69th Derby Begins With a Splash
Lone fisherman just before sunrise at Squibnocket.
Lone fisherman just before sunrise at Squibnocket.
This is a bluefish out of water.
This is a bluefish out of water.
On the first weigh-in day Abby O'Connell, weighs in an albie.
On the first weigh-in day Abby O'Connell, weighs in an albie.
Doyle Bunch of West Tisbury, weighs in the first striped bass, an 18.01 pound fish, caught from the shore at 2 a.m.
Doyle Bunch of West Tisbury, weighs in the first striped bass, an 18.01 pound fish, caught from the shore at 2 a.m.
Eager crowd takes in the scene from its window vantage point.
Eager crowd takes in the scene from its window vantage point.
Oak Bluffs fishing pier is the newest and bestest place to be.
Oak Bluffs fishing pier is the newest and bestest place to be.
Eli Bonnell works his magic for the fillet program.
Eli Bonnell works his magic for the fillet program.
All smiles from the Jerome and Langley families at derby headquarters.
All smiles from the Jerome and Langley families at derby headquarters.
Estey Teller is all smiles after weighing in a boat bluefish that places her in first place.
Estey Teller is all smiles after weighing in a boat bluefish that places her in first place.
Prizes are eye candy until final winners receive the lucky key.
Prizes are eye candy until final winners receive the lucky key.
The opening bell for the 69th Martha's Vineyard Bluefish and Striped Bass Derby rang out Sunday morning, and Island fishermen were ready. Within 20 minutes of the opening bell, all four species had crossed the scale.
With perfect late summer fishing weather, the derby has started on a high note. In the first five days, almost 4,000 pounds of bluefish, striped bass, false albacore and bonito were weighed in.