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Massachusetts

Saltwater Fishing

Saltwater Fishing

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

[email protected]

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