2024 Martha’s Vineyard Rod & Gun Club Fly Rod Striped Bass Catch and Release Tournament

June 1st & 2nd, 2024

Saturday June 1st, registration, Noon - 3 pm: at MV Rod & Gun Club: 265 The Blvd., Edgartown. 

Saturday June 1st, 7 pm - June 2nd, 2 am: Tournament fishing begins at 7 pm and ends at 2 am. 

Sunday June 2nd, 8 am – 9:30 am: Grab bag breakfast treats with coffee and/or juice at MV Rod & Gun Club: 265 The Blvd., Edgartown.

Results must be turned in by 9 am. 

Sunday June 2nd, awards ceremony, 9:30 am: Awards ceremony at MV Rod & Gun Club: 265 The Blvd., Edgartown.

Fishermen must be registered and present to win prizes. 

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Dear Fly Fisherman:

For 32 years, the Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club Striped Bass Fly Rod Catch and Release Tournament rules stated: wind, rain, or moonshine — we do not cancel.  Of course, we did not anticipate a COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The 32nd Striped Bass Fly Rod Catch and Release Tournament is scheduled for the evening of Saturday, June 1st.

For thirty plus years, honesty, camaraderie, and conservation have underpinned the tournament. Recognizing concerns over catch-and-release mortality, we have modified the rules and changed the focus from high fish tallies to a fish quota — the first team to fill its quota wins.

The fish quota is four fish per angler for teams of three members or less. Three fish per angler for teams of four or more fishermen. The twist is that each member of a team must catch his or her own quota for the team to qualify.

For example, if you’re on fire, you can continue to fish after you've filled your quota but those fish don't satisfy your team member’s quota — he or she has to carry his own weight. We think this will add to the rooting (or harassing) of fellow team members.

Plaques will be awarded based on each qualifying team’s team finish time.

The biggest fish category is a combination of length and girth. Fishing in that category may continue even after a member of a team meets his or her quota.

Hooks must be barbless or the barbs must be crushed down.

We think you will agree that these changes, which emphasize quality over numbers, demonstrate continued conservation leadership and set a good example for others to follow.

One of the unique aspects of this event is that every participant who is present at the awards ceremony has an opportunity to win one of the many great prizes our generous supporters contribute each year in an open lottery.

 Please check the Rod and Gun Club website (mvrodandgun.org) for updates or email: info@mvrodandgun.org.

The entry fee is $45. The money raised helps to support club youth activities.

We strongly suggest that you make ferry reservations as soon as possible by calling the SSA at 508-477-8600 (steamshipauthority.com).

If you can donate a prize, it would be much appreciated. Contributions can be shipped to Catch & Release Tournament, Coop's Bait & Tackle, 147 West Tisbury Road, Edgartown, MA 02539, or dropped off on Saturday. If you have any questions, please call tournament committee member Cooper Gilkes at 508-627-3909, or e-mail Nelson Sigelman at nelson.sigelman@gmail.com.

 

Sincerely,

The Catch and Release Committee