Paul J. Diodati Director

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries 251 Causeway Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02114 (617) 626.1520 Fax (617) 626.1509

Deval Patrick Governor Ian Bowles Secretary

February 17, 2005
MarineFisheries Advisory

The Division of Marine Fisheries held its annual Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Derby awards ceremony on February 13th at the Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Exposition for the 2004 winners. There were 42 winners from a total of 242 derby entrants. Two new state records were set: Porbeagle Shark and Thresher Shark.

The 2005 Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Derby commences March 1st and ends November 30th. It is open to all age groups and there is no entry fee. Fish entered must be caught in a fair and sporting manner on a hook and line and must be measured and weighed at an official weigh station on a certified scale. Weigh masters can be found at most local marinas and tackle shops. We would also like to remind participants that any entry must be caught in state waters and/or first landed in a Massachusetts port. In addition, a “Skillful Skipper” award is presented to the captain who has three derby winning fish caught on their boat per year.

To enter, fill out an official affidavit and have it certified at a weigh-station. Affidavits must be received within 30 days of catch and be postmarked no later than December 10th. Check MarineFisheries’ web site for current information at: http://www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.

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