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.

News, Fishing
Islanders Gather to Remember Janet Messineo
Addison Antonoff
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. 
News, Fishing
First-Time Derby Contestant Reels in Grand Prize
Gwyn Skiles
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.
Fishing
Just a Few Casts Remain as 79th Derby Heads for the Finish Line
Gwyn Skiles
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.
News, Fishing
Waning Days of the Derby Reflect a Quiet Season
Gwyn Skiles
Looking out at the Elizabeth Islands in the distance on Tuesday, derby competitor Max Eagan cast his rod into the rocky waters off Menemsha.