Sam Bell, who caught a false albacore that was just shy of the state record, walked away from the Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby with a brand new boat.
Dozens of hats bedecked with brass pins faced the stage at the 80th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby award ceremony Sunday, with their owners anxiously waiting to see who of the eligible anglers would win the fishing tournament’s grand prize.
A total of 3,313 anglers weighed-in 1,825 fish over the course of the five-week long tournament, but only six had bluefish, bonito and false albacore caught from both shore and boat that were heavy enough to win them a chance at the new boat.
Sam Bell shares the win with his mom.
Sam Bell shares the win with his mom.
They drew keys at random and each took turns to see if theirs was the one to open the lock, the derby tradition that leaves the prize up to chance. Sam Bell was the fourth grand leader to test his luck. As soon as the lock sprung open with a loud clink, Mr. Bell sprinted toward his wife, mother and grandpa while the crowd cheered.
“Thank you to the derby for giving me this opportunity again,” Mr. Bell said after catching his breath.
Mr. Bell won a Chevy Silverado in 2013 for a 13.24-pound boat-caught false albacore. This year, Mr. Bell’s name remained on the leaderboard for the entirety of the derby for a 18.66-pound false albacore he caught on the first day, just 8.4 ounces shy of the state record.
The fish earned him the 22-foot Sisu Hardtop that was donated by derby sponsor Eastern Boat Works.
Mr. Bell, who used to work at Larry’s Tackle Shop in Edgartown but now builds his own rods for Zack’s Custom Rods in Westport, said ahead of the ceremony that the albie was a fish of a lifetime.
“I love this time of year,” he told the crowd. “It’s a big part of my life.”
Among the grand leaders was David Kadison, who won the grand prize in 2023 and 2018 but was eligible again for a 19.85-pound bluefish he caught from a boat the last week of the competition. Chris Hall came out on top for a 17.71-pound shore bluefish he caught during a blitz off of Wasque that shuffled the leaderboard four times on Oct. 9.
Sam Bell makes a call from his new boat.
Sam Bell makes a call from his new boat.
Evan Hammond held his spot on the leaderboard with a 13.87-pound false albacore caught from shore and Ned Williams celebrated his grand leader, a 10.83-pound boat bonito. Island chef John Thurgood was on the stage for the second time for his 9.55-pound shore bonito, having been a grand leader for the same category in 2020.
Weighmaster Mike Cassidy wore his ceremonial hat when presenting the mini junior and junior awards.
“There’s nothing I like more than seeing you come in with fish I wish I caught,” Mr. Cassidy told the kids.
Tucker Schaefer celebrated his eighth birthday with a first place mini junior triple crown award in the boat category. He also won first place for a 19.07-pound bluefish he caught on the last day of the competition.
“I almost passed out when I saw the weight,” Tucker said.
Tucker Schaefer weighed in his 19.07-pound bluefish on the last day of the derby.
Tucker Schaefer weighed in his 19.07-pound bluefish on the last day of the derby.
Lenny Beford and his son Eli Beford were honored with the Beaulieu/Loud Memorial Award, which is given each year to families that fish together.
Derby president John Custer said Mr. Beford was a student in the first class he ever taught at the West Tisbury School. Now Eli is in 8th grade, the same age his father was when Mr. Custer was his teacher.
“I’ve watched them fish together over the years, and this is particularly meaningful to all of us,” Mr. Custer said.
Mr. Custer also honored Cooper and Lela Gilkes, who own Coop’s Bait & Tackle in Edgartown and started the kids derby and the spring kids trout tournament.
“[They] have given more than anyone to families, kids and fishing on this Island,” Mr. Custer said.
The derby committee also inducted five people into the hall of fame during Sunday’s ceremony.
The first was Jim Cornwell, whose history with the tournament started when his dad pulled him out of school to fish the third annual derby in 1949. This year, he won third place for a 10.75-pound shore false albacore.
John Custer shares an award with Cooper and Lela Gilkes.
John Custer shares an award with Cooper and Lela Gilkes.
“He considers himself blessed for the gifts that fishing, family and the derby have provided him,” Mr. Custer said. “Those who know him are aware that they are blessed for his gentle nature and positivity represent his genuine character.”
“This is the greatest day of my life,” Mr. Cornwell said. “My dad would be so happy.”
His friend, Ron Domurat was inducted into the hall of fame as well. He started fishing the derby in 1982 and wrote a book about the competition titled Three Decades of the Derby. He shared his love for the tournament in a speech.
“This is our Super Bowl and we get to play in it every year,” Mr. Domurat said. “Not only is it a celebration of our wonderful sport, it’s a celebration of life we have here on Martha’s Vineyard.”
Maryanne Jerome.
Maryanne Jerome.
Former Edgartown harbor master Charlie Blair received a standing ovation as the committee honored him for his 30-year career supporting anglers in town. Shep and Ian Murray, the founders of 20-year derby sponsor Vineyard Vines were inducted to the hall of fame. Both have competed in the derby for many years.
Many shed tears when it was time for Maryanne Jerome to be inducted. Known by some as the derby’s first lady, Ms. Jerome has helped lead the derby alongside 11 different chairmans and over 150 committee members.
“Maryanne has been there from the start,” Mr. Custer said. “When Ed rescued the derby in the mid 1980s, her quiet work behind the scenes allowed the derby to grow and flourish.”
Her involvement with the derby started when she met her husband, Ed Jerome, who was a longtime derby president until he died in 2018. She honored him in her speech and spoke to their shared belief of the derby’s importance to the Island.
“[Ed] always stated that this tournament is more than just a fishing tournament and he was so right,” she said. “The journey teaches sportsmanship, a passion for the environment, teamwork, volunteering, giving back to your community, but most of all and most especially, spending cherished time with family and friends.”
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