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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.

2022 Catch and Release Derby Winners

Species

Division

Length (inches)

Angler

Black Sea Bass

Adult

25"

Shaina Vandemoortele

Bluefish

Adult

32.5"

Richard Trifone

Adult

32.5"

Neil Krauter

Junior

32.5"

James Oldershaw

Bonito

Adult

25"

Neil Krauter

Cod

Junior

30.5"

Carter Silva

False Albacore

Adult

27.5"

Sam Brandt

Fluke

Adult

26.5"

Timothy McCarthy

Junior

18.5"

John Clark

Haddock

Adult

22"

Guido DiPietro

Scup

Adult

16.5"

Theresa Sexton

Junior

12.5"

Jonas Teninbaum

Striped Bass

Adult

52"

Nick Vasilakos

Junior

42"

Hunter Macomber

Tautog

Adult

26"

David Provost

2022 Derby Winners

Species

Division

Weight

Angler

Big Eye Tuna

Junior

135 lbs

John Clark

Black Sea Bass

Men

4 lbs 12 oz

Matt Kelly

Junior

4 lbs 0 oz

Lola Crisp

Bluefish

Men

14 lbs 8 oz

Jim Kelly

Junior

8 lbs 7 oz

Natalie O'Brien

Bonito

Men

6 lbs 12 oz

David Nash

False Albacore

Men

16 lbs 14 oz

Mark Leonard

Junior

13 lbs 2 oz

Sander Reinemo

Fluke

Junior

3 lbs 3 oz

John Clark

Scup

Junior

2 lbs 6 oz

Tyler Patton

Tautog

Men

15 lbs 8 oz

Alan Chiappini

Women

9 lbs

Judy MacMillen

Junior

9 lbs 7 oz

William Noon

Wahoo

Men

77 lbs 9 oz

Derrick Card

Junior

66 lbs

John Clark

Yellowfin Tuna

Men

134 lbs

Donald Gaiter

Junior

62 lbs

John Clark

2022 Anglers of the Year

Division

Angler

Adult

Neil Krauter

Junior

John Clark