Check ’Em Out: Bay State Flush With Inshore Fishing Tourneys This September

Author, Tom Schlichter showing off a catch from the past. Photo/New England Fishing

Massachusetts is renowned for providing some of the best fall fishing along the Northeast Coast. Throughout September, the state emphasizes that sentiment by hosting at least three major inshore saltwater fishing tourneys. These highly anticipated events draw thousands of local and visiting anglers to test their skills against some of the best in the game. The selection of September capitalizes on the peak fall migration of prized game fish including stripers, blues, and false albacore.

Ranging from single-day face-offs to month-long endurance tests, the upcoming competitions offer significant prize pools, charitable contributions, and a massive celebration of the Bay State’s vibrant coastal community. They are also within a day’s drive of any community along the New England coast.

The featured inshore tournament lineup for September includes, among others:

♦ Nantucket Inshore Classic: Running from September 6 to October 10, 2026, this catch-and-release tourney welcomes anglers of all ages and experience levels to compete from boat or beach. Managed by the Nantucket Anglers’ Club, the event features All-Tackle, Fly, and Junior divisions. Contact: The Nantucket Anglers Club

♦ Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby: Celebrating its historic 81st annual year, this legendary coastal tradition officially kicks off on Sunday, September 13 and runs through Saturday, October 17, 2026. Based out of Edgartown Harbor, the derby unites families, friends, and professional anglers. Contact: MV Derby Official Site

♦ 2nd Annual Striper Shootout: Taking place on September 11 and 12, 2026, at The Marina at Hingham Harbor, this high-stakes tournament launches with a Captain’s Dinner and Calcutta Night on September 11. Sponsored by Oyster Harbors Marine, proceeds directly benefit the Jack’s Drive 55 Foundation and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Contact: (978) 505-8714;

Whether you hope to land a prize-winning catch or simply soak in the waterfront camaraderie, Massachusetts‘ autumn waters promise an unforgettable season – and there are additional several additional tournaments scheduled for September/October both in this and surrounding New England states in case these ones don’t fit your schedule so be sure to search around. Registration for each of the above events is open to the public. Check with individual tournament organizers for specific entry details, regional boundaries, and official weigh-in rules.

Written by Tom Schlichter