At first, they were catching more conversations and cavities than fish at the first weigh-in Sunday morning for the 76th Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby.

At 12:01 am. Sunday, the 76th annual Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby begins. First weigh opens at 8 a.m. Sunday.

Greg G. Clark won the grand prize in a quiet ceremony Sunday afternoon as the 75th derby came to a close.

Despite a pandemic and striped bass being out of contention, the 75th derby has been a success on all levels.

Ed and Steve Amaral fished the first Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish derby in 1946 when they were 10 and nine years old, respectively.

High winds made for an uncharacteristically slow Columbus Day weekend as the 75th Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby heads into its final week.

Even without striped bass in the derby this year, the number of fish crossing the scales each day routinely reaches triple digits.

As fishermen around the Island perfect the art of hooking the big one, artists on land are casting their talents into the mix to help raise money for the derby scholarship fund.

The Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby will partner with Island Grown Initiative to distribute fresh fish for seniors, community meals and Islanders in need.

The weigh station has been buzzing at derby headquarters, as cool autumn days arrive and the fishing heats up. “The fishing has been phenomenal,” derby chairman Joe El-Deiry said.