Tales from the Tackle Box: Cooper Gilkes and Nelson Seiglman
Tales from the Tackle Box: Cooper Gilkes and Nelson Seiglman
After a sold out talk in September, Legends and Longtime fishing partners Cooper “Coop” Gilkes and Nelson Sigelman return on Wednesday, February 18 to share more stories from a lifetime spent on the waters of Martha’s Vineyard. From dawn patrols to Derby weigh-ins, their friendship has been shaped by decades of casting lines, swapping tales, and helping define one of the Island’s most beloved traditions.
Coop, owner of Coop’s Bait & Tackle, has long been a hub of the Vineyard fishing community and a guiding force behind both the Derby and the Catch & Release Tournament. Nelson, former editor of The Martha’s Vineyard Times, is an award-winning outdoor writer whose columns have chronicled the rhythms, humor, and heart of Island life through fishing.
In this lively conversation, they revisit memorable moments, legendary catches, and the spirit of camaraderie that makes the Derby more than a competition. It’s a warm, story-rich reflection on sport, community, and the friendships that keep people coming back to the water year after year.
NEW: Join us at 4pm at First Light Cafe in our Linnemann Pavilion to purchase drinks, light bites, and mix with Museum staff and fellow attendees before the program!
MVM Members: $15; Non-Members: $25
DETAILS
| Date | February 18, 2026 |
|---|---|
| From | 5:00 pm |
| To | 6:00 pm |
| Type | Talk |
| Venue | Martha’s Vineyard Museum |