State Fisheries Officials Announce New Catch-and-Release Category to Statewide Annual Fishing Derby

BOSTON – For the first time in the more than 30-year history of its annual fishing derby, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) has added a catch-and-release category to keep pace with the growing trend of sport fishing. While previously anglers were required to harvest and weigh-in their fish, the new format will allow anglers who don’t want to keep their fish a chance to showcase their angling skills.

“Adding this new category to the annual saltwater fishing derby is a great way to include new people in the derby and gives us a way to recognize outstanding anglers who prefer catch-and-release fishing,” said Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Commissioner Mary Griffin, whose agency includes the Division of Marine Fisheries. “Massachusetts has fantastic marine fishing opportunities and I encourage people to get out and enjoy the outdoors by participating in the Saltwater Fishing Derby.”

Six species are eligible for the catch-and-release category: bluefish, cod, false albacore, fluke, striped bass and winter flounder. In order to be considered for a catch-and-release certificate, an angler must catch a fish that meets or exceeds the minimum qualifying length. An angler can receive one certificate per species per year for their largest qualifying catches. Like the DMF’s traditional Saltwater Fishing Derby, the new catch-and-release derby runs annually from January 1st to November 30. In order for a catch to be eligible, the fish must be measured to the nearest half inch. An angler must submit a clearly discernable picture of the fish and a measuring device that indicates total length.

The angler who submits the longest fish for one of the six species categories will be presented a special award at a DFG ceremony next winter. Anyone who catches four different species that meet the minimum length requirement will be considered for the Grand Slam Award – an honor given to the fisherman with the highest total cumulative length of any four species entered. In the event of a tie, the fish submitted earliest will win.

Derby affidavits and pictures should be sent to:

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries

Att: John Boardman.

1213 Purchase Street.

New Bedford, MA 02740

Pictures can be sent via email to: john.boardman@state.ma.us

For those who prefer to participate in the DMF’s traditional Saltwater Fishing Derby (not catch-and-release), rules require that fish entered must be caught by hook and line and measured and weighed at a DMF-certified official weigh station. All entries will receive a derby pin and at the end of the derby year; trophies will be awarded to anglers who landed the heaviest fish in each species category. Winners are chosen in three divisions - men, women, and juniors (age 15 and younger). There is also a “Skillful Skipper” award, which is presented to the captain who has three derby winning fish caught on their boat. For more information on the annual Saltwater Fishing Derby visit, www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/recreationalfishing/saltderb_release.htm#leaders

The Department of Fish and Game is the primary agency responsible for promoting the enjoyment and conservation of the Commonwealth’s natural resources. DFG carries out this mission through land preservation and wildlife habitat management, management of inland and marine fish and game species, and enforcement of the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. DFG promotes enjoyment of the Massachusetts environment through outdoor skills workshops, fishing festivals and other educational programs, and by enhancing access to the Commonwealth’s lakes and ponds.