What the Martha's Vineyard Fluke and Sea Bass Derby is
The Martha's Vineyard Fluke and Sea Bass Derby is an annual fishing tournament run by the Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Club. The derby runs from June through September and welcomes both residents and visitors to fish for summer flounder (fluke) and striped bass in the waters around Martha's Vineyard. You fish on your own schedule during the derby season, catch what you can, and weigh your largest fish at an official weigh station to compete for prizes in different categories.
The derby is structured around monthly competitions within the larger season-long event. You can enter as many months as you want, and your fish are ranked against others caught that same month. The tournament is open to anglers of all skill levels, and entry is straightforward — you register, pay the entry fee, and then fish whenever conditions and your schedule allow.
Key Takeaways
- The derby runs June through September, with separate monthly competitions and an overall season-long ranking.
- You fish on your own time and weigh your catch at official weigh stations located on Martha's Vineyard.
- Entry fees vary by month and category, and you can enter multiple months or just one.
- Fluke and striped bass are the two target species, and fish are ranked by weight within each monthly period.
- The Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Club manages the derby and publishes current rules and weigh station locations each season.
How to enter the derby
Registration happens through the Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Club, either online or in person at their office on Martha's Vineyard. You will need to provide your name, contact information, and the month or months you want to fish. The club publishes entry deadlines and fees on their website each spring, and these can change year to year, so check their current information before you plan.
Once registered, you receive information about the official weigh stations where you bring your fish. Weigh stations are typically located at bait and tackle shops and marinas around the island. Your fish must be weighed during the station's operating hours on the day you catch it — most stations operate daily during the derby season, but hours vary by location.
You do not need to be a club member to enter the derby, though membership is available if you want to support the organization. Entry is open to anyone with a valid Massachusetts fishing license for saltwater fishing.
Fishing for fluke on Martha's Vineyard
Summer flounder, or fluke, are bottom feeders that hunt in sandy and muddy areas from June through early fall. On Martha's Vineyard, productive fluke grounds lie in the sounds and along the south shore, where depths range from 20 to 50 feet. Fluke respond well to live bait — sand eels, silversides, and small mackerel all work — and to soft plastic shrimp and squid imitations jigged along the bottom.
The key to fluke fishing is patience and precision. Drop your bait or lure to the bottom, work it slowly with small hops, and wait for the bite. Fluke often mouth bait before committing, so set the hook firmly when you feel weight. A 3 to 4-pound fluke is a solid catch; anything over 5 pounds is worth weighing in the derby. Fish the incoming tide when possible — fluke feed more actively as water moves across the bottom.
Boat fishing is the most reliable way to reach good fluke grounds, but shore fishing from jetties and beaches can produce fish too, especially early and late in the day. If you do not own a boat, charter captains on Martha's Vineyard run regular fluke trips during the derby season and can put you on fish quickly.
Fishing for striped bass on Martha's Vineyard
Striped bass move through Martha's Vineyard waters from spring through fall, with peak activity in June and September. These fish hunt in shallower water than fluke — often in 10 to 30 feet — and they respond to both live bait and artificial lures. Live mackerel, herring, and eels are the most effective baits; for lures, large soft plastics, metal jigs, and topwater plugs all catch fish.
Striped bass are active hunters that feed throughout the day, but dawn and dusk are prime times. Fish structure — rocky points, drop-offs, and areas where currents converge — because bass use these features to ambush prey. A 20 to 30-pound striped bass is a competitive derby fish; anything larger is a real prize. The fight is strong and the fish are smart, so use a leader and set the hook hard.
Shore fishing for striped bass is productive around Martha's Vineyard's beaches and rocky points, especially during the early morning hours. Boat fishing gives you access to deeper structure and more consistent action, but you can catch tournament-quality fish from the beach with patience and the right conditions.
Weigh station locations and rules
Official weigh stations are posted on the Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Club website each season. Stations are typically located at tackle shops, marinas, and bait dealers across the island — common locations include shops in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven. Each station has specific operating hours, usually opening early in the morning and closing in the evening to accommodate anglers fishing different tides.
Fish must be weighed on the day they are caught, and you will need to provide your name and entry information when you weigh in. The station attendant will record the weight and species, and you will receive a receipt. Keep your receipt — it is your proof of entry for that fish. Fish are ranked by weight within each month, so a 4-pound fluke caught in June competes only against other fluke caught in June, not against fish from other months.
All fish must meet minimum size requirements set by Massachusetts saltwater fishing regulations. For fluke, the minimum is 19 inches; for striped bass, it is 18 inches. Fish below these sizes cannot be weighed in the derby, even if they are otherwise legal to keep.
Derby prizes and categories
Prize categories vary by year, but typically include largest fluke, largest striped bass, and sometimes categories for junior anglers or women anglers. The club publishes the full prize list and any special categories at the start of each season. Prizes are usually merchandise, gift certificates to local businesses, or cash awards, though the exact prizes change annually.
You compete within your entry month — a fish weighed in June does not compete against fish weighed in July. This structure means you have multiple chances to win if you fish multiple months. Some anglers fish the entire season to maximize their odds; others enter just one or two months that fit their schedule.
The club also tracks season-long standings, combining results across all months to crown overall champions in each species category. This gives you a reason to fish multiple months and build a cumulative score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the derby?
No. You can fish from shore, charter a boat, or fish from a friend's boat. Many anglers catch derby-winning fish from beaches and jetties. If you want to charter, several captains on Martha's Vineyard run derby-focused trips during the season.
What if I catch a fish but cannot get to a weigh station the same day?
Fish must be weighed on the day they are caught, so plan your fishing around weigh station hours. Most stations are open from early morning through evening, and there are multiple locations across the island, so you should be able to find one that fits your schedule.
Can I fish the derby if I do not live on Martha's Vineyard?
Yes. The derby is open to anyone with a valid Massachusetts saltwater fishing license. Visitors can enter for the months they are on the island, and many anglers travel specifically for the derby season.
How much does it cost to enter?
Entry fees vary by month and are set by the Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Club each year. Check their website in spring for current fees, or contact the club directly. Fees are typically modest — usually between $10 and $30 per month.
What is the minimum size for fish in the derby?
Fluke must be at least 19 inches, and striped bass must be at least 18 inches, following Massachusetts saltwater regulations. Fish below these sizes cannot be weighed in, even if they are otherwise legal to keep and eat.