- Division of Marine Fisheries
For decades, Massachusetts anglers have competed to catch the largest saltwater fish in Massachusetts, dating back to the historic Governor’s Cup. Now, in 2025, DMF’s Recreational Fisheries Program is inviting anglers to celebrate this long tradition as they embark on a new chapter of the Derby: The Commissioner’s Cup. With new rules, easier ways to enter, and a new showcase trophy, the reimagined derby should ignite a renewed spirit of competition and excitement for the 2025 season.
Earlier this year, the Recreational Fisheries Program unveiled a rebranding of the saltwater derby and a brand-new permanent trophy commissioned from the amazing Cape Cod artist, Steve Swain. The “Commissioner’s Cup,” a one-of-a-kind steel sculpture, was inspired by the diversity of popular saltwater fish in Massachusetts waters. The Cup started the season on tour at several fishing shows across New England and will soon be on permanent display in Foxborough’s Bass Pro Shop at Patriot Place. At the end of the derby season, the winning Angler of the Year and Junior Angler of the Year will have their names added to the Cup display, and they’ll take home a personal trophy of their favorite species replicated from the Commissioner’s Cup trophy.
Competing for a spot on the Derby Leaderboard is now easier than ever. The Derby has two divisions, a Catch & Release Division where you submit a length measurement, and a Weigh-in Division where you submit a weight. Starting this year, anglers can weigh fish themselves using one of the three approved digital scales. This change increases the opportunity for anglers and for-hire captains to participate. Submitting entries is also easier and more accessible, with new, shorter online forms. Each Division has more than 30 eligible species, giving everyone a great chance to get their name up on the leaderboard in the Adult and Junior (age 15 and younger) categories. Whoever enters the most winning species across both Divisions (Weigh-in, Catch & Release, or combined) will be honored as the overall Angler of the Year (both Junior and Adult) at the annual awards ceremony. During the ceremony, a Best Captain in the Business will be announced for the for-hire captain whose boat registers the most winning entries, and the tackle shop most voted for on derby entries will be named Top Shop.
Keep an eye out for an announcement of when the Commissioner’s Cup display debuts in its permanent home at Bass Pro Shop, then come see it in person! In the meantime, enjoy the word-class fishing in Massachusetts, get your derby entries in, and try and claim a top spot on the leaderboard.
By Neil McCoy, Information and Education Coordinator
