Every fall, the island of Martha's Vineyard is seized by fish fever as one of the East Coast’s best known saltwater fishing tournaments gets underway. Started in 1946 as a promotional event and run since 1987 by a non-profit organization composed largely of local fishermen, the Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby attracts anglers from all over the world.

 

Island recreational fishermen gathered to celebrate the end of the 78th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. Over the course of the five week-long competition, 2,999 contestants submitted more than 17,000 pounds of bluefish, bonito and false albacore to derby headquarters.
The 78th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby draws to a close with the final bell ringing on Saturday evening. The awards presentation takes place Sunday at Farm Neck Golf Club, beginning at 11 a.m.
On the sandy point of Lighthouse Beach which guards the harbor entrance, derby fishermen lined up in even intervals on a recent afternoon, casting into the deep channel where tides bring Atlantic waters in and out of Edgartown harbor each day.
Bill Potter’s false albacore fell a fraction short of breaking the 19.39-pound state record set by Island angler Donald MacGillivray during the 1990 derby.