very sad to hear of Janet’s passing.
Janet introduced me to the island in the early 70’s and introduced me to the community of artists that created the Art Works Guild. I grew up with Janet in Salem New Hampshire and had been her friend for all these years. She was an inspiration and a shining light throughout my life. I love you Janet you will be deeply missed
About 5 years ago on a
Roddy Seasonal VisitorAbout 5 years ago on a typical, beautiful September Derby day fly rodding on Dogfish Bar, I ran into two beautiful, passionate and immediately memorable people whom I had never met, but whose reputations preceded them. When Janet introduced herself and Bob I was instantly overcome by a feeling of being in the presence of greatness. I had heard and read about Janet for years, and it was a name and reputation as recognizable to me as the Aquinnah light, as she shared the equally rare distinction of being an irreplaceable beacon to so many on the island. May Janet rest in peace on the shores of eternity.
A wonderful tribute to one of
Susanna J. Sturgis West TisburyA wonderful tribute to one of the most amazing people I ever met. (If you haven't read her book, CASTING INTO THE LIGHT, please do, and pass it on.)
Tristan, I am sorry for your
Ken Rusczyk OBTristan, I am sorry for your immeasurable loss.
Tristan so very sorry for
Margery Meltzer West TisburyTristan so very sorry for your loss. Janet was so special, kind, and loving. She will be missed as the bright star she was. Let’s get a beach named after her…..
I hope to join Janet fishing
Dee Ouchman Isles of LangerhansI hope to join Janet fishing on distant shores when when my time comes. Tristan, I'm sorry for your loss of such a fine and lovely lady, she was truly one of a kind.
Janet, may you have favorable
A friendJanet, may you have favorable tides and kind winds on your next journey. You shall forever be respected and never forgotten. Thank you for sharing you. Tight lines….
So, I met this incredible
Gerry Holbrook StamfordSo, I met this incredible woman named Janet at the Ag Fair in August. My wife and I were enjoying our lunch at a bench when Janet and her friend Martha rolled up and joined us. After a friendly introduction, Janet shared that she wrote a book about fishing, but not just about fishing.
Janet then told us about her passion for surf casting. It was amazing to think that this small woman could reel in a fish half her weight! Our conversation was too short, but it left me wanting to know more about her. A few days later, I found myself at the Bunch of Grapes bookstore and bought their last copy of ‘Casting Into The Light’. As a seasonal visitor, I absolutely loved the book. It took me back to familiar places and introduced me to new ones I had never heard of.
I was planning to reach out to Janet when we visit next year. Even though our meeting was brief, I miss her dearly. She was truly one-of-a-kind.
Sweet, funny, prankster,
Ronnie Carter Santa Clarita CaliforniaSweet, funny, prankster, caring, are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think of our Class of “65” WHS classmate, Janet. She was one of a kind and left all who knew her with such fond and happy memories. My condolences to her family and friends for their loss. Janet and I were both born in Lawrence and moved to Salem, NH in time for Junior High and High School. She was courageous in her lifetime travels and trials…she was just a strong New Englander! We will miss her.
I new Janet for a short while
Brenda Cardoza Lawrence, MA.I new Janet for a short while, i would stay at my Aunt Aggie and my cousin Andy Cerullo and we would walk the terrace and sing everyone always wanted to be with Janet. Janet was always fun to be with, and i am sure she will truly be missed all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Late morning mid Oct 2021, we
Patrick Plummer Quitman, GALate morning mid Oct 2021, we drove off the Oak Bluffs ferry, parked and walked to a short pier near the terminal. There a small, weathered woman, great WILD hair bursting from her cap, is shuttling gear to an overland vehicle, filling a homemade rod rack on top. Intrigued, I say to my wife Deborah, “That’s the real deal there; THAT’s a Fisherman.” Next morning predawn, I’m plugging around the lagoon drawbridge, Eastville, catching a few schoolies, when a vehicle’s headlights sweep by, and it parks towards the beach. The bite dies, so I work toward the beach along the rocks, casting, as daylight comes on. As I near the jetty, a small dog runs barking toward me as a figure, casting, turns. It’s HER. Well I can’t pass this by, so.. So we became fast friends, sharing time and space from then on. For, as we know, this is how she was.
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