The 70th Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby began with a false albacore. Aidan Gates of Tisbury was first in the weigh station line when longtime weigh master Roy Langley slid open the wood door of the small, weathered building overlooking Edgartown Harbor and rang the school bell that signifies the start of five weeks of fishing madness that annually washes over the Island.
Aidan caught his fish, one of four species that hold the key to Derby glory, just 15 minutes prior to the 8 am opening of the first official weigh-in. Not far behind was John Casey of Edgartown holding a 24.82 pound striped bass he caught fishing with brother Ned Casey in the wee hours of the morning. Many more fishermen will follow in their footsteps from 8 to 10, each morning and evening.
The weigh station will close at 10 pm, Saturday, October 17 when Roy Langley next rings the Derby bell and slides the weigh station door closed.
Accepted Island wisdom is that anyone who plans to fish at any point over the course of the next five weeks join the Derby. One cast and some luck is all it takes to claim one of the grand prizes of a new Eastern 22-foot boat or a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck, or one of many other smaller prizes. The entry fee is $50 for adults and $25 for juniors and seniors.
The Derby is really several contests squeezed into one big fishing contest. There are divisions for kids, littler kids, adults and seniors. Flyrod fishermen have a separate division. There are special awards that honor sportsmanship, family values, and Island residency.
No matter the age or choice of tackle, the fisherman who catches the heaviest bonito, false albacore, bluefish or striped bass from shore or boat will be named the grand leader.
At the awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon, October 18, one of the four grand shore leaders will win a new Eastern outboard boat, motor, and trailer courtesy of the Derby and Eastern boats. One of the four grand boat leaders will win a new Chevrolet truck, courtesy of the Derby and the Clay Family dealerships.
Last year, more than 3,000 fishermen entered the five-week contest.
One important rule is that fishermen must possess a Massachusetts recreational saltwater fishing permit. There are some exceptions. More information is available on the Division of Marine Fisheries website and at local tackle shops.
The Derby imposes minimum size limits on fish to qualify for weigh in: striped bass (32 inches); bluefish (22 inches); bonito (21 inches); and false albacore (25 inches; three per badge).
For more information go to www.mvderby.com.
