![[l-r] Joe El-Deiry, Greg Hopkins (Eastern Boats), Carmelo Torres (winner), John Custer, Chris Scott.](https://vineyardgazette.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_img_feature/public/gallery/2024/10/21/re_10-20-24_derby_awards_dsc5016.jpg?itok=2cVKbxen "[l-r] Joe El-Deiry, Greg Hopkins (Eastern Boats), Carmelo Torres (winner), John Custer, Chris Scott.")
![[l-r] Mallery Brown, Meredith Brown, Carmelo Torres.](https://vineyardgazette.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_img_feature/public/gallery/2024/10/21/re_10-20-24_derby_awards_dsc4770.jpg?itok=Iu6uYn7u "[l-r] Mallery Brown, Meredith Brown, Carmelo Torres.")
![[l-r] Mallery Brown, Meredith Brown cheer on Carmelo.](https://vineyardgazette.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_img_feature/public/gallery/2024/10/21/re_10-20-24_derby_awards_dsc4887.jpg?itok=oo5WABQY "[l-r] Mallery Brown, Meredith Brown cheer on Carmelo.")
![[l-r] Carmelo Torres, Doug Asselin (Dick's Bait & Tackle).](https://vineyardgazette.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_img_feature/public/gallery/2024/10/21/re_10-20-24_derby_awards_dsc4928.jpg?itok=p_RUYUj5 "[l-r] Carmelo Torres, Doug Asselin (Dick's Bait & Tackle).")
Beginning this weekend we'll all see a shift to more extreme tides and it is all tied to two astronomical events. Next week, the moon will both be close and also reach the New Moon phase.
Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby
Every fall, the Island of Martha's Vineyard is seized by fish fever as one of the East Coast’s best known saltwater fishing tournaments gets underway. This year’s derby began on Sunday, Sept. 15 and runs through Saturday, Oct. 19.
Started in 1946 as a promotional event and run since 1987 by a nonprofit organization composed largely of local fishermen, the Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby attracts anglers from all over the world.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury on Saturday to celebrate the life of Janet Messineo, the respected Island angler, taxidermist and writer.
Carmelo Torres, who moved to the Vineyard in June to take care of a friend's mother, drew the winning key at the Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby awards ceremony Sunday.
More than 3,000 fishermen registered this year for the 79th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby. On Sunday, it comes down to six, as the winners of each category vie for the grand prize boat.
Looking out at the Elizabeth Islands in the distance on Tuesday, derby competitor Max Eagan cast his rod into the rocky waters off Menemsha.
In Vineyard Skies
Fishing Stories
April 22, 2025
The Martha's Vineyard Fishermen's Preservation Trust is working to buy and rebuild the iconic fishing vessel with plans to use it for historical and education programs, including fishing.
April 15, 2025
The state Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission voted late last month to adopt a 16-inch minimum size limit on the two fish, which are staples of the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby.
February 6, 2025
For more than 30 years the Martha’s Vineyard Rod & Gun Club has held fly tying classes for fishermen of all levels.
December 30, 2024
The select board voted 2-1 on Dec. 17 to cap the length of boats at the town charter dock to no more than 36 feet after boat owners cited navigation concerns.
December 23, 2024
Island fishermen expressed disappointment with federal fishing regulators after they declined to enact stronger protections last week for the struggling striped bass stock.