Weigh master Roy Langley rang the official bell and the door was opened Sunday on another Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby.

The opening of the derby weigh-in at precisely 8 a.m. sharp was mixed by good cheers and a solemn moment. Many of the derby organizers, including their president Ed Jerome, held a quiet moment before the door was officially opened. Mr. Jerome called on everyone to remember 9/11 and the impact it had on all.

Herbert Tilton, 54, of Edgartown weighed in the first fish at the start of the 66th annual derby.

Mr. Tilton’s 21.19 pound striper was the biggest fish for only a few minutes. His fish ranked third largest for the day from the shore.

A total of seven fish were weighed in in the first ten minutes of the opening. Six of them were large striped bass. There was one large false albacore weighed in. Josh Kresel weighed in the 12.64 pound “albie,” caught from the shore.

A few minutes afterwards Ron Domurat walked in with a 25.52 pound striped bass, also caught from the shore. The fish took first place for the day.

The derby runs through September to Oct. 15. Close to 3,000 anglers are expected to participate.