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Derby Leaders
74th Derby (2019)
Bluefish - Boat Aubrey Warburton
20.19 lbs.
Bluefish - Shore Robert Bottary
12.17 lbs.
Bass - Boat Mason Warburton
37.58 lbs.
Bass - Shore Clinton A. Fisher
34.42 lbs.
Bonito - Boat Greg G. Clark
11.62 lbs.
Bonito - Shore Lewis C. Colby
6.43 lbs.
Albacore - Boat Westley L. Wlodyka
12.96 lbs.
Albacore - Shore Shawn A. Emin
12.13 lbs.
Total Weigh-ins
Species Count Weight
Albacore 168 1,403 lbs.
   Boat 69 560 lbs.
   Shore 99 843 lbs.
Bass 146 2,687 lbs.
   Boat 73 1,395 lbs.
   Shore 73 1,293 lbs.
Bluefish 369 3,061 lbs.
   Boat 274 2,509 lbs.
   Shore 95 551 lbs.
Bonito 224 1,347 lbs.
   Boat 184 1,172 lbs.
   Shore 40 174 lbs.
Island of Martha's Vineyard

2020 75th Derby Dates:
Sun September 13 - Sat October 17

Come to the Vineyard and fish The Derby! For 75 years, "The Derby" has been a time to renew friendships, share a hot cup of coffee and create memories that fuel the winters exaggerated fish tales. It is a time when all can refocus on the natural beauty of this Island sanctuary. Come and be part of almost eight decades of great fishing, a rich history, meeting new friends, generous sponsor support, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets! Remember, Derby registration is open at all Island tackle shops and Derby HQ throughout the Derby!

Derby HQ/Weigh-In Hours: 8:00 - 10:00 AM and PM, Daily. Dock St. Edg.

Sponsors
Derby Tide Chart
Rules Brochure

Latest Derby News

Posted February 4, 2020

Press Release from MV Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby Committee

At its January 30, 2020 meeting, the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby Committee unanimously voted in favor of removing striped bass as an eligible species in the 2020 Derby.
The Derby Committee recognizes the need to reduce pressure on striped bass, as efforts to support recovery of the species increase. Recreational fishing communities and fisheries scientists understand the unequaled value of striped bass. The Derby shares this view, and acknowledges the importance of supporting measures to restore healthy striped bass stocks. Throughout its history, the Derby Committee has demonstrated this commitment. From 1985-1992, striped bass were not an eligible species in the Derby due to concerns about the health of the population. Since then, we have partnered closely with fisheries managers to monitor the species.
The Derby has included minimum size requirements for striped bass that were above the state regulations. We have been and continue to be mindful about the increasing concerns about striped bass. Because of the obvious significance of striped bass – to the recreational fishing community and to the Derby – we strongly believe that the responsible decision is to completely remove it as an eligible species in the 2020 Derby, including any catch and release component.
The Derby Committee will continue to partner with fisheries scientists and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries in an effort to thoughtfully and responsibly consider the role of striped bass in the Derby, ongoing. As part of this, we encourage anglers and Derby participants to continue to think about striped bass, even if not fishing for them. Widely recognized as the most important fish swimming in our waters, striped bass need and deserve our continued attention, as we work together on the recovery of the species.
In 1993, then-Derby President Ed Jerome wrote, “The Derby Committee is proud to have played an influential role in the recovery of the striped bass. When we excluded the striper from our tournament in 1985, it may have been only symbolic, but it sent a message to sportfishing contests and enthusiasts that without a good management plan, this treasured resource would be no more. It was not easy for us at the time, but today’s recovery of the striped bass has made it all worthwhile.”
The Derby Committee appreciates the support from participants, sponsors, and all who value striped bass. While it is disappointing to not include striped bass in the 2020 Derby, we recognize it as a necessary decision, just as the Committee did in 1985. We hope it again will be part of a larger effort that is successful in realizing the recovery of striped bass. Any questions should be addressed to Derby President John Custer or Derby Vice President and Chairman Joe El-Deiry at mvderbycommittee@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
The Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby Committee
_________________________________________________________________________

 

Posted September 30th, 2019

mid-derby UPDATE

As we start week 3 of the Derby, here are some reminders:
  • We have a new competitive Catch & Release element. See rules and enter fish here.
  • The annual Bass in the Grass fundraiser is ongoing! Learn more here.
  • Our Derby Kid's Day event was a big success. Read press coverage here.
  • The American Heroes Challenge happened last week. Read press coverage here.
  • Limited edition, numbered Derby prints are available for sale. More info here.
  • Our annual Catch & Release photo contest is on until Oct 16. Send release photos (any size fish) to mvderbycommittee@gmail.com. Winner announced Oct 20.
  • Derby branded merchandise is for-sale at Derby HQ 8-10AM and PM.
  • Costa is hosting their annual Anglers Reception Friday Oct 18 at 5:30 PM at the Port Hunter in Edgartown! Free schwag, prizes, etc.
  • ALL ARE INVITED to our Final Awards Ceremony Oct 20th. Doors open 12:30 PM. Farm Neck Golf Club. This is a FREE event and features a raffle, silent auction, etc.

Posted September 18, 2019

Posted September 10th, 2019

2019 RULES REMINDERS

The Derby Committee continually strives to strengthen the Derby. While anglers are responsible for knowing and following ALL Derby rules, here are a few specific new rules to remember: 
  • New Striped Bass Minimum: 34 Inches
  • We have a new Competitive Catch and Release element. Click here for all info.
  • The use of drones for the purposes of locating or catching fish or to gain a competitive advantage is prohibited during the Derby.
And, as always:
  • From the moment a fish strikes or takes a bait or lure, the angler must hook, fight and land or boat the fish without the aid of any other person. This includes another angler touching the rod, reel or line after the fish has been hooked.The only exception is another person may grasp the leader in order to gaff or net the fish. This rule applies to both Mini-Junior and Junior anglers, as well.
  • For boat fishermen, caught fish may not leave Derby boundaries - for any reason.
  • You must be registered in the Derby BEFORE commencing to fish.
  • Fish must we weighed in within 14 hours of being caught. For example, a fish caught at 7 AM must be weighed in by 9PM that evening.
Please Note: As it is anticipated that the Massachusetts commercial striped bass season will still be an open fishery when the Derby starts, Derby participants are reminded that fish that are caught while commercially fishing are not eligible to be entered in the Derby.
 

Posted August 26th, 2019

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

You may now register at all island tackle shops for the 2019 Derby (except Menemsha Texaco). You may also bring your confirmation number, if you pre-registered online, to pick up your packet, pin, and hat. Don’t forget a trial pack of #gamakatsu hooks, to try their effectiveness.

Posted August 13th, 2019

Changes for 2019

With an eye on conservation, we have made some changes that are important to understand, including a minimum size increase for bass to 34 inches and the introduction of a competitive catch and release element. The Derby has partnered with Gamakatsu for the distribution of 6000 circle hooks, to reduce mortality rates of released fish. Take a look at the Pre-Derby newsletter for more details and we hope you will join over 3500 other anglers this September and October, on the Vineyard, for 5 weeks of fantastic fishing and camaraderie, in support of our charitable efforts.

Posted January 19th, 2019

Derby prints for sale

The Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby is pleased to offer you an opportunity to purchase two limited-edition giclée prints by Martha's Vineyard artist Jeanne Staples. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Derby Scholarship program. The original oil paintings have been reproduced in two sizes and are unframed. Call . $150 for a small print (17x14), $275 for large (25x21). For further information or to purchase: Call Maryanne at 508 627-8510. LINK