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

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.