What the Derby Is and When It Runs
The Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby is an annual fishing tournament held on Martha's Vineyard where anglers compete to catch the largest striped bass and bluefish. The derby runs for roughly two months each fall, typically from mid-August through mid-October, though exact dates shift slightly year to year. You fish from shore, boat, or both — there is no single venue or check-in location. Instead, you register at the start of the season, fish whenever you want during the derby window, and report your catches to one of several weigh stations around the island.
The derby has run since 1946 and draws hundreds of participants each year, from casual anglers to serious competitors. It is free to enter, though you do need to register. The appeal is straightforward: catch a big fish, have it weighed and recorded, and compete for cash prizes in multiple categories. Most people fish for the sport and the community as much as the prize money.
Key Takeaways
- Registration opens in early August and closes when the derby ends in mid-October; you register once and can fish the entire season.
- You must have your catch weighed at an official weigh station on Martha's Vineyard the same day you catch it, or it does not count.
- Striped bass and bluefish are weighed separately, and prizes are awarded in multiple weight classes so smaller fish can still place.
- Shore fishing is productive during the derby season, especially around jetties and rocky points; boat fishing requires your own vessel or a charter.
- The derby is run by the Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby organization, a volunteer-led group that maintains the weigh stations and publishes daily results.
How to Register and What It Costs
Registration is handled through the Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby office, which opens in early August each year. You can register in person at their headquarters on the island or by phone or mail if you live off-island. The registration fee is modest — typically under $50 — and covers your entry for the entire two-month season. You receive a registration number and a packet with the rules, a list of weigh stations, and information about the fish species and size requirements.
You do not need to be a resident of Martha's Vineyard or Massachusetts to enter. Anglers come from across the Northeast and beyond. If you are planning to fish the derby, contact the derby office in early August to confirm the exact registration dates and fees for that year, as details can shift.
Where to Weigh Your Fish and How the Process Works
Weigh stations are scattered around Martha's Vineyard — typically at tackle shops, marinas, and bait-and-tackle retailers in towns like Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven. When you catch a fish you want to enter, you must bring it to a weigh station the same day. The staff will weigh it, measure it, record your name and registration number, and note the location where you caught it. They will also photograph the fish for the derby records.
Your fish must meet minimum size requirements: striped bass must be at least 18 inches, and bluefish must be at least 12 inches. Fish that fall short will not be recorded, though you are welcome to keep them for dinner. Once your catch is weighed and recorded, it is entered into the standings. The derby publishes updated rankings daily or several times a week, so you can track how your fish ranks against others.
If you catch a fish late in the day and the weigh station is closed, you will need to keep the fish on ice and bring it in the next morning. Most stations open early to accommodate overnight catches, but call ahead to confirm hours if you are fishing after dark.
Fishing Techniques for Striped Bass and Bluefish
Striped bass and bluefish are aggressive hunters that respond well to live bait and artificial lures. For striped bass, live eels are a classic choice, especially around rocky structure and jetties. You can also use live mackerel, herring, or bunker (menhaden). Cast near rocks, drop-offs, and current breaks where bass hold. Early morning and dusk are prime times, though bass feed throughout the day during the fall migration.
Bluefish are less particular and will chase almost any moving bait or lure. They are strong fighters and will take plugs, metal jigs, and live baitfish. Fish the same rocky areas and jetties as you would for bass. Bluefish tend to be more active in the middle of the day than bass, and they often school visibly, so watch for surface activity and cast into the commotion.
Shore fishing is productive during the derby season because both species migrate past Martha's Vineyard in fall. You do not need a boat to compete. Focus on public access points with rocky structure — the south shore and the areas around Chappaquiddick offer good opportunities. If you do fish from a boat, charter services operate from the island, or you can launch your own if you have access to a ramp.
Prize Categories and How Winners Are Determined
The derby awards prizes in multiple categories to keep the competition open to different skill levels and fishing methods. Typically, there are separate divisions for striped bass and bluefish, with prizes for the largest fish overall and also for the largest fish in smaller weight brackets. This means a 15-pound bass can win a prize even if someone else caught a 40-pounder. The exact prize structure and amounts vary year to year, so check with the derby office for current details.
Winners are determined by weight, and ties are broken by the time the fish was weighed. Prizes are usually cash or gift certificates to local businesses. The derby also recognizes participation milestones — for example, the angler who catches the most fish across the season, or the first person to catch a fish over a certain weight.
Preparing and Cooking Your Catch
Both striped bass and bluefish are excellent eating fish, and the derby is a good reason to learn how to handle them well. Bleed your fish immediately after landing it by cutting the gills and letting it drain into the water or a bucket. This removes blood from the meat and improves flavor and texture. Keep the fish on ice in a cooler as soon as possible — the faster you cool it, the better it will taste.
At home, fillet the fish cleanly, removing the dark lateral line (the strip of darker meat running along the side) from bluefish, which has a stronger flavor than the rest of the flesh. Both fish are lean and benefit from simple cooking: pan-searing fillets in butter, baking whole fish with lemon and herbs, or grilling over moderate heat. Striped bass is milder and more delicate; bluefish is richer and pairs well with acidic sauces or bold seasonings. A fresh-caught fish from the derby is worth cooking the day you catch it.
Getting to Martha's Vineyard and Planning Your Trip
Martha's Vineyard is accessible by ferry from Woods Hole on Cape Cod (about 45 minutes) or by private boat. The ferry runs year-round, though service is more frequent in summer and fall. If you are driving, park at Woods Hole and take the ferry, or book a spot on the ferry if you are bringing a vehicle. Accommodations range from hotels and inns to vacation rentals and campgrounds. The island is busy in summer but quieter in August and September, which is when the derby runs.
Plan to spend at least a few days to make the trip worthwhile. Many anglers fish early morning and evening, then explore the island or rest during the day. The derby community is welcoming, and local tackle shops can point you toward productive spots and current conditions. If you are new to the island, ask other anglers at the weigh station — they are usually happy to share information about where fish are biting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to fish from shore, or can I use a boat?
You can fish from shore or boat, or both. Many successful anglers fish from shore during the derby because the rocky structure around Martha's Vineyard holds fish and is accessible without a vessel. If you have a boat or can charter one, you can also fish offshore and in deeper water.
What if I catch a fish but cannot get to a weigh station the same day?
Your fish must be weighed the same day you catch it to count in the derby. If you catch a fish late in the day, keep it on ice and bring it to the weigh station first thing in the morning. Most stations open early to handle overnight catches, but call ahead to confirm hours.
Can I fish the derby if I do not live on Martha's Vineyard?
Yes. The derby is open to anyone. You can register by phone or mail if you live off-island, and you can fish for a few days or the entire season. Many participants travel to the island specifically for the derby.
What is the difference between striped bass and bluefish, and why are they weighed separately?
Striped bass and bluefish are different species with different sizes and behaviors. Striped bass grow larger on average, so weighing them separately keeps the competition fair — a large bluefish can still win a prize in its category even if the largest fish overall is a striped bass.
How do I find out the current standings and who is winning?
The derby publishes updated standings regularly during the season, usually on their website or through a phone hotline. You can check your own fish's ranking and see what the largest fish in each category weigh. The derby office can provide the current contact information for results.