58th Martha s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby

Transcription

1 58th Martha s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby 2003 SOUVENIR BOOKLET $5.00

2 Base Camp for Derby Contenders V Derby Special V Daily Winners ~ Your Nights Stay is Free! Win the Derby ~ Your Entire Stay is On Us!! (Even if you fished all 30 days and 30 nights) North Road Menemsha Capt. Scott McDowell and Maggie Nixon assist Bobby with his 35 lb. Striper

3 Larry s Tackle Shop Largest Flyfishing Shop on Martha s Vineyard GOOD LUCK DERBY CONTESTANTS! Striped Bass, Bluefish, Bonito and False Albacore Original watercolor by Alan James Robinson on a NOAA Nautical Chart of Martha s Vineyard Full Line of Spinning and Offshore Tackle Come choose from our expanding inventory, including: Van Staal, Fin Nor, Abel, Islander, Thomas & Thomas, G. Loomis, Sage, St. Croix, & many more. 258 Upper Main Street, Edgartown, MA

4 Fishing is Great on Chappy We would like to thank the Trustees for the wonderful job they do to keep our beaches open. Jess & Linda 2 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

5 A Message from the Derby President Welcome to the 58th annual Martha s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. The Derby is an experience that only those who have participated in can truly understand. It s a month long reunion of folks from all over the country who have come to know each other through chance meetings in the middle of the night, through conversation while catching squid, and by swapping stories at the weigh station about the size of the fish that got away. The Derby is a special kind of tournament held on a special island where many species of fish have historically blessed our shores. The Derby Committee works hard throughout the year planning for the next Derby so we can preserve the quality of this island activity. We are very proud of the continued support of our sponsors and island town officials who help make this tournament what it is. This year, after many successful years of conservation, striped bass numbers have increased sufficiently so state regulations allow two stripers 28 or longer, to be kept in possession on a calendar day. However, to enter a striper in our tournament it must be 32 or longer. This means that fishermen can catch a striper from the shore in the early morning and weigh it in, then catch a striper from the boat in the afternoon and weigh that one in at the evening weigh in. A striper may be weighed in from the shore in the morning and if the fisherman catches a bigger one from the shore in the afternoon, he/she could weigh that one in at the evening weigh in. The larger fish would be the one in the system for that day for the fisherman. There will be many scenarios because of the two fish per day regulation. However, you must remember that a fisherman can only have in possession two stripers per day. Therefore, it is most important that you and whoever you fish with, bring in your own stripers and not a cooler of several fish because you fished with several people that day. As usual, please remember to ice all fish so our senior citizens will have the freshest filets for our filet program. Respect the property of others and park in designated areas. Use hooks and techniques that allow you to release fish in good condition, practice good sportsmanship, and finally practice safe boating and wear your life jacket. On behalf of the entire Derby Committee, best wishes for a safe and exciting 58 th Derby. Ed Jerome, President 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

6 The 2002 Derby on a relative scale By Gregory Skomal As summer wanes and the winds shift to the northeast, I know that the Derby is upon me and it s time to shift gears to striped bass, bluefish, bonito and false albacore. By far, the best way for me to get my head into the Derby is to look back at what happened the previous year and place it in a historical perspective. In doing so, I m frequently asked to make predictions on what the current Derby is going to produce, but, as many know, the crystal ball of fisheries science is frequently unclear. Besides, I know better than to put Derby predictions into print. For the last 16 years, I have been collating, compiling, and writing about the data that I collect annually at the Martha s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. This month-long event provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate the relative abundance and size structure of the four inshore species targeted by Derby anglers. The attached graph shows the annual catch of bluefish, Atlantic bonito, false albacore, and striped bass since When looking at the figure, it s important to remember that the number of Derby participants fluctuates annually and this will certainly influence the numbers of fish caught. In 2002, there were slightly more participants registered (2936), up 3% relative to 2001 (2867) and the second highest number since the Derby s inception. The following is a brief synopsis of what occurred in 2002 relative to the previous 15 years. Overall, the statistics show that the 2002 Derby provided ample opportunity to catch fish, but most will agree that the weather during the second half of the event made it a bit of a challenge. Bluefish: From 1990 to 1996, bluefish landings declined from a 16-year high of 1700 to a low of 665. From 1997 to 2001, the number of bluefish landed rebounded from 700 to 1463, but this can probably be attributed to a rise in effort, as the number of bluefish weighed per angler remained depressed over the same period. In 2002, bluefish landings declined 32% relative to 2001, but the 989 bluefish landed still exceeds most years since Shore fishermen weighed about 25% of the bluefish last year, which is up from the 18% weighed in Bluefish seemed to be available through the duration of the Derby, as landings were relatively consistent. Although the average weight of bluefish declined only slightly (7.9lbs) relative to 2001 (8.2lbs), it represents the lowest of the 16- year time series. For the second year, bluefish sized differed significantly between boat and shore fishermen, with the former landing larger fish. These findings substantiate reports from many Derby participants that large bluefish were difficult to find. Nonetheless, for the sixth consecutive year, a broad weight range of bluefish ( lbs) was encountered, which is encouraging relative to the future of the resource. Atlantic Bonito: Breaking a five-year trend of low catches, bonito landings jumped over 200% in 2000, up to 446 from 184 in Although not the highest for the time series, these landings compare favorably with some years prior to In 2001, bonito landings dropped 46% relative to 2000, and this was largely attributed to the small numbers of bonito available to shore fishermen. Shore landings rebounded three-fold in 2002 as the total number of bonito landed increased 39% (335) relative to 2001 (241). The average weight of bonito continued to slide in 2002 (5.6lbs) compared to 2001 (5.9lbs) and 2000 (6.6lbs), but was similar among boat and shore fishermen. 4 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

7 pened the previous year and place it in a historical perspective. In doing so, I m frequently asked to make predictions on what the current Derby is going to produce, but, as many know, the crystal ball of fisheries science is frequently unclear. Besides, I know better than to put Derby predictions in. For the second consecutive year, the bulk of the bonito was landed during the month of September (66%) and only a few were taken in the last days of the event. This differs from 1996, 1997, and 2000 when most of the bonito were caught during the latter half of the event. False Albacore: Since 1996, this species has been eliminated from the daily prize structure of the Derby and has been awarded only weekly prizes. In 1998, a minimum length corresponding to eight pounds (25 ) was established. This doubling of the minimum size resulted in a very large decrease in the number of false albacore landed since 1997 and this is clearly reflected in the figure. False albacore landings were low in 2000 and 2001 relative to 1998 and 1999 because they were not available to shore fishermen. In 2002, false albacore landings increased three-fold as both shore and boat fishermen were highly successful. Even fly fishermen weighed more false albacore than during the year three years combined. Moreover, many false albacore were released as they were just shore of the 25 mark. The average weight of albacore has ranged between 7 and 9 pounds for most years, and 2002 landings had an average size of 7.6 lbs., which did not differ between boat and shore fishermen. Like the bonito, 68% of the false albacore were taken during the month of September and 98% were caught a full week before the Derby concluded. Striped Bass: After an eight-year hiatus, striped bass were slowly introduced back into the Derby in 1993 with limited prizes. Starting in 1995, the striped bass became a fully eligible Derby species across all prize categories, but a minimum size of 38 was imposed. With the decrease of the legal minimum size, the Derby Committee dropped the minimum bass size to 32 in Unfortunately, these changes coupled with a functional time series of only seven years provides little long-term information on the striped bass resource in this region. After a 26% decline from 1997 (771) TO 2001 (570), landings of striped bass rebounded 21% in 2002 to 690 fish. Boat landings remained stable, but shore landings doubled and accounted for 43% of the catch. The average weight of striped (20.4lbs) increased slightly for both boat and shore fishermen, but the former consistently landed larger fish. Striped bass fishing success was consistent for the duration of the Derby, but seemed to wane in the final week of the event. 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

8 YEAR ROUND SERVICE Where Derby Champions Gather Catch The Latest Derby News at Coop s WE WISH EVERYBODY LUCK IN THE 58TH DERBY Coop & The Crew Hot Spot Information Fresh & Saltwater Tackle Fresh & Frozen Bait Experienced Beach & Boat Guides ROD RENTALS Custom Made Rods Island Flies for Island Fish Complete Fly Fishing Shop Gift Certificates 1/2 mile from Edgartown next to Cottle s Lumber 147 West Tisbury Road th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

9 The Derby Scholarship Program Since its establishment as a nonprofit corporation, The Martha s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, Inc., has awarded an annual four-year scholarship to two Martha s Vineyard Regional High School seniors. The total amount of scholarship money donated over the years now exceeds more than $180,000. Qualifying students are recommended by the high school and are selected by a Derby subcommittee. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of a student s financial need and a desire to pursue a career in the marine or environmental fields. This year s scholarship winners will each receive awards of $8,000 for their college education. Nicholas Turner from Edgartown, is the Valedictorian of the Class of 2003 at the Martha s Vineyard Regional High School. Nick is a very conscientious, hard working, bright young man. Nick plans to study the environmental sciences and hopes that he can come back to the island to earn a living here and to help preserve and protect our precious island resources. Katherine Welch, from Vineyard Haven, is a hard working young lady who has successfully participated in many activities at the Martha s Vineyard Regional High School. She lettered on the varisty sailing team and practiced ballet for fourteen years. In addition, she won several awards as a leader in her Girl Scout troop where she participated for thirteen years. Katherine plans to study marine biology and will be well received wherever she attends school. A Special Thanks to the Ann E. Clark Foundation for their unsurpassed support of the scholarship program. Martha s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby Edgartown, MA Dear Derby Committee: You recently called to ask Carol and I what it meant for our daughter, Kathryn (Katie to her family), to receive the Derby Scholarship. In short, it has meant everything! The Derby Scholarship has allowed Katie the ability to attend the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, where she is majoring in Animal Science. She is completing her junior year and she loves college. School hasn t been easy for Katie. During high school on the Vineyard, she struggled and studied so hard for her A s, B s and the occasional C. In short, she wasn t Class Valedictorian. But, the Derby Committee was looking not just for scholastic effort but also looking for heart, determination and commitment. Katie has a lot of that! Her determination and tenacity serves her well. Katie loves the Vineyard and she misses seeing family and friends, but she is thankful for the chance to experience life on the mainland as well. Even though she is away at school, we have many fond memories of her growing up on the island. My office is adorned with photos of Katie surfcasting at the Tisbury Pond opening, falling asleep on a damp day while we were trolling for bass off of Squibnocket and catching a Brown shark on East Beach. Katie s love for the island and it natural resources is part of who she is. At UMass, she is active in the Marching Band, the University Agricultural programs, various clubs and working every Saturday and Sunday at the University Barn to help with the cost of college. This summer she will be a riding instructor and camp counselor at a camp for girls in New Hampshire. The Derby Scholarship has been a true Godsend for us as well. We have two other children also at college and without the Derby Scholarship; I don t know how we could manage our finances! The generosity of the fishermen, supporters and committee members of the Martha s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby have allowed one local young woman the chance to attend college, experience all that college has to offer without worrying if she ll have to drop out of school because of money. God Bless the Derby! All the best, Chris Kennedy 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

10 57th Martha s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby Final Results All Fish Grand Leaders Boat Bass Capt. Buddy Vanderhoop Shore Bass Lev C. Wlodyka Boat Bluefish Ross Morancie Shore Bluefish Daniel J. Geary Boat Bonito Lev C. Wlodyka Shore Bonito James C. Cornwell 9.27 Boat Albacore Walter S. Wlodyka Shore Albacore Bob W. Iwaskiewicz All Tackle Overall (top three) Boat Bass 1. Capt. Buddy Vanderhoop, 53.60; 2. Geoff K. Codding 48.52; 3. Zachary K. Tilton Shore Bass 1. Lev C. Wlodyka 39.96; 2. Whitney Brush 36.00; 3. James Creedon Boat Bonito 1. Lev C. Wlodyka 10.89; 2. Sascha Wlodyka 8.72; 3. Beau E. Begin Shore Bonito 1. James. C. Cornwell 9.27; 2. Stanley W. Brown 8.63; 3. Angie Fisher Boat Bluefish 1. Ross Morancie 14.96; 2. William E. Welch 14.70; 3. Thomas Langman Shore Bluefish 1. Daniel J. Geary 15.69; 2. Pete J. Pate 15.07; 3. Sandy Luce Boat Albacore 1. Walter S. Wlodyka 11.63; 2. Nick Warburton 11.60; 3. Gary G. Carter Shore Albacore 1. Bob W. Iwaskiewicz 12.93; 2. Mike D. Ludwig 10.07; 3. Frederich W. Ruhlemann Fly Rod Boat Bass 1. Jaime H. Boyle 26.82; 2. Mark W. Jones 21.36; 3. Art E. Crago Shore Bass 1. Mike J. Tuck 23.25; 2. Thomas J. Spina 18.19; 3. Tim P. Sheran. Boat Bonito 1. Chris Jones 7.97; 2. Terry W. Horrocks 7.67; 3. Thomas J. Rapone Shore Bonito 1. Robert Hadley 7.77; 2. Bob W. Iwaskiewicz 7.07; 3. David A. Nash Boat Bluefish 1. Ken Baracchini 13.61; 2. Bob Page 12.93; 3. Thor Farrish Shore Bluefish 1. Norris E. Johns 6.09; 2. Tim P. Sheran 5.36; 3. Dino Piskopanis Boat Albacore 1. Art E. Crago 9.75; 2. Gary A. Mirando 8.73; 3. Jim A. Moineau Shore Albacore 1. Tim P. Sheran 8.99; 2. Jared Hull 8.79; 3. Andrew G. Moore Junior Division (ages 9-14) Boat Bass 1. Max Crockett 29.75; 2. Alex M. Poole 28.94; 3. Wilson Saville III Shore Bass 1. Emilyanne Williston 35.34; 2. Cameron Maciel 26.59; 3. Jesse Steere 4th Boat Bonito 1. Sarah L. Kadison 5.86; 2. Zachary Horrocks 5.63; 3. Cameron Maciel Boat Bluefish 1. Cody J. Brewer 14.38; 2. Mitchell Pachico 14.02; 3. Lauren A. Williston Shore Bluefish 1.Asa P. Bernard 10.56; 2. Eamon D. MacKenzie 8.55; 3. Samuel Scott Boat Albacore 1. Sarah L. Kadison 9.10; 2. Josef C. Ehntholt 7.98; 3. Andrew Fargnoli Shore Albacore 1. Antone T. Silvia Mini Junior Division (ages 4-8) Boat Bass 1. Jessie J. Chandler 14.52; 2. Christopher A. Morris 12.33; 3. Sarah J. Williston Shore Bass 1. Cameron Maciel 26.59; 2. Keira R. Mercier 18.33; 3. Tiana M. Souza Boat Bonito 1. Cameron Maciel 5.46; 2. Nolan C. Ehntholt 5.19; 3. William C. Kadison Boat Bluefish 1. Ashley T. Brede 11.47; 2. Jessie J. Chandler 10.48; 3. Philip Jordan Shore Bluefish 1. Asa P. Bernard 10.56; 2. Eamon D. MacKenzie 6.55; 3. Keira R. Mercier Boat Albacore 1. William C. Kadison 7.38; 2. Wyatt A. Jenkinson Special Junior Awards (ages 4-14) The Wayne Jackson Memorial Award for the heaviest fish caught by a junior, Emilyanne Williston The Victor Dangerg Trophies for the heaviest Bluefish caught by a Boy, Cody J. Brewer 14.38; for the heaviest Bluefish caught by a Girl, Lauren A. Williston Brickman Award for the heaviest Bonito caught by a junior, Sarah L. Kadison Chamber of Commerce Award for the heaviest Albacore caught by a junior, Sarah L. Kadison Cutler Bike Shop Award awarded by the luck of the draw to two of the eight junior grand leaders, one from boat and one from shore, Boat: Sarah L. Kadison; Shore: Asa P. Bernard. 8 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

11 Grand Slam Award Leaders (For the heaviest combined weight of all four species) All Tackle Boat 1. Capt. Buddy Vanderhoop 75.34; 2. Geoff K. Codding 73.21; 3. Lev C. Wlodyka Shore 1. Bob Jacobs 47.32; 2. Keith A. Maciel 45.34; 3. Ron H. McKee Fly Rod Division Boat 1. Jaime H. Boyle 48.06; 2. Mark W. Jones 43.65; 3. Ken Baracchini Special Presentations and Awards Boston Whaler Lev Wlodyka. Chevrolet Silverado Bob Iwaskiewicz. The Beaulieu/Loud Memorial Award Robert and Lisa Williston and Family. Dr. David Finkelstein Award in Memory of Bob Post Boat Bluefish: Ross Morancie 14.96; shore Bluefish: Daniel J. Geary The darosa Awards for the heaviest overall Bluefish and heaviest overall Bass, Bluefish: Daniel J. Geary 15.69; Bass: Capt. Buddy Vanderhoop James P. Catlow Memorial Award for the heaviest Shore Bluefish caught by a male resident, Daniel J. Geary Dr. Thomas Nessa Memorial Award awarded to the individual who weighs the heaviest Bass on the first day of the tournament, Robert Heger. Top Rod Award awarded to the individual who has won the highest number of daily pins at the close of the derby, All Tackle: Patrick T. Jenkinson; Junior: Sarah H. Williston. Roberto Germani Release Awards selected at random for the release of one Bluefish, Bonito, Albacore or Bass: All Tackle: Don M. Scarpone; Flyrod: Thomas J. Rapone. Robert Huff Langley Memorial Award selected at random from the Third Places in the All Tackle division of each species caught from shore, Angie Fisher. The Musia Fly Fishing Award for the heaviest fish caught by a woman in the fly rod division from boat or shore, Theresa Henriksen. Senior Awards Chamber of Commerce Award for the heaviest Shore Bluefish caught by a senior, Daniel J. Geary. The Brickman Award for the heaviest Shore Bonito caught by a senior, James C. Cornwell. The George H. Pye Award for the heaviest Shore Bluefish caught by a resident and non-resident senior, resident: Daniel J. Geary; non-reident: James L. Wollam. Senior Memorial Awards Ray Metcalf Boat Bass: Lois Kelley Stout; Shore Bass: Stephen F. Amaral. Arnold Spofford Boat Bonito: Jack Kallinich; Shore Bonito: James C. Cornwell. Howie Leonard Boat Albacore: Estey L. Teller; Shore Albacore; Abe Williams. Madison Alwardt Boat Bluefish: Ross Morancie; Shore Bluefish Daniel J. Geary. Hall of Fame Inductees Bob Boren, Helen Scarborough, Jerry Jansen, Ed Landers and John Crews 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

12 270 Outrage THE MORE FOAM THERE IS OUT THERE, THE MORE FOAM YOU NEED IN HERE. When blue water turns dark and choppy, you stay calm and confident. Heading out to fishing grounds where others fear to tread. You re in a rugged, unsinkable Whaler. A versatile, low-maintenance craft that lets you spend less time worrying about the boat and more time enjoying your kind of fun. It s a pleasure to cruise in, uniquely designed for a smooth, dry ride. And a joy to drive, as the Accutrack hull carves sure, steady turns, even in pounding seas. Whalers offer tons of versatile standard features, plus so many options, it s as if you designed the boat yourself. Like complete fishing packages with extra rod holders, bait prep centers, livewells and more. Plus storage, storage, storage. Choose a center console with loads of walkaround room for 360 fishing. Or a Conquest that lets you extend your expedition comfortably over another few The Unsinkable Legend nights. Fishability. Unsinkability. Durability. And just more ability all around. Nobody puts it together like Whaler. Call Whaler 9 to locate your dealer Outrage 320 Outrage 240 Outrage 2003 Boston Whaler 10 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

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14 HALL OF FAME KIB BRAMHALL A member of the Derby committee for many years, Kib Bramhall is a conservationist, skilled fisherman and distinguished artist. Kib Bramhall has held both Derby and world fly rod records. Most important, he brings a sense of integrity and fair play to the sport of fishing and the Derby. Respected both for his demeanor and fishing accomplishments, he is honored for the example he has set for others over more than four decades of Derby fishing. SERGE de SOMOV Distinguished by his fishing skills, respected as a gentleman, both on and off the beach, Serge de Somov s four derby victories, three consecutively, were unmatched during the first half century of the Derby competition. Known as the Mad Russian and The Count, due to his aristocratic European background, Serge de Somov caught the heaviest shore striped bass to claim victory in 1964, 1965, 1966 and again in Surrounded by an aura of mystery, Serge de Somov earned his place among the legends of Derby history. He is honored for his fishing accomplishments on dark island beaches where the striper fisherman stand and cast! ED JEROME At the helm of the Derby, Ed Jerome guided the faltering tournament out of perilous waters and helped build it into a successful and respected institution. As the longtime President of the Derby corporation, Ed Jerome has been a thoughtful and patient leader. Whether through the Derby scholarship program or charitable contributions, he has never waivered in his belief that the Derby exists to contribute to the Vineyard community. A fisherman, educator and community leader, he is honored for his extraordinary efforts in making the Derby a truly unique Island institution. HOWARD LEONARD A founder of the Derby and committee secretary for many years, Howard Leonard was an enthusiastic Derby fisherman and tireless volunteer distinguished by his good humor and kindness. Howard Leonard personified the ideals of the Derby and was unstinting with his time, particularly when it involved the young people of the Island. He is honored for his service to the Derby and the community of Martha s Vineyard th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

15 The Derby Hall of Fame The Hall of Fame was created to recognize individuals and organizations, including government bodies, who have made a significant and positive impact on the sportfishing community of Martha s Vineyard and on the operation and goals of the Derby. Inductees must have demonstrated good sportsmanship, honesty, integrity, and exhibited a concern for fish and the environment. We are extremely proud of these individuals and the significant contributions they have made to the success of the Martha s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. BENJAMIN MORTON A derby founding member, and Massachusetts Steamship LInes executive, Ben Morton worked tirelessly in both a professional and volunteer capacity to create a Derby that would be enjoyed by Islanders and visitors alike. A member of the Derby committee for more than 20 years, Ben Morton guided the Derby from its creation and joint sponsorship under the boat line and the Martha s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club to its later management by the Martha s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce. He is honored for his wisdom, foresight and efforts on behalf of the Derby and the entire Vineyard community. AL BRICKMAN No single individual on Martha s Vineyard had more connections than did Al Brickman in the mid 1940 s. This Father of the Derby took these ties in the fishing community.., the business and tourism community, the worlds of journalism, public relations, real estate and transportation, combined them with his deep concern for the welfare of the Vineyard, its people and natural resources, and with a singularity of purpose, yet skillfully and patiently, forged the Martha s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby into existence. This month long event has, for the following four generations of Islanders and our visitors, dramatically improved the quality of life on Martha s Vineyard. RUTH HUGHES In 1947, Ruth Hughes began her daily reporting of the Martha s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby for the column she wrote as a reporter for the then New Bedford Standard Times. She chronicled the operations of the day, wrote the names of the daily winners on the derby blackboard, kept a running account of the day s largest fish and recorded for history special occurrences of the day. Ruth was a Derby fixture at the weigh station for 11 years doing just about everything that was needed until 1958 when she assumed the role of Oak Bluffs Town Treasurer until her retirement in Ruth s accurate written accounts of those early years of the Derby are now housed in our Derby archives and are the only factual consistent accounts of those Derby Years. ROBERT J. POST Bob Post, self described as a fisherman trapped in the body of a dentist, was also a gifted journalist, author, Public Health official, Derby member and father, among many other roles. Most importantly, Bob was a connector and chronicler of the living history of the Derby. Happiest when sitting astride a boulder on a Gay Head beach, after fishing into the dawn, conversing with a Jerry Jansen, Kib Bramhall, or another of the fishing denizens of the preceding night, Bob turned these conversations into the critically acclaimed book Reading the Waters, which, more than any other source, illuminates and brings to life the wonders and mystery of surf fishing the Vineyard and the Martha s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. The book, its several never published chapters, hundreds of pages of notes and hours of recordings make up a wealth of research material for the future. 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

16 HALL OF FAME CLAYTON HOYLE Clayton Hoyle was a skilled rod maker and was instrumental in the creation of the Martha s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club. Affectionately known as The Instigator he always offered his opinions and ideas whether asked or not. Several members of the Rod & Gun Club along with Clayton helped foster the idea of an island fishing tournament that later became the Martha s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. RICHARD MORRIS Richard Morris founded Dick s Bait and Tackle in He loved to fish, but most of all he loved to tell stories about fishing. He never won a prize in the Derby, but many a Derby yarn was spun in his tackle shop about the one that got away by those who congregated there on a regular basis. He enjoyed meeting new people every year and looked forward to each fall knowing the Derby would be starting. The Derby was a major part of his life and he would be very proud to know he was in its Hall of Fame. ARNOLD SPOFFORD Arnold Spofford was a member of the Derby Committee for nearly 15 years beginning the the early 1980 s. He was well known for his famous Ballastic Missile and Needle Fish Lures. Every year his wife Ellen and he would fill their living room with parts that made up their lures while putting them together. But Spof was known best to us for his vision and forward thinking for the Derby s direction. It was Spof who created and wrote the first Souvenir Booklets. His stories captured the essence of this tournament and were matched by his photography. Spof was instrumental in the creation of the Ray Ellis prints we sell each year and the Scholarships we now offer to island graduates. Arnold Spofford truly had an impact on the Derby as we know it today. BOB BOREN Bob was a long standing Derby Committee member who worked hard to support the Derby in many ways, but perhaps he was best known for his respnsibility for handling the Derby s raffle of a 4x4 Jeep. For years, the committee s raffle of a Jeep was the main fundraiser supporting the tournament. At all of the summer events on the island and at winter sportsman s shows around New England, the committee sold tickets and it was Bob who was always at the center of that effort. Bob s house was often the meeting place after selling tickets. After events like the Tisbury Street Fair, Bob and his wife supplied the refreshments while the committee totaled the night s effort. Bob and his Derby buddies spent many summer nights selling raffle tickets on the corner of Circuit Avenue in front of Giordano s in Oak Bluffs, but it was Bob who was always in charge, making new friends and sharing great fishing stories with the public. Bob was a tremendous ambassador for the Derby th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

17 HALL OF FAME HELEN SCARBOROUGH Helen was a fixture at the weigh-in for many years. She was the weigh master and keeper of records many years before the scale became digital and computers replaced the pen and paper. She was known as mother hen as she kept the busy weigh-in running efficiently and exciting for young and old. JERRY JANSEN Jerry is the oldest living, active participant id Derby history. Jerry first started fishing the Derby during the second year of its existence and hasn t missed a Derby since. This year, will mark the 57 th Derby Jerry has participated in. Jerry has been an avid surf fisherman and is well known to many. His great sense of humor and wealth of fishing stories about the Derby are legendary. Jerry s book Successful Surf Fishing has helped many a beginner with helpful tips. ED LANDERS You ll never hear a negative word about Eddie. He was a great fisherman and willingly shared his knowledge and techniques with the people who fished with him. Who fished with Ed? Every neighborhood kid that he could fit into his buggy. They all have hilarious stories of their adventures with Ed. They say from watching him chase skunks down the beach to carrying his catch back to the car at Squibby. He was a great teacher and respected the rules of life and sportsmanship. He is now about 80 years old and still lives in Oak Bluffs where he was born and raised. JOHN CREWS John dedicated himself to filleting fish during the derby for over 2 decades. He served as the Official Filet Master long before the committee assigned a filet master. Big John, as he was known, worked both weigh-ins each day with a broad smile and tireless dedication until he was 87 years old. He passed away last year at about 100 years old. 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

18 Get twice the derby coverage. For everything about the derby, turn to the Gazette. With complete news coverage both Tuesday and Friday, no other newspaper can offer up-to-date information on the fish stories and the stories that seem a bit fishy. Plus receive regular derby updates throughout the week on our website at mvgazette.com. Catch your own copy. To subscribe, call or toll-free 1/ th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

19 Good Luck in the Derby! P.O. Box 1327 Vineyard Haven, MA (508) Fax (508) Why do I fish an A-Salt? You want to talk about tough? East Coast tough? Then talk about the A-SALT Bomber. It s built with a super-strong body design, hook hangers, hooks and split rings that can take punishment and give it back. It ll reach em, too. The A-SALT Bomber has an internal weight system for super-long casts that allow that trademark Long A wiggle to tangle with anything willing to hit. Rich Johnson, host of The Fishing Line television and radio programs th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

20 Derby Grand Prize Winners From 1946 to 1984, with the exception of 1980, the fisherman catching the largest striped bass was the grand prize winner. Lbs. Oz Bass Gordon Pitman, New York, NY Bass George Marshall, Vineyard Haven Bass Al Doyle, Edgartown Bluefish Henry B. Hartley, Boston, MA Bass George Marshall, Vineyard Haven Bluefish Ralph Estes, West Tisbury Bass Frank Drake, Vineyard Haven Bluefish Wallace Pinkham, Vineyard Haven Bass Freeman Caswell, Attleboro, MA 43 5 Bluefish Philip Silva, Oak Bluffs Bass John O. Sylvia, Oak Bluffs Bass James Walpole, Edgartown Bass Wallace Pinkham, Vineyard Haven Bluefish Walter Lyko, Dorchester, MA Bass Louise de Somov, Hampton Bay, NY Bluefish Ed Livingston, New Bedford, MA Bass Dick Hathaway, Edgartown 52 9 Bluefish Walter Lyko, New Bedford, MA Bass Ralph Grant, Edgartown 47 8 Bluefish Arthur Rogers, Vineyard Haven Bass Oscar Flanders, Chilmark Bluefish William E. Blake, Melrose, MA Bass Anton Van Breeman, Medford, MA Bluefish Les Hebblewhite, So. Boston, MA Bass Philip Baron, Wollaston, MA 45 9 Bluefish Albert Keinberg, Edgartown Bass Adam Kurpat, New York, NY Bluefish Roger Titus, So. Dartmouth, MA Bass Harold Benway, Vineyard Haven 52 4 Bluefish Michael Pagano, New Bedford, MA Bass Serge de Somov, Hampton Bay, NY Bluefish Frank Valois, Fargo, ND Bass Serge de Somov, Hampton Bay, NY Bluefish George Hampson, No. Falmouth, MA Bass Serge de Somov, Hampton Bay, NY Bluefish Richard Hathaway, Edgartown Bass Edward Souza, Lowell, MA Bluefish Richard Hathaway, Edgartown Bass Fred Kiener, Vineyard Haven 52 6 Bluefish Arnold Carr, Teaticket, MA Bass Robert Rose, Oak Bluffs 48 6 Bluefish Madison Aldwardt, Oak Bluffs Bass Serge de Somov, Hampton Bay, NY 51 6 Bluefish Douglas Gingras, Vineyard Haven Bass Gordon Lingberg, Fairhaven, MA Bluefish Gladys Flanders, Chilmark Bass Albion Alley, West Tisbury Bluefish Frank Simmons, Oak Bluffs Bass Wayne Iacono, Vineyard Haven 56 9 Bluefish Jean Hancock, Chilmark Bass Robert Black, Somerville, MA Bluefish Freeman Willoughby, Edgartown Bass Raymond Metcalf, Edgartown Bluefish Wayne Coutinho, Oak Bluffs Bass Roger Silva, West Tisbury 48 0 Bluefish Kevin Peters, Oak Bluffs Bass Rick Connell, Vineyard Haven 48 0 Bluefish Dick Cudmore, W. Bridgewater, MA Bass Al Doyle, Edgartown 56 6 Bluefish Kevin Hall, Vineyard Haven Bass Dick Hathaway, Edgartown 60 2* Bluefish Gary Lewis Bass Dick Hathaway, Edgartown 55 3 Bluefish Bernie Arruda, Edgartown Bass Francis Bernard, Oak Bluffs 49 5 Bluefish Lee Welch, Edgartown 20 0** 1981 Bass Richard Landon, New Haven, CT Bluefish Eric Pachico, Vineyard Haven 20 1 Weakfish Dave Perry Sr., Attleboro, MA Bonito Kib Bramhall, West Tisbury Little Tunny John Waters, Hamilton, MA Lbs. (digital) 1982 Bass Thomas Bassett, Edgartown Bluefish Jerry Morency, South Dartmouth, MA Weakfish Leonard Reid, West Tisbury Bonito Dennis Sanidas, Falmouth, MA 9.43 Little Tunny Stan Popowitz, Edgartown Bass Steve Morris, Oak Bluffs Bluefish David Walton, New Bedford, MA Weakfish Earl Stypulkowski, Edgartown Bonito Robin Hyde, Chilmark 9.14 Little Tunny Charles Witham Jr., Gay Head Bass Jack Coutinho, Vineyard Haven Bluefish Stanley Tomkiewicz, Achusnet, MA 20.5 Weakfish Bill Smith, Pembroke, MA Bonito Sean O Conner, Gay Head 9.80 Little Tunny Arthur Winters, Edgartown Bluefish (boat) David Walton, New Bedford, MA 19.20** Bonito (boat) Stan Brown & Doug Kudravetz (tie) 9.00 Albacore (shore) Harvey Kausel, Slingerlands, NY Weakfish (boat) Sonny Beaulieu, Oak Bluffs Bluefish (boat) Bill Uniatowski, Oak Bluffs 19.40** Bonito (boat) George Kudravetz, Alexandria, VA Albacore (shore) Kevin Hall, West Tisbury Weakfish (boat) Lee Welch, Edgartown 16.90* 1987 Bonito (boat) Cooper Gilkes III, Edgartown 10.19** Bluefish (boat) Amy Musia, Evansville, IN Albacore (boat) Keith Lewis, Vineyard Haven (No Weakfish were caught) 1988 Albacore (shore) Roger Beach, Edgartown 15.40** (boat) Pat Drouin, Edgartown Bluefish (shore) Chris Macdonald, Needham, MA (boat) Scott Terry, West Tisbury Bonito (shore) Peter Barobne, Weymouth, MA (boat) Paul Bergeron, Oak Bluffs Albacore (shore) Robert Graves, Oak Bluffs (boat) Joel Graves, Oak Bluffs Bluefish (shore) Sergio Radossi, Ridgefield Park, NJ (boat) Michele Rogers, Edgartown Bonito (shore) Curtis Hopps, Vineyard Haven 9.89** (boat) Kib Bramhall, West Tisbury * Derby Record ** Grand Prize Winner 18 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

21 1990 Albacore (shore) Bob Perry, Bridgewater, MA 14.48** (boat) Don MacGillivray, Vineyard Haven 19.39* Bluefish (shore) David Hearn, Burlington, MA (boat) Michele Rogers, Edgartown Bonito (shore) Benjamin Barbee, Weymouth, MA 9.58 (boat) Bryan Abrahamson, Oak Bluffs 11.22* 1991 Albacore (shore) Martin S. Fox, Millburn, NJ (boat) John Novak, Marshfield, MA Bluefish (shore) Matt Perry, Vineyard Haven (boat) Scott H. Terry, West Tisbury 18.50** Bonito (shore) Steve Dowler, Oak Bluffs 9.62 (boat) Scott H. Terry, West Tisbury Albacore (shore) Robert D. Wilcoxon (boat) Domingo Canha Bluefish (shore) Larry A. Mercier (boat) Ernest L. Daman 16.77** Bonito (shore) Mark F. Budresky 9.92 (boat) Carlos T. Bartholomew Albacore (shore) Robert Milne (boat) Marilyn Scheerbaum 13.62** Bass (shore) Buck Martin (boat) Aaron Corsetti Bluefish (shore) Michael Tinus (boat) Earl Peters Bonito (shore) David Desmarais 9.87 (boat) Don MacGillivray Albacore (shore) David Vergara (boat) Thomas Goodale Bass (shore) Richard Morris (boat) Donna Nagle Bluefish (shore) Daniel Bryant (boat) Matt Lakso Bonito (shore) Dave Desmarais (boat) Gary Look 12.44* ** 1995 Albacore (shore) Eric Brown 13.15** (boat) Mark E. Drinkwater Bass (shore) Mike Alwardt (boat) Frank T. Dougherty Bluefish (shore) Lori Vanderlaske (fly rod) (boat) Edwin Gentle III Bonito (shore) Bill Ashak 7.96 (boat) Steven Wood Albacore (shore) Philip B. Willoughby 11.68** (boat) Arthur N. Vose Bass (shore) Mark Plante (boat) Frank Nuovo Bluefish (shore) Dennis Williams (boat) Donald Ballou Bonito (shore) John Livingston 9.42 (boat) Perry C. Ambulos Albacore (shore) Ken Abbott (boat) Philip Lofgren Bass (shore) Dick Hathaway (boat) Dick T. Leeson Bluefish (shore) Andre Levesque (boat) Vladimir Smirnov Bonito (shore) Stanley Popowitz 9.49** (boat) Joseph Canha 9.97 (boat) Walter S. Wlodyka Bass (shore) Scott Jadovich 43.71** (boat) Donald Widdiss Bluefish (shore) Abram Williams (boat) Fred Collins Bonito (shore) Bernie Arruda 7.88 (boat) Christopher Peters Albacore (shore) Dave Desmarais (boat) Lev Wlodyka Bass (shore) William DeBettencourt (boat) Jen Clarke Bluefish (shore) Paul B. Schultz (boat) John Cowart Bonito (shore) David Desmarais 10.33* (boat) Robert Mocarski Albacore (shore) David Skok (boat) John Schillinger Bass (shore) Stephen Morris (boat) Lev Wlodyka Bluefish (shore) Kevin Hearn (boat) Joe Uva Bonito (shore) Eric R. Wolfe 7.11 (boat) Mark Plante 10.37* 2001 Albacore (shore) David W. Skok (boat) Michael D. Henry 9.81 Bass (shore) Dan T. Pribanic (boat) Lev Wlodyka Bluefish (shore) Jack M. Livingston (boat) Karen A. Kukolich Bonito (shore) Rob Morrison 7.36 (boat) Robert H. Clay 6.89 Derby Record Winning Fish Bluefish Jean Hancock 23 lbs., 4.5 oz. (boat, all tackle, 1972) Charlie Blair lbs. (boat, fly rod, 1984) Striped Bass Dick Hathaway 60 lbs., 2 oz. (shore, all tackle, 1978) Kib Bramhall lbs. (shore, fly rod, 1981) Bonito Gary Look lbs. (boat, all tackle, 1994) Nelson Sigelman10.81 lbs. (boat, fly rod, 1994) False Albacore Donald MacGillivray lbs. (boat, all tackle, 1990) Jaime Boyle lbs. (boat, fly rod, 1990) Weakfish (no longer in the derby) Lee Welch lbs. (boat, all tackle, 1986) Grand Slam Award (Heaviest combined weight of all four species since 1994) All Tackle Shore: Mark Plante 77.5 Boat: Lev Wlodyka Fly Rod Shore: Chip Bergeron Boat: Jamie Boyle Albacore (shore) Adam Rose th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

22 MAIN STREET, EDGARTOWN th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

23 Land the big one with Wallace & Co. Edgartown, MA & West Tisbury, MA fax Dukes County Savings Bank WE ARE PROUD TO ONCE AGAIN SUPPORT THE 58 TH ANNUAL STRIPED BASS &BLUEFISH DERBY EDGARTOWN VINEYARD HAVEN 78 Main Street 65 Main Street TRUST DEPARTMENT WEST TISBURY Cournoyer Road 459B State Road EDGARTOWN OAK BLUFFS Post Office Square Uncas Road Sarah Turner, daughter of Yvette Turner, Head Teller at Dukes County Savings Bank. Member FDIC / Member DIF 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

24 INSIDE AND OUT... THE BEST SPINNING REEL EVER MADE. Durable yet lightweight die cast aluminum housing, side plate & rotor. Stainless steel ball bearings for smooth retrieves. Powerful, shielded HT100 drag. Machined gold anodized aluminum spool. Spool shaft supported at top, middle and rear a Penn exclusive. Large diameter stainless steel spool shaft. Leveline feature for even line winding. Slammer 560 Cutaway shown above at actual size. Heavy duty precision gears smooth & rugged. Techno-Balanced rotor for wobble-free retrieves. PENN S NEW SLAMMER SERIES. Our Pride s Inside. When you claim to be the best, you ve got to be ready to prove it. At Penn, we re proud to show what we re made of. Because no other spinning reel is built as solid, as tough and as smooth as Penn s new American-made Slammer. Gut Check. Look inside and you ll see a large diameter stainless spool shaft supported in three places a Penn exclusive. Heavy duty precision gears. Infinite anti-reverse for solid hooksets. Six bearings for smoothness Infinte anti-reverse for solid hooksets. Slammer yards/12-lb. Stainless steel ball bearing line roller. and support. A Leveline system for even line wraps. A strong yet lightweight aluminum body. And a large HT-100 drag washer that s protected under the spool. One Two Punch. Choose the Slammer 460 (240 yds./12-lb.) or the Slammer 560 (325 yds./12-lb.) for bait, plug or lure fishing. Ideal for snook, redfish, stripers, blues, even tough freshwater gamefish. Check out the tough new Slammer spinning reels and great Penn rods to match at your Penn retailer today! 2001 Penn Fishing Tackle Mfg. Co., 3028 W. Hunting Park Ave., Dept., Philadelphia, PA Today s Release Is Tomorrow s Catch Set A Sensible Limit. Our Natural Resources Are Too Precious To Waste th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

25 The Black Dog One Fish...Two Fish... BlackDog...Blue Fish! Eating Establishments The Tavern ~ On The Harbor In Vineyard Haven ~ The Bakery Cafe ~ State Road, Vineyard Haven ~ The Bakery ~ 5 Corners, Vineyard Haven ~ The General Stores In Vineyard Haven ~ Water St. and State Rd. In Edgartown ~ South Summer St. In Oak Bluffs ~ At Dockside And Our NEW Store on Circuit Ave. theblackdog.com Or Call For A FREE Catalog: th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

26 OUT HERE, TIME MOVES MORE SLOWLY. JUST LIKE YOUR GAS GAUGE. MERCURY OPTIMAX for SALTWATER. With an exclusive, 2-stage directinjection process that provides unparalleled range. And which further proves that OptiMax is the only engine in the world that lets you 800-MERCURY mercurymarine.com 2002, 2003, Mercury Marine, All Rights Reserved 24 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

27 Escape To... Martha s Vineyard s Premier Full-Service Resort! The Island Inn is a deluxe, all-suite, full-service resort. The property is located just a stroll away to two beautiful beaches and adjacent to Farm Neck Golf Club. This 71/2 acre landscaped resort features Har-Tru tennis courts, pro shop, tennis courts and tennis pro, Two bedroom units with kitchens, many with fireplaces BEACH ROAD OAK BLUFFS, MA th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

28 Junior Derby albacore 1991 (boat) Nick Warburton 9.59 (shore) Tony B. Jackson 13.09* 1992 (boat) Lev Wlodyka 10.96* (shore) Miles Whyte (boat) Nick Warburton 9.59 (shore) Kevin Ludwig (boat) Liam Bassett 8.68 (shore) Miles Whyte (boat) Jared Fisher 9.45 (shore) Zachary C. Horrocks (boat) Willy Codding 9.63 (shore) Zachary C. Horrocks (boat) Jared E. Fisher 9.44 (shore) Amy V. Baynes (boat) Joshua Alwardt 6.78 (shore) Trevor Wright (boat) Cody Pachico 7.85 (shore) Brian Hackett (boat) Zach Shea 7.47 (shore) None 2001 (boat) Lauren A. Williston (boat) Sarah L. Kadison 9.10 (shore) Antone T. Silvia 9.10 * Junior Record bass 1994 (boat) Dereck Peterson 38.72* (shore) Wolfie Blair 36.59* 1995 (boat) Jennifer Jordan (shore) Joshua Alwardt (boat) Michael Pachico (shore) Ryan Pierce (boat) Michael Pachico (shore) Chris Polleys (boat) Joe Hegarty (shore) Tim Saver (boat) Cody T. Chandler (shore) Joshua Alwardt (boat) Casey Elliston (shore) Eli Bonnell (boat) Becca L. Webb (shore) Tim J. Sauer (boat) Max Crockett (shore) Emilyanne Williston * Junior Record 26 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

29 Grand Prize Winners bonito 1991 (boat) Ryan Welch 7.45 (shore) Lev Wlodyka 8.55* 1992 (boat) Morgan Child 8.96 (shore) Geoffery Codding (boat) Nick Warburton 10.48* (shore) Lev Wlodyka (boat) Michael Broccolli (shore) Benjamin Barbee (boat) Tyrone Barlosky 7.48 (shore) Tom Rapone (boat) Ted Blackanton 6.72 (shore) None 1997 (boat) Brian Pouliot 8.55 (shore) None 1998 (boat) Wolfe Blair 6.14 (shore) Cody Brewer (boat) Sam Bell 6.83 (shore) Tim Saur (boat) Casey Elliston (shore) Tim Saver (boat) Spencer A. Sass (boat) Sarah L. Kadison 5.86 * Junior Record bluefish 1991 (boat) Ryan Pierce (shore) Francis Fisher (boat) Joseph Peters (shore) Garrett Wojtuldewig (boat) Lev Wlodyka (shore) Miles Whyte (boat) Ryan Pierce (shore) Sharon Oh (boat) Ryan Pierce 17.54* (shore) Steven Costas 15.13* 1996 (boat) Ross McDowell (shore) Eli J. Bonnell (boat) Chris Stefanos (shore) Tim J. Luce (boat) Marc Levesque (shore) Shana Montesion (boat) Nikolas Pappastratis (shore) Ollie Becker (boat) Taylor Pierce 19.05* (shore) Cody Brewer (boat) D. J. Pothier (shore) Jack C. Stephenson (boat) Cody J. Brewer (shore) Asa P. Bernard * Junior Record 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

30 Offshore Ale Co. KENNEBEC AVENUE, OAK BLUFFS LUNCH DINNER FRESH ALE We re only steps away from the best fishing in Oak Bluffs th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

31 Hangin Together! Stripers Just Can t Resist Hooking-Up With Our Incredible FT Spinner Baits From Boone Bait Company In a choice of dazzling colors, popular weights/hook sizes, our Boone Saltwater Flare Tout Spinners are custom-designed to pulsate uniquely through the water, making them totally irresistible to Stripers. It s a fatal attraction! You ll hook em so hard they ll see stripes! And guess what?...you ll see more stripes in your boat! Bait Company, Inc. Either it s a Boone...or it s an Imitation! For your nearest dealer, contact: Boone Bait Company, Inc., P.O. Box 2966 Winter Park, FL 32790, or call th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

32 Why Fishing Always Wins John Custer It is hard to compare fishing with other recreations. In America, we are passionate about our leisure activities, and participating in them is one of the great features of our society. Some are quite common, such as tennis or gardening. Others may be more rare - scuba diving and oil painting, for instance. Survey any typical community and you re sure to find bowlers, slow-pitch softball players, poker groups, and dart leagues. These pursuits, along with many others, offer rewards of entertainment, challenge, excitement, and an escape from daily routines and commitments. All have their merits, however none rates with fishing. Fishing is unique in that it cannot be categorized as just a sport, hobby, or activity. Fishermen understand this. Even when fishing season is months away, fishermen are thinking about its arrival. Not merely thinking, but also planning, visualizing, and imagining. Any activity requires a certain amount of mental preparation, and fishing is no different. When one lives in a place such as Martha s Vineyard and the fishing season lasts perhaps seven months (eight, if Mother Nature cooperates), the off-season allows for such preparation. Watching fishing shows on cable, reviewing the previous year s log, filling spools with new line, checking out tackle catalogues, and telling tales (more on that later) help fill the void. During that time, fishermen may play poker or darts, basketball or hockey, but their hearts await the arrival of the herring and all that follows. They are just biding their time. They may even dream of hungry stripers, breaking bluefish, and light and variable winds with favorable tides. I know I have. Even subconsciously, fishermen are preoccupied. Spouses may call behavior such as this obsessive. Fishermen know better. It s a healthy addiction. If as much time, energy, and attention were given to any other activity, maybe there would be reason for concern. But now with fishing. Fishing is different th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

33 Every leisure activity has its certain appeal. I too have other interests, but it s hard to describe the attraction of fishing. Nothing else compares. Perhaps the only activity which has as loyal a following is golf. With respectful apologies to those who chase the little white ball, the rivalry isn t even close. I m not a golfer. I tried it. Didn t particularly care for it. I d rather be standing in the surf or drifting the rips, but that s just me. Many try to be devoted golfers and fishermen. I ve heard it doesn t work out. Apparently a choice must be made. I ve also heard, and observed that those who have chosen fishing are much happier. At the risk of offending a very worthy pastime, suffice it to say that fishing offers more to the participant than does golf. As a wise friend, who tried to be a golfer and fisherman, once told me, Pretty much whenever I went fishing, I could bring home dinner. Golf balls, no matter how long you marinate them, are still inedible. He gave away the clubs and kept his rods, never regretting the decision. Fishing also carries with it responsibilities that other pursuits do not. Because it requires a relationship with nature, fishing demands respect for the environment, conservation, and preservation. Future anglers deserve the same wonderful opportunities that we experience today, that previous fishermen enjoyed years ago. A dedication to fishing means helping to insure its future success. Anytime you see a child catch a fish, this becomes instantly clear. This helps to set fishing apart. Fishing has earned this praise, this top billing. It is like nothing else. Lastly, with fishing, there is always a story. It really doesn t matter whether it is accurate, exaggerated, or completely false; the story is necessary. In telling a fishing story or listening to one, it becomes obvious that, when compared to anything else, fishing always wins. 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

34 Custom Floor INSTALLATION & REFINISHING Specializing in Refinishing) STAINING URETHANING BUFFING Congratulations to the Derby Committee: 58 Years of A Job Well Done For a copy of the 2003 Visitor s Guide, stop by the Chamber office on Beach Rd., or send $5 to: MVCC PO Box 1698 Vineyard Haven, MA MARTHA S VINEYARD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HARDWOODS SOFTWOODS Free Estimates Excellent References Call... Mark Morris UP-ISLAND AUTOMOTIVE, INC. Good Luck to all you fishermen Capt. Leslie S. Smith U.S.C.G. Certified I.G.F.A. World Record Holder Fully Insured 1074 State Road Patrick, Pat, P. O. Box 482 Frankie, Wyatt West Tisbury, MA Joan & Marguerite 32 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

35 Kids Mini Derby Join the tradition of passing on the memories of this special derby moment Free! Prizes - Lots of Fun - Free! Saturday September 20 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Oak Bluffs Steamship Authority Wharf SPONSORED BY JACKSON, LEWIS, SCHNITZLER & KRUPMAN SINCE 1958, PRACTICE LIMITED TO LABOR, EMPLOYMENT & BENEFITS LAW IN BEHALF OF MANAGEMENT Island Taxidermy Studio will present a trophy for the Largest Scup. 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

36 Welcome to the 58 th Annual Derby Airport Business Park Edgartown, MA David Pothier, owner For All Your Car Care Needs Tel: P. O. Box Oak Bluffs, MA Fax: Capt. Everett Porky Francis In-Store Specials, Combo Specials, Lures, Tackle Boxes, Nautical Gifts, Charters, Gift Certificates Fly Fishing, Saltwater, and Freshwater Tackle Car Rentals Rod Rentals Fresh and Frozen Bait We Have Eels 13 Dock St., Edgartown MC/Visa On the Waterfront 34 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

37 Chart your course with us. (508) compassbank.com Member FDIC/Member DIF Equal Housing Lender Best fish ID book we ve seen to date. Capt. Barry Gibson, SWS Sport Fish of the Atlantic Vic Dunaway s newest book with over 200 pages in full color. ID Info, Edibility, How-to Tips. An excellent species identification guide written for anglers. Available at tackle shops everywhere or contact Florida Sportsman (800) th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

38 The Island of Martha s Vineyard RESPECT OUR ISLAND Breaking blues in the surf. A striper cruising the trough of a wave. A sunrise or sunset over the water. All of these are moments we treasure as fishermen. Yet, the opportunity to experience those moments may someday be lost. Please respect private property, leave the beaches cleaner than you find them, and above all, release those fish not meant for the table carefully, so other fishermen may know the same excitement as you. 1. Cape Pogue Gut bass, blues, albacore, bonito 2. Cape Pogue Light bass, blues, albacore, bonito 3. East Beach Jetty bass, blues, albacore, bonito 4. Wasque Point bass, blues and anything else 5. South Beach bass, blues 6. Squibnocket bass, blues 7. Philbin Beach bass, blues 8. Gay Head bass, blues 9. Lobsterville Beach bass, blues, albacore, bonito 10. Menemsha Jetties bass, blues, albacore, bonito 11. Cedar Tree Neck bass, blues 12. Tashmoo Opening bass, blues 13. West Chop bass, blues 14. Vineyard Haven Jetty bass, blues 15. East Chop bass, blues 16. Oak Bluffs SSA Wharf bonito 17. Little Bridge bass, blues 18. Big Bridge bass, blues 19. Edgartown Light bass, blues, albacore, bonito 20. Edgartown Dock albacore, bonito 36 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

39 38 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

40 If you don t have respect for these fish, they ll tear SHOCK RESISTANCE TEST Energy-to-Break (PSI in thousands) 20 lb. Lines TRILENE BIG GAME Stren High Impact Ande "When I hook into a big Cape Cod fish, the last thing I have to worry about is my line because I know I m, using Big Game. Captain Rich Benson, Cape Cod STRENGTH SHOCK ABSORPTION ABRASION RESISTANCE you to shreds. Only Trilene Big Game my boat. gets on Guys who fish for a living choose Berkley Trilene Big Game. It gives them the strength, shock absorption and abrasion resistance necessary to battle and land big fish which keeps their clients happy in a big way. So if you re serious about catching more and bigger fish, like Rich, take his professional advice. Spool up with Big Game or Big Game Supreme and never settle for less. It s America s Strongest. TM Rich Benson 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

41 40 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

42 FEATURING: Penn Rods & Reels G. Loomis Pro Shop St. Croix Rods Fin Nor Rods & Reels Daiwa Tournament Center Custom Made Rods Rod & Reel Repair Shellfishing Supplies Live & Frozen Bait CONGRATULATIONS DERBY WINNERS Award-Winning Live & Frozen Bait Rod Rentals Rod & Reel Repair Saltwater Fly Fishing Tackle Hot Spot maps & info. Custom Made Island Rods New York Avenue Oak Bluffs 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

43 Squids Shad Herring Umbrella Rigs Bluefish Rigs Striped Bass Rigs Catch & Release Rigs Snakes Wood Poppers Wood Swimmers McKala MATCH-the-HATCH Jigs Good Luck to all TM TOURNAMENT REWARD - Catch a fish on any McKala Fishing Lure and enter to win $250 Reward. To enter, send your story, photograph and official Martha s Vineyard Tournament weigh-in ticket to: McKala Fishing, P. O. Box 75, Beacon Falls, CT Entries must be postmarked by November 1, 2003 Gorilla Rigs Chugga-Heads Led-Heds Bucktails Parachute Jigs Jigged Eel Jigs Fixed Hook Jigs Umbrella Rigs Shads Tube n Worm Purchase our fine lures at: Edgartown - Cap t Porky s, Edgartown Marine, Larry s B&T and Coop s B& T. Oak Bluffs - Dick s B&T and Shark s Landing B&T Chilmark - Menemsha Texaco 42 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

44 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

45 44 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

46 The Best Plans Begin With Luhr Jensen Every day on the water is different, a reality we have all come to know. But whatever the fish come asking for, you ll be ready with a selection of Luhr Jensen lures. Deep, shallow, on the rocks, off the beach or in the open water, the Crippled Herring, Krocodile, B-2 Squid, Deep Stinger, Javelin, and Pet Spoon will answer the challenges and put fish in the boat when it matters most. Casting, trolling, or jigging, there s no team member more important than Luhr Jensen. FREE TECH REPORTS P.O. Box 297, Hood River, OR The View is breathtaking, Our Staff is Exceptional, The Cuisine is Superb. Ranked as Best Restaurant on Martha s Vineyard... Top 6 in New England. - Food & Wine Magazine Voted Best Restaurant - MV Magazine 2001 Rated Excellent - Zagat Beach Plum Lane Off North Road Menemsha 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

47 We support Catch and Release! Good Luck Fishermen 17 Hampden Lane Agawam, MA A Great Catch Coleman Stoves, Lamps and Accessories Rod & Reel Combos Fishing Tackle Crab Nets Quahog Rakes & Baskets Tackle Boxes Flashlights Batteries Filet Knives Pliers Coolers Thermoses Smokers Woodchips Coffee Makers First Aid Kits Gas Cans Bug Repellant Hook Line & Sinkers. We have what you need. 9-5:30 Mon.-Fri Sat. State Road, Vineyard Haven (across from Cronig s Market) 46 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

48 CHARTER BOATS Oak Bluffs Menemsha Summer Lease Capt. Bob Weis Atlantic Sport Fishing Capt. Chris Peters Sortie Charters Capt. Alex Preston Flashy Lady Charters Capt. Dick Vincent Bass n Blue Charters Capt. Scott McDowell West Basin Charters Capt. Lewis A. Colby Banjo Charters Capt. Robert Plante Edgartown Larry s Tackle Shop ST. CROIX SURF RODS Handcrafted in the USA (800) NO ONE SAID THIS WAS GOING TO BE EASY IGNORE THE WAVES. IGNORE THE UNDERCURRENT. IGNORE THE BIKINIS. MISTER. You think fish in the ocean are big because they live in the ocean? Guess again, compadre. They re big because there s so many things working against you the guy with the rod. The tide, so to speak, swings a bit more in your favor when the rod you re fishing is a St.Croix surf rod. The Avid Surf series for example, is built on our unique blend of SC III graphite and SC IIW woven graphite blanks and features Fuji s new tangle-free Alconite ring tip top. St. Croix s Premier Surf rods are the only other rods you ll find with the aforementioned Fuji tip top, and are built from a blend of our SC II graphite and SC IIW woven graphite blanks. And, when it gets down to it, doesn t that sound prettier than any bikini? 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

49 A Message from the Derby Chairman Welcome to the 58th annual Martha s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. By entering, you will be sharing in the tradition, camaraderie, and excitement that makes the Derby such a wonderful experience for so many people on the Vineyard during the fall. As always, the Derby Committee has been working hard since the completion of last year s tournament to make the 2003 Derby enjoyable and memorable for all who participate. This year, the Derby will run for a full five weeks, offering a precious few more days to witness the Derby s magic. Thanks to our generous sponsors, many anglers will win attractive and valuable prizes; however the greatest benefit of participating in the Derby is renewing friendships, making new ones, and enjoying the beauty of the Vineyard waters. All entrants are fortunate to have the special opportunities that Derby times allows. Please read your Rules Brochure carefully and pay particular attention to the mimimum sizes and boundaries. By abiding by the rules, you help the Derby Committee to manage a successful tournament that is fair for everybody. Please release small fish and show respect for the environment. Carry a tape measure with you and measure your fish accurately. If you plan on donating your catch to our fillet program, please keep it iced. Join us in our commitment to wear lift vests. Above all, practice safety and good sportsmanship. Good luck to all. May the 58th Derby provide positive memories that make you look forward to next year s event. John Custer Chairman, Derby Committee 48 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

50 The Best of Luck to all Derby Fishermen 46 Circuit Avenue Oak Bluffs Tel Fax th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

51 2003 Derby Committee In Memory of ROBERT BOREN The Derby Committee will miss former committee member Bob Boren who passed away this year. Bob was instrumental in the success of the Derby for many years. Throughout the summer months if you wanted to find Bob in the morning, you would go to Wasque, but in the evenings you would find his smiling face selling $2 raffle tickets for the Derby Jeep Raffle in front of Giordano s in Oak Bluffs. The Committee will sadly miss him and will remember his historical perspective on the early days of this well respected fishing tournament. Courtesy of the Martha s Vineyard Times 50 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET, 2003

52 2003 Martha s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby Committee Ed Jerome, President John Custer, Chairman, 1st Vice President David Pothier, Past Chairman Walter Wlodyka, Vice Chairman Chris Scott, Treasurer Greg Skomal, Secretary J. P. Uranker, Director at Large Mike Cassidy, Director at Large Jaime Boyle; Don Eber; Porky Francis; Cooper Gilkes; Bill Jurczyk; Chris Kitchin; Bob Lane; Matt Malowski; Janet Messineo; Alley Moore; Bill O Brien; Mark Plante; Tom Robinson; Bill Roman; Jeff Sayre; Red Ward; Paul White; Steve Baccelli; Shirley Craig; Bill MacKenty; Steven Morris; Charlie Barr Maryanne Jerome Business Secretary A Special Thanks to; Mark Alan Lovewell, for his years of support of the Derby and his continuous help with photographs and Lisa Brown, for her help and assistance in supplying photography work for our Derby booklet and as our official Derby photographer for many years. Dave Skok, for his use of many fine photography in last years booklet. Thanks also to the following who submitted photographs to this year s booklet. Francesca A. Uranker, Wayne Smith, Charlie Barr, Betsy Corsiglia, John Custer, Janet Messineo, Phil Cronin, Steven Morris, Deb Grant Publication Notice The 2003 Derby Souvenir Booklet is published by the Martha s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby, Inc., a not for profit corporation. The booklet is presented free of charge to all Derby registrants. Prior written permission is required before publication or use of any material contained in this booklet. Address all correspondence to: Box 2101, Edgartown, MA The editors / designers of the 2003 Souvenir Booklet and Rules Brochure were: J.P. Uranker, Chairman; John Custer, Paul White, Ed Jerome, Steven Morris and Walter Wlodyka. 58th DERBY SOUVENIR BOOKLET,

53 Deadly Dicks, Kastmasters, Cap n Andy s, ATOMS, Bomber, Rebel, Roberts Thomas and MORE! We Are A Full Line YO-ZURIDealer! OPEN 7 Days TRIANGLE, Edgartown 10 Foot Rod, Reel & Line ONLY $49.99 Wow! Rain Gear, Waders and MORE WADERS! Shakespeare, Penn, Silstar & MORE!

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55 Bone collecting in the Bahamas How to fish with complete confidence 2,000 miles from home There s a little-known fact about fly rods we re going to let you in on. Other rod makers might not like it, but we think you should know. All of the new lightweight rods on the market being built from high-modulus graphite come with a price: the higher the modulus, the more brittle the graphite, and in turn, the easier it is to break the rod. Sure, most rods are guaranteed, but guarantees won t help you when you re fishing in Labrador, or Alaska, or Martha s Vineyard and you re two float plane trips away from the nearest fly shop. Only Orvis has figured out the solution to the high-modulus graphite problem: the new T3 series. Made from 78 million highmodulus graphite, the new T3 is the only rod ever made that protects its lightweight graphite fibers in an exclusive thermoplastic protective armor, resisting breakage over 30% better than conventional high-modulus graphite rods. Now that s what we call trip insurance. The New Orvis T3. In an exclusive process, Orvis T3 rod blanks are baked at extreme high temperatures so that our thermoplastic-enriched resins melt around and encase each individual high modulus graphite fiber. This creates protective armor for added power and durability. Good Luck in the 2003 Derby Feel the line, not the rod For the Orvis dealer nearest you call ext