Category Archives: West Chop

The 68th Annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby

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September and October are special months on the island. The craziness of the summer has died down, the weather turns from hot and humid to crisp and inviting; perfect fishing weather. Every year from mid-September to mid-October islanders compete in the annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. This year marks the 68th year of good old fashion fishing, and stories of the one that got away. There is no hoopla like the Monster Shark Tournament in July. When the weigh station is open you’ll find children straining their necks to see the fish that were weighed in, adults gathered around the coffee table chatting and catching up with friends after a hectic season, seasoned fishermen who are hoping to make the final four so they may have a chance to win a truck or boat, and men with stunned faces when women come in with fish bigger than theirs, a smirk across her face in sweet victory of the day.

The Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby started in 1946 as a means to extend the season and attract more business to the island in the shoulder season. That first year drew in over 1000 anglers with a simple goal of catching the biggest Striped Bass and Bluefish. The first prize was $1000, the second was a lot in Aquinnah. Since then the derby has grown, categories added, prizes are grander (although you can no longer win a lot of land) including a boat and a truck, and scholarship funds that total more that $64,000 given out to island residents.

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To register for the Derby please visit any of these convenient locations on island

 

 Sandpiper Rentals, Inc

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Exhibit Review ~ “One on the Line: The Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby”

One On The LineOn August 30 the Martha’s Vineyard Museum unveiled its newest gallery exhibit called, “One on the Line: The Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby”. The exhibit highlights the 67 year history of the annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby.

I am a fisher(wo)man. I love to fish, and look forward to the Derby every year. I register for it as soon as registration is available and even have a number reserved for me; so it’s easy to assume I was looking forward to the unveiling of the Derby exhibit last Friday. After leisurely strolling through the other exhibits I made my way through the crowd of fellow fishermen and women and was surprised with what I encountered. The first thing you’ll notice as you approach the exhibit are the large fish mounted on the walls; each one caught from previous Derby’s. As you look around you’ll see antique fishing gear, buttons and pins from Derby’s past, photos chronicling the history of the Derby, and much more.  I highly recommend coming with a charged cell phone so you can hear oral stories about specific items or events from the Derby’s past.

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I thoroughly enjoyed myself and suggest you take the time to go view the exhibit. Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $4 for kids. Visit monday through Saturday 10 – 5 or Sunday noon – 5pm. Located at 59 School Street in Edgartown, the MV Museum is 2 blocks from Historic Downtown Edgartown. The entrance is at the intersection of Cooke and School Streets with parking available off School Street.

 Sandpiper Rentals, Inc

Rent@SandpiperRental.com

CLICK HERE  to search our Martha’s Vineyard vacation rental home SPECIALS

or

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What To Do On A Rainy Day On Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is known as an outdoor paradise. There are miles of beaches to enjoy and trails to hike, presidential golf courses, bike paths across the entire island, incredible sunsets to watch, and of course the multitude of watersports available; but what is there to do when it’s raining?

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Don’t let a little rain ruin your vacation. Gather everyone together and head on out for a good time. Below is a list of activities for rainy days on Martha’s Vineyard:

 

Go To The Movies Continue escaping reality by visiting Entertainment Cinemas on Main Street in Edgartown. Get lost in the stories of the movies.

Visit The Game Room Challenge your friends to a friendly game of Ski Ball, or play any of the 50 hottest games around. Located on Circuit Ave in Oak Bluffs

Take a ride on The Flying Horses Carousel Visit the oldest carousel in the country. Originally built in 1884, these beautiful  antique horses have been providing memories for many generations. Catch the brass ring and get a free ride!

Check with the local libraries If you’re traveling with small children, be sure to check with the local libraries to see what events they have scheduled for that day. Activities include story hour and free movies.

Make Your Own Custom Jewelry Head on over to Vineyard Haven to Beadniks, an activity based bead store where you can create custom jewelry no one else will have. Beadniks is located at 14 Church Street in Vineyard Haven

Visit the Martha’s Vineyard Museum Take a couple of hours and stroll through the Edgartown campus learning about the history of Martha’s Vineyard, including original settlers, whaling history, and much more.

Sandpiper Rentals, Inc

Rent@SandpiperRental.com

CLICK HERE  to search our Martha’s Vineyard vacation rental home SPECIALS

or

 CLICK HERE to search through our inventory of over 500 homes