The small hook used to reel in a big fish. — Courtesy Andrea Gagnon

There are a few months to go before the fishing derby, but David Gagnon, 12, reeled in a winner last week in Menemsha: a 23-pound, 42-inch striped bass.

David's mother, Andrea Gagnon, reported to the Gazette that the striper was caught right off the pier on Squid Row in Menemsha the week of June 29 using a small hook and squid as bait.

David's 15-year-old brother, Michael, caught the squid used as bait on the same spot on the pier.

The Gagnons live in Chelmsford, and Andrea said that the catch was a highlight of the Vineyard trip. "A small crowd gathered to watch him reel it in and even gave him a round of applause," she said.