Last summer, I finally made the pilgrimage to Martha’s Vineyard to fish the Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby — something that I had wanted to do for years, but had escaped me. I went to fish the Derby not for the two title species, but to fly fish for false albacore, my favorite way to close out the season.

We were invited out by my good friend Wilson, who sits on the Derby committee. He was a great host, regaling us with stories, showing us good spots, and taking us out on the water. I met up with my friend Bob Green, the fishiest albie fisherman I know, and we hired our friend and guide Tom Rapone for the day. We got into loads of albies, had a few tackle failures, but managed to get my life-long friend Ben Moody into his first. I can tell you one thing: it won’t be his last.

Enjoy the video. Hope to share more this coming fall after another trip.