Tim Cohan 

Angler

Tim Cohan grew up with saltwater in his veins, spending summers on Martha’s Vineyard fishing out of Edgartown. Early on, his fishing was mostly inshore, guided by his mom and uncle who shared the Vineyard tradition. It wasn’t until his early twenties, when he and friends started running a 36-foot Yellowfin offshore, that he discovered his passion for canyon fishing and the offshore lifestyle. 

Over the years, that passion evolved into competitive sportfishing. After years of learning and refining his approach, Tim entered the tournament scene about six years ago, and three to four years later joined the Lights Out team. “Working well as a team and having a great group of people together is really what makes it all work nicely,” he explains. For Tim, the camaraderie and collective pursuit of excellence are as rewarding as the competition itself. 

One of his most memorable experiences was a grueling three-and-a-half-hour fight with a massive blue marlin during the Oak Bluffs tournament — a fish that ultimately fell victim to sharks before reaching the dock. “It didn’t work out the way we were hoping, but it was a pretty amazing experience and an unforgettable fish to see.” 

When he’s not fishing, Tim is deeply rooted in the maritime community as one of the managers at McDougall’s Boatyard in Falmouth, Massachusetts, where he helps keep the harbor thriving as a hub for both local and visiting sportfishing vessels. His day-to-day ranges from coordinating service projects to delivering boats across the islands, keeping him closely tied to the marine lifestyle year-round. 

Fishing with Lights Out has taken Tim beyond New England, including an unforgettable trip to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Still, the waters of Cape Cod and the Vineyard remain special. “We’re really lucky to have such a diverse fishery up here,” he says. From billfish and bigeye tuna to wahoo and beyond, Tim embraces the variety and challenge of New England’s offshore grounds.