The final days of the MV Derby have arrived. Chappaquiddicker Julie Tummino is on the Triple Crown leader board for all shore tackle with the tenth heaviest landing of bluefish, bonito and albacore combined. Three Chappy-based fishing teams are also in good standing. Chappy Double Trouble, Lines on Fire and Free CP all have reason to brag. Witness protection program regulations preclude mentioning the names of the individual team members. Leading the shore flyrod division for false albacore is Steph Pond.

Even though the MV Derby will be ending soon, Octoberfish, sponsored by Larry’s Tackle Shop, continues for the remainder of the month of October. See their website or Facebook page for details. During the Derby, bring your weigh-in slip or your fish to the store within 24 hours of Derby weigh-in or of catching the fish. Lots of great prizes to be won.

A reminder that starting this Sunday, October 20, only one ferryboat will be in service. That day, the On Time 2 will make the voyage to Vineyard Haven to be hauled out of the water at the Packer Marine railway to undergo biennial hull maintenance and inspection by the US Coast Guard. Fortunately, the longer of the two ferryboats will be the one remaining in service. However, plan ahead for vehicle waiting lines to be longer than usual.

Also, keep in mind that the Chappy ferry schedule reverts to winter time hours this Sunday. Weather permitting, the ferry will run continuously from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. then again from 11:00 to 11:15 p.m. Early morning trips can be reserved for 5:00 or 6:00 a.m. by speaking to the ferry captain in person before 5 p.m. on the day before your early trip. As usual, any time during the day or night, for emergencies requiring an ambulance, the hospital emergency room or the police or the fire department, dial 911. The wonderful staff at the communications center will notify everyone necessary, including the ferry captain.