Legends of the Line: Celebrating 80 Years of Fishing
Legends of the Line: Celebrating 80 Years of Fishing
A Fishy Lecture Series. Stories of the Derby, told by Local Legends.
This Derby Season at MVM
Legends of the Line: Celebrating 80 Years of Fishing
Honoring the Derby: Stories from the Vineyard
Wednesdays, September 17 – October 15, 2025
In celebration of the 80th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, the Museum is proud to collaborate with the Derby on a special speaker series highlighting its lasting impact on Island life.
Join us as a handful of long-time Derby participants share their experiences, memories, and insights, offering a unique perspective on how this beloved event has shaped the Vineyard community over eight decades. This series honors both the individuals who have dedicated years to the Derby and the countless participants they represent, celebrating a cherished tradition that continues to connect generations.
The series concludes on Wednesday, October 15, with a special tribute to fishing legend Janet Messineo, celebrating her extraordinary contributions and lasting impact on the Derby and Vineyard fishing community.
Individual Tickets:
MVM Member: $15; Non-Member: $25
THE SCHEDULE
September 17
Ed & Steve Amaral: Brothers on the Vineyard Waters
Join longtime fishing brothers Ed and Steve Amaral as they share stories from decades on the Vineyard’s waters. Growing up in Oak Bluffs, the Amarals have been part of the Derby community for generations, with Ed known for his meticulous tackle techniques and Steve celebrated for landing some of the Derby’s most memorable striped bass.
Beyond their catches, the brothers have been fixtures in the local fishing scene, mentoring younger anglers and helping preserve the traditions that make the Derby a cherished Island institution. Their talk offers a firsthand look at the Derby’s enduring impact on the community, along with the humor, camaraderie, and life lessons that come from years spent on Vineyard waters.
September 24
Jim Cornwell: A Lifetime of Derby Tales
Join Jim Cornwell, a dedicated participant in the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby since he was 12, as he shares his rich history with the event. In 2023, Jim had the honor of ringing the opening bell for the 78th Derby, reflecting his deep-rooted involvement in the fishing community.
Over the years, he has earned accolades including the Howie Leonard Memorial Award for the heaviest false albacore caught from shore in 2008. Known for his quiet dedication, Jim often fishes alone to protect his favorite spots, and fondly recalls early Derby days with his father, Emdon.
In this special talk, Jim will recount remarkable catches, cherished traditions, and the enduring friendships that have made the Derby a cornerstone of Island life.
October 1
Cooper Gilkes & Nelson Sigelman: Fishing, Friendship & the Derby
Longtime friends and Derby veterans, Cooper “Coop” Gilkes and Nelson Sigelman, have spent decades casting lines and sharing stories on Martha’s Vineyard. Coop, owner of Coop’s Bait & Tackle, is a fixture in the fishing community and has been instrumental in organizing the Derby and the Catch & Release Tournament . Nelson, a former editor at The Martha’s Vineyard Times, is an award-winning outdoor writer whose fishing columns have captured the essence of Island life.
Together, they’ve not only fished the waters but have also shaped the Derby’s legacy. Their talk will delve into unforgettable catches, the camaraderie that defines the Derby, and the community it fosters. It’s a celebration of both the sport and the enduring friendships that make the Derby a cherished tradition on the Vineyard.
October 8
Shirley Craig: Decades of Derby, Fish, and Friends
Join Shirley Craig as she shares her decades-long experience with the Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. From memorable catches to the traditions and camaraderie that make the Derby a Vineyard favorite, Shirley offers a unique, firsthand perspective on this beloved Island event. Fun fact: Shirley once caught a record-setting striped bass that became the talk of the Derby for weeks, a story she loves to recount with her signature humor and enthusiasm.
October 15
Honoring Janet Messineo: A Legacy of Surfcasting and Community
Join us for a special evening celebrating the life and legacy of Janet Messineo, a pioneering figure in Martha’s Vineyard’s fishing community. For over 50 years, Janet was a dedicated participant in the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, earning a place in the Derby Hall of Fame in 2005 . Beyond her impressive fishing skills, she was also the Island’s only taxidermist for many decades, known for her traditional skin-mount techniques. Her memoir, Casting into the Light, published in 2019, offers a window into her life and passion for fishing. This evening will feature reflections from longtime Derby participants and friends, sharing stories that honor Janet’s extraordinary contributions and the lasting impact she has had on the Vineyard fishing community. Her dedication, kindness, and pioneering spirit continue to inspire anglers and community members alike.
