Martha's Vineyard Derby

[venture]

The famous Martha's Vineyard fishing derby starts next week. This is a tournament that has been running since the days of Hal Lyman and Frank Woolner polished block tins in the sand and casted them on calcutta cane conventional long rods into the high surf of Squibnocket and Gay Head for the infamous striper. Back then it was called the Bass Derby.

Now things have evolved to the point where the contest competes in many categories, one being ALBIES ON FLY. This category is even subdivided into boat and beach. The competion is great, with experts who either live on the island or travel to it, hone their skills and focus exclusively on this amazing fish.

Fishing the Derby gives could be the excuss to fish new waters for that fish you all are familiar with. I once went there and never really came back. There are many many spots on the island with access for boats or beach fishing. Sometimes the fishing from the beach is red hot with fish feeding around all the major inlets.

Many people love the "Derby", and truely value it's history, spirit, and the memories of past heros. The Derby registration representatives in Edgartown enjoy greeting new enthusiastic faces. The Chamber of Commerce in Edgartown has all the info. I suggest you give the New England Boys a run for their money, and maybe learn a few things from them at the same time.
Howie

[linney]

I'll be there the 27th through the 30th. On my buddies boat all day and driving the beaches at night. It truly is a great weekend in which we have caught big blues, 40+" stripers, bonito, albies, spanish macks, even scup and sea bass who want a free eel twice there size.

See y'all there.

[venture]

Good luck to you. If you need some tips about the island let me know. Sounds like you don't but I'm pretty familiar with the place. Howie

[linney]

Thanks for the offer Howie, We have a pretty good routine set up with my buddy who keeps his boat out there. I liked your post on the "Fly fishing team", couldn't stop laughing.