John Piekos -Courtesy MVSB+BD B luefish, striped bass, bonito, false albacore, and Spanish mackerel can all be caught in-season from beaches and jetties on the Vineyard. In addition, white marlin, yellowfin tuna, football-sized bluefins, and shark are all within boat range. If you decide to go fishing with one of the experienced charter captains (see page 69) on the Island, you are almost certain to come home with a keeper, a fish a minimum of 28 inches long. If you prefer to fish from Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby. This month-long event, John Piekos -Courtesy MVSB+BD which begins in mid-September and ends in mid-October, celebrates its 74st anniversary in 2019, and attracts more than 3,300 entrants – men, women, and children annually. Rich in Vineyard fishing shore, a trip to one of the Island’s full-service bait and tackle shops (see page 69) will get you all the gear and insider’s advice you need. You’ll find that the proprietors have a vast information network that lets them pinpoint where the fish are running throughout the year. The first cool winds and shortening days of September set the stage for the annual fall migration, and the Vineyard’s premier tournament: the Annual Adam Darack - Courtesy MVSB+BD tradition, more than one thousand Islanders join hundreds of visitors in this tournament. More than just a fishing contest, it initiates a month when the common language is of wind, tides, and fish. Although the primary focus is on fishing, this tournament has become a grand and most unique fishing reunion, where during the day or under a canopy of stars, new friends are made and old friendships renewed. Finding a good spot to fish during the derby is never a problem. Any of the local tackle shops will be happy to help you out. For more information contact Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby Post Office Box 2101 • Edgartown, MA 02539 • 508-939-9341 • www.mvderby.com Follow on Twitter @mvderby • Facebook/mvderby 2019 -20 Travel Guide 71 ON THE WATER
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