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Ocean Waves

Knotty Striper Derby 2026

Gloucester’s Season-Long Striped Bass Tournament — Open Now Extended To Oct 12th

  Open to Essex County Waters  ·  $35 Entry  ·  #KnottyStriperDerby

About the Derby

The Knotty Striper Derby is a season-long striped bass tournament hosted by Steve’s Rope Splicing in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Originally planned from Memorial Day to Labor Day 2026 we extebded out to Oct 12 due to starting delays. Anglers compete on the same North Shore waters Gloucester has fished for generations. This is a community event — built for the people who know these waters best

Event at a Glance

  • Entry Fee: $35 per angler

  • Opens: Now

  • Closes: October 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM

  • Essex County coastal waters only

  • Register at Steve’s Rope Splicing

  • Award Ceremony: TBD 

How it Works

01.

Register In Person

Stop into Steve’s Rope Splicing at 11 Harbor Loop Unit 6, Gloucester. Pay your $35 entry fee, get your Registration ID, and receive your official measuring tape. Then create your member account on this site to activate your submissions portal.

02.

Catch & Submit

Head out to Essex County waters and fish. When you land a striper, photograph it flat on a surface with your measuring tape and ID visible, then take a second photo holding the fish. Log in and submit both photos here. Submissions open 48 hours after registration.

03.

Lead the Board

Your longest approved fish is your leaderboard entry. The season-long leader wins the top prize — and the prize pool grows all summer as sponsors add to it. Check the live leaderboard anytime. Awards at the ceremony in September.

Current Leaders

Updated regularly throughout the season. Full leaderboard →
Rank
Angler Name
Fish Length (inches)
Catch Date
1
John depaula
49.25
07/14/2026
2
Matthew lane
47.5
07/21/2026
3
Anthony Parco
45.25
07/15/2026
4
Cameron silva
45.25
07/22/2026

Fish of the Week

Every Sunday we feature the best catch of the week.
7/18/26
-
7/25/26

Angler Name:

Cameron Silva

Fish Length:

45.25

This Weeks Prize:

3lb Live Eels

Sponsored By:

Steve's Rope Splicing
Young Steve First Striper.jpg

Next Weeks Prize:

300yd Spool of Power Pro 40lb Braided Line

Sponsored By:

Three Lanterns
Three Lanterns

Grand Prize Pool

All prizes are minimums — the pool grows all summer as sponsors join.

1st

$450 - (Growing)

2nd

$270 - (Growing)

3rd

$180 - (Growing)

Prizes for top finishers based on total registration. Fish of the Week prizes announced every Sunday throughout the season. Follow us on Facebook for prize pool announcements as sponsors join. #KnottyStriperDerby

Our Sponsors

Interested in sponsoring the Knotty Striper Derby?
Contact Steve at Stevesropesplicing@gmail.com or call 978-879-9737.
Anchor Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Community Table Sponsors
Special thanks for contributions towards award ceremony
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