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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 October 23rd, 2019

 

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