This is one of the premier fly fishing events in the United States. It's run by volunteers and fosters the best qualities of the sport. All of us look forward to the fun, excitement and camaraderie of the annual Martha's Vineyard Rod & Gun Club Fly Rod Striped Bass Catch & Release Tournament. That's when fishermen and striped bass will meet on the beaches of Martha's Vineyard - wind, rain or moonshine - we do not cancel. Please read the rules carefully as we have made some changes. Fish no longer have to be a minimum of 20 inches to be counted and some times have been changed. You have the choice to fish as a member of a team you form, or be teamed up at random with someone else looking for a partner. If you need to be matched up please let us know in advance and do not arrive late. Each year, approximately 200 fly fishermen join in the fun. All of us connected with this unique contest think it fosters the best qualities of the sport of fly-fishing. One of the unique aspects of this event is that we do not give prizes based on catching fish. Instead, everyone who fishes the tournament, and is present at the awards ceremony has an opportunity to win one of many great prizes contributed by our generous supporters. If you are able to donate a prize it will be much appreciated. [Contributions can be shipped to Catch & Release Tournament, Coop's Bait & Tackle, 147 West Tisbury Road, Edgartown, MA 02539 or dropped off on Saturday.] The money raised by the tournament helps to provide trout for our spring Kid's Trout Derby, send two kids to summer Conservation Camp and supports a day of fishing for kids with cerebral palsy who attend the Island's Camp Jabberwocky. The tournament is also a major fundraiser for the M.V. Regional High School culinary arts program's annual trip. The Tournament headquarters at the M.V. Regional High School on the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road provides plenty of casting room. On Saturday afternoon prize sponsors can set up tables and display products and talk to some of the East coast's most ardent fly fishermen. The schedule includes a Sunday morning breakfast and 9:30 a.m. awards ceremony. We hope that you can be there. This year the tournament will be held the weekend of June 7th to take advantage of the best conditions. We strongly suggest that you make ferry reservations as soon as possible by calling the SSA at (508) 477-8600 (www.steamshipauthority.com). If you have any questions please call tournament committee member Cooper Gilkes at (508) 627-3909, or e-mail Nelson Sigelman at nelson@mvtimes.com. May we all enjoy tight lines and lots of fun. This tournament is open to the public and the winners' names are engraved on trophies in the clubhouse. You can view a list of Past Winners on our Championship page. If you would like to participate in the tournament, read the Rules and Schedule and fill in this Catch and Release Form and return it per the attached instructions.