On Saturday, the Martha’s Vineyard Surfcasters Association hosted its annual used fishing tackle sale at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.

The event helps fishermen get prepared for the upcoming Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, which begins this Sunday, Sept. 13, and raises money for student scholarships and veteran housing on the Island.

“It’s all about giving back,” said Donald Scarpone, the president of the surfcasters association. “Every year we’re making more and more.”

In June, the surfcasters association gave out two $7,500 scholarships during Class Night at the Tabernacle. They donated an additional $10,000 to housing for veterans.

Fishing fans flocked to the high school Saturday for annual tackle sale. — Ray Ewing

“We’ve been doing this for 10 years now,” said Mr. Scarpone. “In our first year we made $2,000 and then last year we made over $28,000.”

Among the smorgasbord of donated fishing equipment, old friends gathered to swap fishing stories and share in the excitement for the upcoming derby.

“You’re with friends, you’re with other people, you’re meeting new people, it’s all about being out there and having a good time,” said Mr. Scarpone.

Midge Jacobs has been fishing for bonito for the last 30 years and for a long time kept a diary tracking their arrival and seasonal migration patterns. Nowadays, she doesn’t mind if she catches a fish or not. She simply enjoys being out in nature and feeling the energy of the water.

“It’s the joy of being out there, the people you meet, the camaraderie and the beautiful places you’re at,” said Ms. Jacobs. “And I’m a Pisces, so I belong in the water.”

Flies of all shapes and colors. — Ray Ewing

On Saturday, she was busy checking out boxes of flies, lures and indicators spread out over a dozen different tables. There were Wind Cheeters, Got-cha’s, Big Shots and Rangers, Dipsy Divers, Culprit Worms and the fearsome Deadly-Dick.

Eventually, she spotted a small pile of pink lures. There were no Pink Marias, Ms. Jacob’s favorite lure, but they were close.

“That’s a good standard, tried and true,” she said. “You have to have one of everything and one of every color. I tie flies for fly fishing and you need one of every color for everything.”