🎣 Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby 2025: A Legendary Island Tradition

🎣 Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby 2025: A Legendary Island Tradition

🐟 What is the Martha’s Vineyard Derby?

Launched in 1946, the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby has grown into a five-week island-wide celebration of sport, sustainability, and local culture. Originally designed to extend the tourist season into fall, it now attracts thousands of anglers each year competing for prizes and island-wide bragging rights.

The Derby honors the island’s maritime roots and brings together generations of families and friends, all casting lines in pursuit of striped bass, bluefish, bonito, and false albacore.

📅 Key Details for the 2025 Derby

  • Dates: September 14 – October 18, 2025

  • Location: All around Martha’s Vineyard – shoreline and offshore

  • Weigh Station: Edgartown Harbor, near the foot of Main Street

  • Registration: Available online and at local tackle shops

  • Website: mvderby.com (official site for rules, standings, and live updates)

🎁 Over $100,000 in prizes awarded, including gear, gift certificates, and even a grand prize boat!

🎣 How to Participate

🪪 Step 1: Register

You can register for the Derby in person at tackle shops across the island or online before casting your first line.

🎯 Step 2: Pick a Division

Shore or Boat

Adult, Senior, or Junior Angler

Fly Rod or All-Tackle

🐠 Step 3: Target Species

There are four eligible fish species:

Striped Bass

Bluefish

Bonito

False Albacore (Albie)

Note: Striped bass may be catch-and-release only, depending on conservation status at the time.

🏆 Derby Culture & Community

The Derby isn’t just about competition — it’s about sunrise casting rituals, dockside storytelling, and a tight-knit community of locals and seasonal regulars. Mornings begin early and evenings end with weighing fish, sharing food, and swapping tales.

Highlights include:

Daily weigh-ins with real-time leaderboards.

Weekly prizes and awards for juniors and seniors.

The Awards Ceremony on October 19 — where the grand prize winners are announced.

🧭 Tips for Visiting During the Derby

🚢 Plan Your Trip

Fall ferry schedules are still active, but book in advance if you’re bringing gear or a vehicle.

🏠 Where to Stay

Opt for accommodations in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, or Vineyard Haven for quick access to weigh stations and fishing hotspots.

🚲 Getting Around

Rent a bike if you’re staying on-island — many shore anglers prefer pedaling to off-the-beaten-path casting spots. BikeMV.com offers seasonal bike rentals perfect for the job.

📸 Capture & Share the Derby Experience

Post your catches, sunrise moments, and dockside camaraderie using the official hashtags:

#MVDerby2025

#StripedBassDerby

#FallFishingMV

Follow the Derby on Instagram and Facebook for live updates, standings, and community highlights.

🎯 Why You Should Attend the MV Derby 2025

Join one of the oldest fishing tournaments in the U.S.

Enjoy the scenic fall beauty of Martha’s Vineyard

Connect with a passionate community of anglers

Compete for awesome prizes in a fun, friendly environment

Make memories that last a lifetime — on and off the water

🎣 Cast Your Line into Island History

Whether you're casting into the surf at sunrise or cheering from the docks, the 2025 Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby promises an unforgettable island experience. For newcomers and veterans alike, it’s a chance to celebrate fishing, community, and tradition in one of the most picturesque places on Earth.

Register early, book your trip, and get ready to fish like a Vineyarder.

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