A record number of men, women and children participated in the 58th Annual Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. For the first time in history, over 3100 participants tried their luck from the shores and on the waters around the island hoping to catch the fish that would lead to a new 19ft Boston Whaler and 135hp Mercury or a new Chevrolet Sliverado 4x4. The most successful Derby in history would not have occurred without your support and the support of all of our wonderful sponsors, especially our major sponsors; Boston Whaler, Mercury Marine, Nauset Marine, Clay Family Chevrolet Dealerships, Berkley Trilene, Penn Reels, Orvis and Jess and Linda Talbott. Because of this kind of support, the Derby Committee is proud to again offer $16,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors at the MVRHS and an additional $2,000 to youngsters for summer camp experiences of their choice.
At Last Years Awards Ceremonies held in Oak Bluffs at the Atlantic Connection more than 300 people were on hand to cheer for this year's winners. Stan Brown caught a 10 lb bonito from a boat that allowed him to try his luck at unlocking the gold lock for a brand new boat. He was first to try his luck and "click" it opened. Joe Reed of Nauset Marine was on hand to help present the 19ft Boston Whaler Nantucket, the 135 hp Mercury outboard and the trailer to a dancing Stan. Minutes afterward, it was the folks from the shore who were trying their luck at opening the lock for a new truck. After two unsuccessful winners tried, Thomas Kieras, who caught a 15lb blue from the shore, raised his hands in excitement as the lock opened on his try. Fran and Bob Clay of the Clay Family Dealerships helped present the brand new Chevrolet Silverado 4x4 to a smiling Tom. What a great way to end the Derby!!!
Two outstanding marks were set this year. A new Flyrod Grand Slam mark of 56.73 lbs. was set by Mark Jones. Mark was first in three of the four divisions. Quite an accomplishment and speaking of accomplishments, Annie Finnerty a 14 year old young lady from West Tisbury landed a 40.52 lb striper from a boat for a new record as well. Just for the record and your interest, of the 3104 contestants, 2203 were male, 311 were female, 312 were juniors and 278 carried a flyrod button. The total fish count was up in the bass, bluefish and albacore divisions and the bonito was the only category down of the four species.
It was a memorable Derby and we are all very glad you came. We hope you had a grand time and we look forward to seeing you next year. The Derby Committee is already planning to make the 59th Derby even better. So, start planning yourself. You only have 364 days left!!!!
Best Wishes,
Ed Jerome, President
John Custer, Chairman
and the entire Derby Committee
Please note that the Derby Fillet Program will NOT be accepting fish during the final weigh-in on Saturday October 16. Thank you to all those who volunteered to fillet and to those who will donate your catch this year. Once again, thanks to your generosity, the Derby has been able to supply countless meals of fresh fish to Vineyard senior citizens.
If you wish to help out with the fillet program see a DERBY member to sign up
The last weigh in ends on Saturday, October 16th at 10:00pm and our awards ceremony begins at 1:00pm the following day, October 17th at the Atlantic Connection in Oak Bluffs . It is always a great time whether you are on stage or not, make your plans to be there.
Thanks for participating in this years Martha's Vineyard Bass and Bluefish Derby.
Ed Jerome, President.