Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby – Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

The Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby has been an annual event on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard since 1946. The tournament fished only Striped Bass until 1954 when Bluefish were added. It was not until 1956 that the name of the Derby was changed to include Bluefish.

Every year the derby, which runs from Mid-September to Mid-October, attracts several thousand to the Island to fish both from boats and surf-casting from the shore. The derby is organized into three divisions:

1. All Tackle Division
2. Junior All Tackle Division
3. Fly Rod Division

The Big One That Did Not Get Away

The derby now has four eligible fish species: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Bonito and False Albacore. Awards are given for the largest fish landed in each of the four categories both from a boat or from shore. In addition, special awards are also given.

In addition to running the Derby, the organizers also provide charitable contributions to the community. They have two philanthropic programs:

1. Filet program – In this program fisherman may provide their catch to provide free fish for the island elderly.
2. Scholarship program – Every year the Derby awards scholarships to deserving Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School seniors.

Contact Information

MV Derby Headquarters
1A Dock St.
Edgartown, MA 02539

Picture credits: The pictures in this article were graciously provided by the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby.

Other Martha’s Vineyard Attractions / Things to Do

• August Oak Bluffs Fireworks – Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
• Beaches – Martha’s Vineyard
• Black Dog Tall Ships – Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
• Camping on Martha’s Vineyard
• Flying Horses Carousel, Oak Bluffs, MA
• Fourth of July Fireworks – Edgartown, Massachusetts
• Fourth of July Parade – Edgartown, Massachusetts
• Golf Courses – Martha’s Vineyard
• Grand Illumination – Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
• Manuel F. Correllus State Forest – Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
• Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society Livestock Show and Fair – West Tisbury, Massachusetts
• Martha’s Vineyard Bike Paths
• Martha’s Vineyard Conservation Properties
• Martha’s Vineyard Glassworks – West Tisbury, Massachusetts
• Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby – Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
• Ocean Park – Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
• Polly Hill Arboretum – West Tisbury, Massachusetts
• Road Races – Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
• Sailing on Martha’s Vineyard
• Summer College Baseball – Martha’s Vineyard Sharks – Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
• Tisbury Street Fair – Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts