Saltwater Fishing Derby
Divisions: The saltwater fishing derby is divided into three major divisions—Inshore, Groundfish, and Large Pelagic.
Each division features:
- A Weigh-In category and a Catch and Release category (unless otherwise noted),
- Adult Awards given to the top Male and Female for each species in the Weigh-In category,
- Junior Awards given to anglers age 15 and under, and
- Pins given to ALL eligible entries collected during the Derby. (Anglers may submit multiple entries, but will receive only one pin per species per year for their qualifying catch.)
Weigh-In Derby: Fish being entered in the weigh-in portion of the Derby should be brought to one of our many certified weigh stations scattered along the coast for verification.
Catch and Release Derby: Fish being entered in the catch and release portion should be measured to the nearest half inch; a clear photo taken of both the measuring device and the fish, indicating total or fork length, is needed for verification.
Entry forms and photos: Derby entry forms are available on our website and at most bait and tackle shops. Derby entry forms and photos should be sent to the address provided below, attn. John Boardman. Photos can also be shared with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries using Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by tagging:
#MAsaltwaterderby
Website: Full derby rules, downloadable entry forms, official Derby weigh station locations, and leader boards can be found on our website:
www.mass.gov/saltwater-fishing-derby
Time Frame: The Derby runs January 1 through November 30.
Mailing Address:
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
836 S. Rodney French Blvd.
New Bedford, MA 02744
Inshore Derby
Species |
Weigh-In (lb.) |
Catch and Release (in.) |
||
Adult |
Junior |
Adult |
Junior |
|
Atlantic Bonito |
5 |
4 |
24 |
22 |
Atlantic Mackerel |
2 |
1 |
16 |
15 |
Black Sea Bass |
4 |
2 |
20 |
15 |
Bluefish |
12 |
6 |
32 |
26 |
Dolphinfish |
15 |
5 |
30 |
24 |
False Albacore |
10 |
7 |
25 |
23 |
Fluke |
7 |
3 |
22 |
18 |
King Mackerel |
6 |
4 |
30 |
28 |
Scup |
2 |
1 |
15 |
12 |
Spanish Mackerel |
4 |
3 |
24 |
22 |
Striped Bass |
NA |
NA |
40 |
32 |
Tautog |
8 |
4 |
20 |
18 |
Weakfish |
8 |
4 |
22 |
18 |
Winter Flounder |
3 |
2 |
17 |
14 |
Groundfish Derby*
Species |
Weigh-In (lb.) |
Catch and Release (in.) |
Atlantic Cod |
30 |
30 |
Atlantic Halibut |
50 |
50 |
Cusk |
20 |
25 |
Haddock |
5 |
20 |
Pollock |
12 |
30 |
Large Pelagic Derby*
Species |
Weigh-In (lb.) |
Catch and Release (in.) |
Albacore |
30 |
30 |
Atlantic Sailfish |
40 |
63 |
Bigeye Tuna |
100 |
30 |
Blue Marlin |
350 |
99 |
Blue Shark |
300 |
60 |
Bluefin Tuna |
100 |
30 |
Porbeagle Shark |
150 |
60 |
Shortfin Mako |
250 |
60 |
Swordfish |
150 |
55 |
Thresher Shark |
200 |
65 |
Wahoo |
30 |
40 |
White Marlin |
60 |
66 |
Yellowfin Tuna |
50 |
30 |
* Junior entries in this category must meet the listed criteria
Prizes and Recognition
In addition to the pin, winners will receive a plaque and certificate commemorating their catch at our annual awards celebration.
- Ceremony takes place during the New England Boat and RV Show
- FREE entry to the New England Boat and RV Show for the winning angler and their guest(s)
- Entry to a private Mass DMF, family-friendly reception directly following the ceremony
Special awards are also given to the two anglers (adult and junior) who have the most Derby-winning fish: Weigh-in and Catch and Release, or combined. Awards for “Top Shop” (the tackle shop that weighs in the most derby eligible fish) and “Skillful Skipper” (any for-hire captain that submits at least three winning entries) receive free advertising in the following year's saltwater guide.
2023 Catch and Release Derby Winners
Species |
Division |
Length (inches) |
Angler |
Black Sea Bass |
Adult |
21.5" |
Anthony Lopopolo |
Adult |
21.5" |
David Brown |
|
Junior |
19" |
Joseph M. Sena II |
|
Bluefish |
Adult |
39" |
Mike Pieropan |
Junior |
36" |
Gerhardt Hoover |
|
Blue Shark |
Junior |
76" |
Nora Connaughton |
Bluefin Tuna |
Junior |
82" |
John Clark |
Bonito |
Adult |
29" |
Brian Majczak |
False Albacore |
Adult |
29.5" |
Sam Brandt |
Junior |
27" |
John Clark |
|
Porbeagle Shark |
Junior |
108" |
Lola Crisp |
Sailfish |
Junior |
74" |
Lola Crisp |
Scup |
Adult |
16.5" |
Armindo Ramos |
Junior |
14.5" |
Elliot Blaylock |
|
Striped Bass |
Adult |
47" |
Frank Mazzulli |
Adult |
47" |
Graham Stephens |
|
Junior |
45" |
Andrew Drake |
|
Tautog |
Adult |
22.5" |
Tom Moynihan |
Junior |
23" |
Lola Crisp |
|
Weakfish |
Adult |
25.5" |
Tom Moynihan |
2023 Derby Winners
Species |
Division |
Weight |
Angler |
Atlantic Mackerel |
Junior |
2 lbs 5 oz |
Lola Crisp |
Big Eye Tuna |
Men |
137 lbs |
Donald Gaiter |
Junior |
202 lbs |
John Clark |
|
Black Sea Bass |
Junior |
4 lbs 11 oz |
Lola Crisp |
Bluefin Tuna |
Junior |
376 lbs 3oz |
Lola Crisp |
Bluefish |
Men |
12 lbs 15 oz |
Steve Hamblin |
Women |
13 lbs 8 oz |
Amy Vickers |
|
Junior |
13 lbs 8 oz |
Thomas Merlan |
|
Bonito |
Men |
11 lbs 8 oz |
Luke Hage |
False Albacore |
Men |
19 lbs 3 oz |
Bill Potter |
Junior |
14 lbs 2 oz |
James Chatti |
|
Fluke |
Men |
13 lbs 8 oz |
Curtis Briggi |
Junior |
5 lbs 15 oz |
Bryce Calvano |
|
Mahi |
Junior |
16 lbs 2 oz |
John Clark |
Scup |
Men |
2 lbs 8 oz |
Daniel Smith |
Junior |
2 lbs 10 oz |
Lola Crisp |
|
Tautog |
Men |
12 lbs 3 oz |
Jeff Gray |
Junior |
5 lbs 13 oz |
Lola Crisp |
|
Yellowfin Tuna |
Men |
97 lbs |
Robert Sergi Jr. |
Junior |
134 lbs 2 oz |
Lola Crisp |
2023 Anglers of the Year
Division |
Angler |
Adult |
Tom Moynihan |
Junior |
Lola Crisp |