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]

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.