For many, after the competitive energy subsides, the essence of camaraderie extends far beyond the closing bell of the 80th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. Post-tournament fishing provides a chance for seasoned anglers to enjoy the peace of nature, mentor beginners, and strengthen the bonds of the fishing brotherhood.

The 80th derby wrapped up with a full array of divisional prizes, prestigious awards, inducting of hall of fame members and Sam Bell putting on the show of a lifetime when his lock and key made the iconic “Click!”

Twenty-three year old Adam Knight was not only the sole fisherman to weigh in a fly rod shore bluefish, but he was the only angler to achieve a fly rod shore triple crown which consists of weighing in a bluefish, bonito and false albacore that all meet minimum size requirements. His mom, Alicia, cheered him on at the awards ceremony and reveled in his achievements.

Also taking the stage were a few Chilmark kids including; Latham and Gryphon Kurth, Mica Zoref and Liam Keene. Mica weighed in a beauty of a shore bonito on the last night of the derby. All of these young anglers put the time in at the water’s edge.

Along with the end of the derby come the end of Larsen’s Fish Market’s 2025 season. They have closed up shop and look forward to seeing us in the spring of 2026. It’s always a pleasure to see Betsy, Kristine, Scott, Sara and the gang out, about and away from work.

The sheep shearing marvel, Andy Rice, was down for a spell to do a little saltwater fishing. From his landlocked location in Vermont he traveled to town and while not fishing the jetty, shore and drive on dock, he rested his head at the Allen Farm. It’s always a pleasure to sit a spell with him for a little catch up. He’s not only got edge of your seat stories about sheep shearing and fishing, but from his days on the Oklahoma City. I always appreciate his shares.

Although he’s been here since July, I finally got to meet Nick Sedberry, the new officer in charge at Station Menemsha. I missed the changing of the guard ceremony due to work conflicts and then, well, summer just took over. His tour brought him to us with his wife and two little kids. He’s dear longtime friends with Jake Maciel who made the proper introduction.

Jake, who has since moved to Maine, was down for the final weekend of the derby with his bride Colleen and their one year old Nicholas. Nicholas just celebrated his birthday a couple weeks ago. They send along their best to everyone they didn’t get a chance to catch up with in person.

Captain Flanders House was the site Bailey Mae Gardner and Miguel de Bragança chose to exchange vows on their wedding day. The wedding party consisted of Meredith and Felix Holdsworth, Annabel and Camilla de Bragança, Anna and Margot Perry, Sylvie and Marguerite Dole, Harrison and Hartwell Green, John Stanwood, Alex Karalekas, Adam Petkus, Marin Peter, Olivia Johnson, Jen and Kaia Voumard, David Gerson, Jamie Greene and Niko Ewing. Along with Bailey’s parents Phoebe Sheldon and David and Miguel’s parents Barbara and Miguel there was quite a beautiful inner circle. They dinner-ed. They danced. They hooted and hollered in joyous song. Congratulations.

Do not forget. Halloween is fast approaching. Children -and parents- are in the throes of creating costumes and planning their candy-seeking routes. If you are thinking about having the lights on with a bowl of candy to share please give me a shout and I’ll help get the word out.

As per usual, our awesome Chilmark firefighters will be at the ready Friday, October 31 at the CCC from 5 p.m.-5:45pm to feed our little fairies, ghouls, goblins and ghosts a slice of pizza and cup of cider before they head out in search of candy. All are welcome to stop by to watch the costumes parade. Our towns kids are always creative and entertaining.

This week is the West Tisbury School eighth grade UK exchange week. I’ll be sure to gather some stories to share. Stay tuned.

Happy birthday week to Roberta Morgan. Although her cake was cut on the 20th, when you’re 96 you get to celebrate all week. You are loved.