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It's Derby Time
by Lance Merz, May 22, 2015
If you’ve never fished in a fishing derby before, I need to tell you from experience, it’s a blast! It not only allows for the opportunity to catch some great fish, but more importantly, it develops a sense of camaraderie and long lasting friendships with the commonality of fishing. If you ever decide to fish in a derby however, here are some tips that will make it more rewarding.
Preparation is of the utmost importance when it pertains to fishing, but it’s even more important when you’re in a derby. Usually, we fish until the bite ends and then we are off the water. When there’s cash and prizes on the line however, it changes the game all together. Not only do you have to prepare all your gear for your fishing event, but you have to ensure your boat is in top running condition (i.e., fueled, oil, clean, etc). Make sure that you have all the necessary boating equipment on board as well (life jackets for every person, horn, lights, rope, etc). It is also essential that you have adequate resources to sustain a full day on the water. When you’re fishing in a derby, there’s nothing more frustrating then having to get back on land because you forgot something. Remember, you’ll be fishing from early morning until whenever the designated check in time for that day will be. Make sure there’s plenty of water and food on the boat to last your entire day. Plenty of ice is also essential because you want to take care of all the fish you catch! Take some extra time a day or two before to ensure everything you need is in order.
Part of any fishing derby is what they call a “Captains meeting”. It requires whoever is in charge of the boat be present to ensure they understand all the rules of the derby. Although it’s not mandatory for other members of the boat to attend, it is recommended so that everyone on the boat understands the rules. This avoids confusion when on the water. Usually at the Captains meeting he/she will be given a packet, which will have the rules of the derby, a marker to identify your boat, and critical times for check-in and boat inspections.
The day the derby begins, there are usually a couple of places that your boat must be checked by personnel who are helping with the derby. This ensures that there are no fish on the boat prior to the derby commencing and giving an unfair advantage. Believe it or not, there are people out there who will try to sneak in a fish or two the day before, just so they can win that big prize. It’s not common but it does happen. Everyone fishing on the water should be respectful and courteous fisherman, but it’s not always the case.
Now it’s time to fish!!! One other thing that I forgot to mention is that I have found that it’s crucial to have people on your boat that you enjoy being around. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with them, so make sure it’s comfortable for everyone. The last thing you need is bickering on a boat during a derby. The biggest recommendation that I can give is “find the fish and fish the fish”. A lot of people prior to the derby commencing, pre-fish the areas they want to fish. This is because it can take a while to actually finding the fish that you are targeting. You can eliminate this by taking a couple of days prior to the event to develop a plan of where the fish are. You must however, have several plans in place. Fish may be there one day, and not the next, so you must be flexible with your plans.
Normally during a derby, you’re going to find a lot of boats in one area, circling around in a pattern trying to catch your fish. Don’t be discouraged. Although you have to pay more attention to your surroundings, mostly everyone is trying to catch fish just as you are. There are boats however, that may get too close or cut you off, but there really is no need for any type of “boat rage”. My thinking of when this happens is that I’m going to out fish them, so it’s ok. It’s a tactic that helps me calm down.
Fishing is no surprise, but when it’s derby time, the secrecy bumps way up! Usually, they will spill the beans of where and how they have been catching fish, but when there is money and prizes on the line, this all goes out the window. Don’t worry about what other people are doing, focus on what’s going on in your boat and you’ll be successful.
I just recently fished in a derby called the “Something Catchy Kokanee Derby” at Lake Chelan in Central Washington. A two day fishing event which supported a great cause to a non-profit organization called “Something Catchy”. Their mission focuses attention to foster, disabled or displaced children and adults by taking them fishing; something they usually don’t (or ever) get a chance to do. In its existence, founder Jayson Williams and Lisa Miller have helped 45 kids and 30 adults who will be able to tell a story for the rest of their lives. “It’s payment enough for us to see a smile from someone who has never been fishing before, to catch their first fish,” says Jason. “We will teach them the fundamentals and give them an experience they may have not otherwise been given.” Something Catchy wants to give children and adults the opportunity to learn about fishing, experience the outdoors, be active and learn to provide for themselves and their families.
Mack’s Lure was more than happy to support such a great cause, by providing fishing lures to the derby, which helped fill tackle boxes to give to needy children and adults who have the want and desire to fish. Mack’s is also a proud sponsor of the “Father’s in the Field” program whose main focus is to rekindle and establish the spirit of boys who have been abandoned by their fathers. These boys are to be mentored one-on-one in life skills through outdoor activities, and by sharing a Christian understanding of our heavenly Father’s love and sacrifice for his children.
When it comes time to check in your fish at the weigh station, make sure you have enough time for check in. Normally, everyone will make a mad dash to the docks at the end of the day so they can fish as long as they can. Allow yourself enough time to ensure you get a spot on the dock, or trailer your boat; always plan for “Murphy’s law”. Check in your fish, then make sure you take care of them (putting them on ice or filleting).
I was fortunate enough to fish with my cousin Matt, one of the reasons I came back to my home town of Wenatchee, Washington. There’s nothing better than to have a memorable fishing trip with family and friends. We ended up placing 7th out of 37, which is not bad, but for my competitive cousin and me, it certainly wasn’t first. We had a lot of fun nonetheless and caught some dandy Kokanee. We were fishing with Mack’s Lure Double D™ Dodgers with a Cha Cha® 1.5” Kokanee Squidder Rigs, tipped with white shoe peg corn.
Fishing in derbies can be a lot of fun if done properly. A rewarding and memorable time to be sure, not only do these derbies provide support to great organizations, but the camaraderie that comes with it is second to none. It doesn’t matter if you get the biggest fish or the biggest boat weight. What matters is that you’re in the great outdoors fishing and having a great time with friends and family.
