Martha’s Vineyard Catch and Release fishing tournament date is set

The annual Martha's Vineyard Rod and Gun Club Fly Rod Striped Bass Catch and Release tournament is always a popular event for Island and visiting fishermen.

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Justin Pribanic holds up a striped bass he caught and released while fly fishing off Lobsterville Beach in Aquinnah. — File photo by Nelson Sigelman

One of the fishing season’s more important dates was announced this week. The 25th annual Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club Fly Rod Striped Bass Catch and Release tournament will be held the night of Saturday, June 4.

Tournament co-chairman Cooper Gilkes said the date was selected to take advantage of a dark moon, good tides, and, hopefully, the arrival of plenty of striped bass. The event raises money for a variety of club youth activities.

There are three prize categories: the Roberto Germani Trophy, for the most striped bass caught and released by a team; the Sonny and Joey Beaulieu Trophy, for the largest striped bass caught and released; and the Arnold Spofford Trophy, for the most fish caught and released by a team using one fly per team member. The club will host a breakfast in the high school cafeteria Sunday morning, June 5, followed by an awards ceremony at 9:30 am.

The entry fee is $35. For tournament information or to contribute prizes, contact Cooper Gilkes at 508-627-3909.