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Welcome. In the fall after WWII, an ad man and some Island businessmen had the "brain child" of an idea to increase passenger ferry usage and extend the tourist season for Martha’s Vineyard. They would create, no less, a fishing tournament. They called it the Martha’s Vineyard Bass Derby.
That first Derby in 1946 had more than 1600 participants. The tournament fished only bass until 1954, when the consistency of bluefish in our waters made sense to put them in the Derby. However, it wasn’t until 1956 that the organizers felt comfortable enough to change the name of the Derby to the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby.
It is quite obvious that the idea worked and they must have known what they were doing, because for the last 65 years, fishing folks of all ages, genders and nationalities have altered their lives to come to Martha’s Vineyard to be part of this magnificent event.
As we embark on this 65th Derby, it is ever so important to protect our natural resources, knowing how fragile our ecosystems can be. At a moment’s notice, floods, oil spills, and habitat damage can change our lives and that of the fish that swim in our oceans. The Derby Committee and I are grateful to all of you each year as you continue to demonstrate that you, too, share that same commitment to protect our precious environment and that of this beautiful Island.
We are very supportive of our sponsors and their products. Without them this tournament might not exist as it does, so we encourage you all to take a serious look at their products and the high quality that they represent.
As you all know, next year, the state of Massachusetts will implement a state saltwater licensing program for recreational fishermen and women to improve the data collection process necessary to support our state fisheries as well as to assist in the maintenance of saltwater public access points. It will then become necessary for Derby participants ages 16-60 to registry with this state licensing program. Please read the regulations to see how they may personally affect you.
I hope that this is an exciting and memorable tournament for all of you. Thank you for being a very important part of the 65th Derby.
Be safe, wear a life jacket, and remember to be respectful of our Island community.
Thank you,
Ed Jerome
President, Derby Committee