This past year, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Saltwater Derby established two new state records and honored three “Skillful Skippers,” as well as setting two new International Game Fish Association (IGFA) records for blue shark. Rocco DeTeso of Chelmsford, MA landed a 7 lb 10 oz Spanish mackerel on September 24th and Kenneth Abbott of Edgartown, MA caught a 131 lb 4 oz wahoo on September 23rd. Captains Dave Niemi, Jim Walsh and Rick Lapierre were awarded the “Skillful Skipper” for each having three derby winning fish caught aboard their vessel.

 Each year, the Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) conducts the Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Derby.  Fish entered must be caught on a hook-and-line in state waters, landed in a Massachusetts port and be measured and weighed at a MarineFisheries certified weigh station.  Each eligible derby entrant receives an attractive enameled pin.  At the end of the derby year, trophies are awarded to anglers landing the heaviest fish in each species category.  Winners are chosen in three divisions – men's, women's and junior's (age 15 and younger).

 There were 277 entries for 2006 and 42 anglers were awarded engraved silver-plated Paul Revere bowls.  MarineFisheries Director Paul Diodati and Recreational Fisheries Project Manager Dr. Michael Armstrong presented the awards on February 11th at the Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Exposition in Worcester, MA. Winners are listed below. 

The 2007 Derby runs from March 1st through November 30th.  Awards will be given out in early 2008.  To enter, have an official affidavit filled out at a certified weigh-station.  Please write clearly and provide all information requested. Affidavits that are illegible or incomplete cannot be accepted.  Mail affidavits to: Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Derby, Quest Center, 1213 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (*Please note that this is the new location of MarineFisheries’ South Shore offices previously located in Pocasset).  Entries must be received within 30 days of catch and be postmarked no later than December 10th.

2006 Saltwater Fishing Derby Winners