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Massachusetts

Saltwater Fishing

Saltwater Fishing

Saltwater Fishing Derby

Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Derby promotional graphic featuring anglers holding striped bass and black sea bass, with Commissioner’s Cup logo and details to enter the fishing competition.
Join the Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Derby and compete for the Commissioner’s Cup. Fish for over 30 eligible species, enter your catch online, and celebrate saltwater fishing across Massachusetts.

Prizes and Recognition

All derby winners will be celebrated at our annual awards ceremony.

  • The Angler of the Year award in both the Adult and Junior divisions will be presented to the angler winning the most categories for Weigh-In, Catch & Release, or a combination of the two. The Anglers of the Year will also have their names added to the Commissioners Cup display.
  • One trophy will be awarded to the top Adult and Junior angler for each species in both the Weigh-In and Catch & Release portions of the Derby.
  • The Top Shop award will be presented to the tackle shop that weighs in the most derby eligible fish and is the most mentioned in winning fish entries across both derbies.
  • A Best Captain in the Business award will be presented to the head boat or charter captain with the most winning fish caught from his or her boat while for-hire (minimum 3 winning fish to qualify).
  • Winners will be celebrated at an award show with a private Mass DMF family-friendly reception directly following the ceremony.

2025 Catch & Release Derby Winners

Species

Division

Length (inches)

Angler

Atlantic Bonito

Adult

25.5"

Tyler O'Brien

Junior

22"

Mason Hutchinson

Atlantic Mackerel

Junior

13.5"

Weston Whitmore

Black Sea Bass

Adult

22"

Brandon Cheng

Adult

22"

Richard Trifone

Adult

22"

Tyler Houghton

Junior

20.5"

Mason Hutchinson

Bluefish

Adult

36.5"

James "JJ" Oldershaw

False Albacore

Adult

31.5"

Amanda Grueter

Junior

27.5"

Griffin Sabolevski

Fluke

Adult

31"

Camden Dumais

Scup

Adult

16"

Paul Sexton

Adult

16"

William Herbert Jr.

Junior

15"

Griffin Sabolevski

Junior

15"

Bryton Perry

Striped Bass

Adult

54"

Jerry Horan

Junior

46"

Griffin Sabolevski

Tautog

Adult

26"

David Ellis

Junior

20.5"

Connor Mackenzie

Weakfish

Adult

26.5"

Tom Moynihan

Junior

21.5"

Griffin Sabolevski

Atlantic Cod

Adult

36"

Nicholas Rhodes

Haddock

Adult

24.5"

Anthony Lopopolo

Bluefin Tuna

Adult

47.5"

Nicholas Rhodes

Swordfish

Adult

56"

Nicholas Rhodes

Yellowfin Tuna

Adult

45.5"

Nicholas Rhodes

2025 Weigh-in Derby Winners

Species

Division

Weight

Angler

Atlantic Bonito

Adult

10 lb. 15 oz.

Hal Beacham

Bluefish

Adult

19 lb. 10 oz.

Christopher Morris

Junior

12 lb. 12 oz.

Ayla Jacobs

Dolphinfish (Mahi)

Junior

18 lb. 2 oz.

Ben Durfee

False Albacore

Adult

14 lb. 14 oz.

Caroline Collatos

Junior

16 lb. 8 oz.

Fisher Sullivan

Fluke

Adult

11 lb. 3 oz.

Richard Pombriant

Scup

Adult

2 lb. 15 oz.

Kristofer Sadeck

Junior

2 lb. 4 oz.

Hunter Macomber

Tautog

Adult

15 lb. 2 oz.

Joseph Walsh

Junior

6 lb. 4 oz.

Hunter Macomber

Pollock

Adult

19 lb. 14 oz.

Ken Koocher

Bigeye Tuna

Adult

181 lb.

Nicholas Rhodes

2025 Anglers of the Year

Division

Angler

Adult

Nicholas Rhodes

Junior

Griffin Sabolevski

Junior angler Griffin Sabolevski holding a 27.5-inch false albacore on a boat during a Massachusetts saltwater fishing trip.
Junior angler Griffin Sabolevski proudly displays his 27.5-inch false albacore caught while saltwater fishing in Massachusetts. A great example of youth anglers enjoying sustainable recreational fishing opportunities.