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Derby Leaders
81st Derby (2026)
Bluefish - Boat Lilly G. Gwin
18.74 lbs.
Bluefish - Shore Bruce Dew III
19.91 lbs.
Bonito - Boat David Kadison
10.98 lbs.
Bonito - Shore Cameron J. Maciel
9.13 lbs.
Albacore - Boat Sherry L. Countryman
19.91 lbs.
Albacore - Shore Angela C. Fisher
13.70 lbs.
Total Weigh-ins
Species 10/12 Count
Albacore 0 158
   Boat 0 113
   Shore 0 45
Bluefish 2 505
   Boat 0 256
   Shore 2 249
Bonito 6 605
   Boat 0 280
   Shore 6 325

Come to the Vineyard and fish the Derby! For over eight decades, "The Derby" has been a time to renew friendships, share a hot cup of coffee and create memories that fuel the winter's exaggerated fish tales. It is a time for all to refocus on the natural beauty of this Island sanctuary. So come and join us, to experience great fishing, rich history, new friendships, and generous sponsor-donated prizes - all in support of our scholarship program. The Derby is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization.

September 27, 2026: Online Auction Live

Please take a look at our 2026 Online Fundraiser Auction. More items will be added on an ongoing basis. All funds raised help support our scholarship fund. Bidding opens October 11. LINK
 

September 19, 2026: Honoring Ed Jerome

It’s been 8 years since our friend Ed Jerome passed. His legacy endures, and the strong foundation he built for the Derby continues to support the organization and event. We owe so much to Ed. Many individuals wear bracelets bearing his name and the name of his boat, Wayfarer. We do not need the bracelet to remember him, for there are wonderful, inspiring reminders of Ed all around us, particularly during the Derby. Still, the bracelet provides comfort. Last weekend, Coop rang the bell to open the Derby and included a ring for Ed. Coop knows how much the Derby meant to Ed, and this was yet another great way to honor him. We can all honor Ed by remembering what the Derby is truly about. Ed is missed, profoundly. But we are grateful for all that he gave to the Derby and the island community. He valued giving, and he lives on through the gifts he gave us. Thank you, Ed, for continuing to watch over us.
 
John Custer, on behalf of the Derby family

September 18, 2026: New Derby Record and State Record False Albacore Weighed-In

A boat false albacore was weighed-in by Sherry Countryman yesterday. At 19.91 lbs, this albie is a new Derby record and MA State record. Congrats to Sherry! 

September 11, 2026: Opening Bell, Lobsterville Parking Update

Opening Bell: Please join us Sunday morning at 7:45AM for the opening bell of the 2026 81st Derby at 8:00AM. Cooper Gilkes will ring the bell.

Lobsterville Parking Update: The Derby Committee would like to thank the Aquinnah town officials for providing additional parking for Derby anglers.  As in past years Derby anglers should follow a few simple rules. Park parallel to West Basin Road within the marked boundaries only and as far off the road as practical, without damaging the dunes or dune grass. Use the designated paths at West Basin as the dunes in West Basin have special significance to the Wampanoag tribal members.  Kindly respect that. Like last year – there will be a designated swimming area near the jetty that will be open to swimming (and closed to fishing) daily between the hours of 9:00AM and 3:30PM. New this year – parking for Derby anglers will be allowed at the Philbin beach lot between the hours of 5:00PM and 8:00AM. Thanks for helping us keep the Derby safe, fun, and respectful of the environment!

August 22, 2026: 2026 Pre-Registration is Now Open! 

August 21, 2026: 2026 Booklet Sneak Peek

You can preview the 2026 Booklet now.  Link

August 19, 2026: Expanded Boat Boundaries

We are expanding the boat boundaries to include Buzzards Bay. Please carefully review the new boundary lines outlined in the rules brochure.  Check Out The New Map Here

July 24, 2026: Grand Prize Announced

The Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby Committee is pleased to announce our 2026 Grand Prize, a truly one-of-a-kind custom Derby-themed Jeep Gladiator Mojave X, provided by vineyard vines.

Wrapped in an exclusive “Vineyard Slam” Camo and equipped for everything from beach driving to back-road adventures, the Grand Prize captures the spirit of fishing the Vineyard while reflecting vineyard vines' unmistakable coastal style. The customized Gladiator will be displayed throughout the 2026 Derby at Derby Headquarters in Edgartown. The Jeep will be awarded at Farm Neck Golf Club during the Final Awards Ceremony on Sunday, October 18. Read the full release here. 

July 24, 2026: 2026 Derby Poster 

 

New To The Derby?

Check out this how-to article in The Fisherman Magazine.  Click Here