Massachusetts Fishing Tournaments: Tuna, Sharks, Stripers, and More

The Thriving Fishing Tournament Scene in Massachusetts

From the windswept shores of Cape Cod to the island communities scattered across Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts has a long and storied connection to fishing. Generations of Bay Staters have made their living hauling lobsters, catching cod, and netting bluefin tuna. This rich angling heritage lives on today through the state's vibrant fishing tournament circuit.

A Full Summer Tournament Schedule

The fishing calendar kicks off in early summer with tournaments centered around staples like striped bass and bluefish. As the weather warms, the quest for trophy tuna and sharks ramps up. No matter the target species, Massachusetts tournaments attract top angling talent from across the Northeast and beyond.

The Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby spans six weeks in the early summer. With different divisions for shore, boat, and fly fishing, the derby offers something for all anglers chasing linesiders and choppers around the Vineyard and Elizabeth Islands.

Numerous shark tournaments also take advantage of the seal population boom around Cape Cod. Events like the Oak Bluffs Monster Shark Tournament and the Buzzards Bay Fishing Club Blue Water Fishing Tournament see teams competing for cash prizes by catching the largest mako, thresher, and blue sharks.

Tuna Fever in the Late Summer

By August, tuna mania takes over as anglers set their sights on giants roaming northeast canyons and shoals. The Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary hosts several contests focused on bluefin and bigeye tuna over 40 inches long. The Stellwagen Bank Trophy Fish Tournament is limited to sportfishing boats targeting these pelagic prizefighters into early fall.

Perhaps the most high-profile summer event is the Northeast Bluefin Open. Held out of Gloucester Harbor for boats from Maine to Connecticut, this tournament features three days of intense bluefin action. Tens of thousands in prize money is up for grabs along with prizes for the top five heaviest tuna.

For landlocked anglers, the Cape Cod Canal hosts the Cape Cod Canal Bluefin and Striper Fall Frenzy Tournament in early September. Contestants can fish from shore or by kayak chasing stripers, bluefish, and bluefin tuna moving through the canal.

Winter Cod and Haddock Contests

The hearty souls who continue to fish through the cold New England winter have their own tournament schedule. Numerous fishing clubs around the North Shore host small boat contests for cod and haddock. These events keep alive traditions passed down from generations of Gloucester fishermen.

The Battle of Gloucester Open Cod Tournament is held in late February out of Captain Joe and Sons dock. Anglers compete in divisions for both traditional cod fishing and jigging. With the cod population still recovering, these contests help collect data on the fishery while allowing captains to show off their fishing prowess despite the challenging weather.

While the cycles of fish migration and abundant fishing grounds off Massachusetts bring anglers and contests out during every season, summer remains tournament season for top sportfishing talent. From Shootout results to new state records, the largest payouts and catches take place when the weather is at its warmest. Regardless of the time of year, Massachusetts continues to draw competitors from near and far chasing glory through its fishing tournaments.

FAQs

What are the most popular species targeted in Massachusetts fishing tournaments?

The most popular tournament species are tuna (especially bluefin), striped bass, bluefish, sharks (like mako and thresher), cod, and haddock. Tournaments exist for just about any species found in Massachusetts waters including flounder, seabass, and more.

What is the largest fishing tournament in Massachusetts?

The Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby is the largest tournament. Spanning six weeks in the early summer, it attracts over 3,000 anglers chasing bass and bluefish around Martha's Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands.

What time of year do the biggest tournaments take place?

The warmest summer months from July through early September see the biggest events, especially the tournaments focused on large tuna and sharks offshore. However, smaller contests take place year-round including winter cod tournaments held out of Gloucester.

Can shorebound anglers participate in Massachusetts tournaments?

Yes. Some of the largest tournaments like the Martha's Vineyard Derby have shore fishing divisions. Other contests like the Cape Cod Canal Bluefin and Striper Tournament are focused entirely on shore and kayak anglers fishing from land around the canal.