The 2025 Big Bass Brawl Has Officially Concluded
The first annual Big Bass Brawl wrapped up at midnight on November 17, marking the end of a challenging but memorable month on the water. November delivered heavy winds, rough seas, cold snaps, and some very stubborn bass—but our anglers showed impressive dedication throughout the tournament. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this first Brawl one to remember.
Congratulations to Our 2025 Champion
Rafael Osona is the 2025 Ultimate Big Bass Brawler, posting an outstanding 112" combined total from three big fish, including the largest bass of the tournament at 42". Rafael takes home the $500 top prize and the first-ever Championship title.
Second Place
Chuck Duce earned a strong second-place finish with 104", securing a $200 Gift Certificate to Bill Fisher’s Tackle.
Third Place & Last Bass of the Season
Greg Chotkowski placed third with 84.5", and also landed the Last Bass of the Season on November 10. Greg will receive $100 from Bill Fisher’s Tackle and a Rod & Reel combo from Nantucket Tackle.
We look forward to seeing you back on the beaches next fall. Check back in September for registration details for the 2026 Big Bass Brawl.
The Big Bass Brawl
Nantucket Striper Showdown!
This fall tournament celebrates the island’s rich surfcasting heritage. Anglers of all levels are invited to compete for the top honors based on the combined total length of their three largest bass.
And the competition doesn’t end there…
In partnership with Nantucket Tackle Center, we’ll also recognize the Last Bass of the Season — with a special prize awarded to the angler who lands and posts the final striped bass.
Proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the Nantucket August Blues fundraiser, benefitting Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.
$500 Champion Prize
Tournament Rules
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Artificial lures only — no live bait!!!
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Land-based fishing only. Eligible catches must be made from beach, shore, jetty, or wade-in surf — no boats or kayaks.
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Species: Striped Bass only.
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Tackle: Fish must be caught on rod and reel.
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Scoring: The overall champion will be determined by the total combined length of their three biggest striped bass. In the event of a tie in total length, the angler who first achieved the leading score (based on timestamp of their final qualifying submission) will be declared the winner.
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Measurement:
- Use a flexible measuring device (tape or bump board) with numbers clearly visible.
- Fish must be measured flat with the nose aligned to the zero mark.
- We encourage all participants to release their catches after measurement whenever possible to support healthy fisheries. -
Photo evidence:
- Each photo must clearly show the fish, measuring device, and a visible beach or shoreline background, otherwise the entry will not be counted. -
Submission deadline:
- Entries must be submitted within 6 hours of the catch.
- The original photo file (with its embedded time data) must be uploaded to verify the catch time.
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LAST BASS: The Last Bass contest will be tracked through the Tournament Leaderboard under a separate column and continue until no eligible fish have been caught or posted for seven (7) consecutive days. Importantly, the contest may extend beyond the November 17th conclusion of the Big Bass Brawl — but it will not conclude before that date, even if seven days have passed without a catch.
Tournament Links
Submit Entry Form
George Rogers with his catch of three largest striped bass in Sconset (1934)