The opening bell for the 69th Martha's Vineyard Bluefish and Striped Bass Derby rang out Sunday morning, and Island fishermen were ready. Within 20 minutes of the opening bell, all four species had crossed the scale.

With perfect late summer fishing weather, the derby has started on a high note. In the first five days, almost 4,000 pounds of bluefish, striped bass, false albacore and bonito were weighed in.