Young Anglers Have Their Time in the Limelight

For two hours starting at 6 a.m. on Sunday, kids fished from the Oak Bluffs Steamship Authority pier before the first ferry of the day arrived, thanks to the annual Kids Derby event.

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Kids Derby Day Hooks Them Early

Each year, as part of the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, a special morning returns to the Oak Bluffs Steamship pier. Before the first ferry slides in, kids ages four to 14 are given free reign of the wharf to try their luck during Kids Derby Day.

No registration is needed, just an ability to wake up early — and convince a parent to do the driving.

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An Albie Opens the Derby as the Island Tradition Begins Again

Steve Amaral rang the opening bell for the 77th Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby and Lisa Belcastro answered with a 10.64-pound albie.

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Rods Ready, Lures Lined Up, Secret Spots Await; Derby Days Return

The Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish derby returns for its 77th year, hooking anglers from near and far in the hunt for the largest bluefish, bonito and false albacore.

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Ladies and Gentlemen of the Order of Rod and Reel: Go Fish!

It's the time of year when everyone want to get the blues — bluefish, that is, along with false albacore and bonito. The seventy-seventh annual Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby starts at 12:01 a.m. this Sunday and will not conclude until mid-October, by which time any number of Islanders and visitors will be puffy-eyed and zombie-like, conditions brought on by a passion for the fishing competition that overwhelms lesser human endeavors such as sleep.

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Derby Days

From the Sept. 13, 1963 edition of the Vineyard Gazette:

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Stocking Up on Gear for Derby Days

The Martha's Vineyard Surfcasters Association is bringing back its annual tackle sale for the sixth consecutive year this Saturday.

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Zachary Magid Lands the Grand Prize, and 76th Derby Comes to an End

A monster bluefish caught from the shore proved to be the lucky charm for Zachary Magid of West Tisbury, who took home the grand prize in the 76th derby.

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Home Stretch, as Derby Enters Final Weekend

If you’ve been having a hard time getting a plumber, gardener, carpenter or even reaching a bank president lately, have no fear. The 76th Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby is almost over.

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As Derby Days Wane, the Time to Cast Is Now

As the 76th Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby heads into the final week of competition, a day 40 years ago is on a lot of fishermen’s minds — the Columbus Day blitz.

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