MV Derby 2011 is Underway and Over-exciting

It is over-exciting for me atleast. I can't get enough of the Derby, even though I haven't weighed a fish in for the past three years. Does that make any sense? Probably not since I did have a shot at a few daily prizes and potential mystery prizes, but its not all about the prizes to me. I try to tell myself that I'm fishing for a grand prize winner, and I check the leader boards frequently to know what it will take.

I'm leaving for the island Saturday am, and can hardly wait as I sit in the office writing this post. In fact, this is a pretty pointless blog post, since I'm writing it mainly so I can release some excitement and make it through these final two days of work before I leave for a week of Derby fishing. I'll try to make this post valuable by adding some Derby advice - something that may help the angler who is only there for a short time (a week, a weekend, a day) be successful.

Tip #1: Have fun. Don't worry about catching a grand prize winner. In fact, a good portion of derby winners have been inexperienced, yet extremely lucky anglers, just enjoying themselves on the island, while other experienced, diehard anglers can fish the Derby their entire lives without claiming the top prize.

Tip #2: Go to the Derby Headquarters at some point between 8am and 10am or 8pm and 10pm. Even if you're not weighing in a fish you can get some great Keurig coffee, some stickers, brochures, some cool Derby gear, and you can even check the wharf to see whats going on.

Tip #3: Stay safe. Weather this time of year can be downright nasty. No fish is worth putting your life on the line. Keep a constant eye on the weather.

I am going to try my best to post next week while I am on the island. Hopefully I'll have some good pics, stories, and reports - but we'll see.

Tight Lines

The Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby

The Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, or more popularly know simply as "The Derby," is one of the oldest and most prestigious fishing tournaments on the east coast. In less than two weeks, the 66th annual Derby will begin, drawing anglers from across the world to the waters of Martha's Vineyard. Though the Derby was started as a way to generate off season revenue by an advertising executive and the ferry company, it is now run by a non-profit committee, with all the proceeds going to scholarships for local kids. All prizes are donated, including the grand prizes, an Eastern boat and Chevy truck. I won't give too much of a background, because authors David Kinney and Robert Post have given excellent descriptions and stories in their works "The Big One," and "Reading the Water." I recommend giving each a read.

The Derby is more than just the hunt for a trophy fish that will lead to some really cool prizes. It is a combination of passion, comraderie, skill, luck, and most importantly, fun. Though I've been a fan of the Derby all my life, this fall will mark only the third Derby that I've registered for. For some reason my parents didn't let me miss school to travel with my old man to fish the Derby every year like he did (I think this will be his 35th consecutive year). Now that I've been out of college for three years, I am taken over by Derby fever each fall.

Though it began as a primarily shore fishing tournament, the Derby has transformed to suit a variety of anglers. Whether you are the hardcore wetsuit-clad surfcaster; the daytime bait soaker; the dedicated fly fisherman; or the boat/shore/light tackle/somewhat serious surfcaster like me, the Derby has what you're looking for, even if you never weigh in a fish. The history, the pursuit, the luck, the skill, the heartbreak, the success; in the the end it all results in a truly spectacular experience.

I am heading to the Island on 9/16 for the entire week, and can hardly wait. If you haven't experienced what the Derby has to offer, I highly recommend checking it out. There is no place I'd rather be between September 11, 2011 and October 15, 2011. Plus, I hear they have trucker hats this year.

Check out the Derby website and Facebook page for more info. I'll do my best to post updates, reports, and more while I'm there.