About the Derby
The Knotty Striper Derby is a season-long striped bass tournament hosted by Steve’s Rope Splicing in Gloucester, Massachusetts. From Memorial Day to Labor Day 2026, 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
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Entry Fee: $35 per angler
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Opens: May 25, 2026 (Memorial Day)
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Closes: September 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM
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Essex County coastal waters only
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Register at Steve’s Rope Splicing
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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 | City / Town |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fish of the Week
Every Sunday we feature the best catch of the week.
Angler Name:
Steve Germain
Fish Length:
36.5
This Weeks Prize:
2 lb Live Eels
Sponsored By:
Steve's Rope Splicing
Next Weeks Prize:
Heading 6
Sponsored By:
Heading 6
Grand Prize Pool
All prizes are minimums — the pool grows all summer as sponsors join.
1st
TBA - (Growing)
2nd
TBA - (Growing)
3rd
