The wait is finally over, as of September 13, the long-awaited first week of the 81st annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby, has begun, launching five full weeks of action-packed fishing competition through October 17.
Since its inaugural run in 1946, “The Derby” has evolved into an iconic fall ritual steeped in island fishing lore. Beyond the competition, the opening of the tournament centers the entire island around fishing, crossing generations and bodies of water, The Derby brings a sense of camaraderie to the fall run and carries the old school feel this once-per-year event is famous for.
Competitors will take to the surf and open waters targeting bluefish, bonito, and false albacore across boat, shore, fly rod, and all-tackle divisions. While striped bass remain prohibited from weigh-ins to support ongoing stock rebuilding, the pursuit of tournament honors remains as prestigious as ever.
To give boat participants even more opportunities to hook a winner, the Derby has expanded its boundaries to include Buzzards Bay. The updated boundary pushes north past the original Buzzards Bay Buoy marker up to Gooseberry Neck, continuing east-northeast along the bay’s perimeter toward the Cape Cod Canal near the Mass Maritime Academy, before tracing south-southwest along the shoreline back toward Nobska Point. Competitors are strongly encouraged to review the updated boundary coordinates and chart references outlined in the official rules brochure at mvderby.com to ensure you’re fishing within legal tournament waters.
The stakes for this 81st edition are higher than ever, led by Grand Prize Sponsor Vineyard Vines offering a custom 2026 Jeep Gladiator Mojave X wrapped in a “Vineyard Slam” camo print. Daily weigh-ins will be held at the historic Edgartown Junior Yacht Club, where spectators gather each evening to watch the leaderboard take shape. Online registration is open throughout the event at mvderby.com, with entry forms and rulebooks also available at island tackle shops.
