General Rules

  1. Make sure you have a good time and do not take it too serious! 
  2. To participate in this derby you must possess a valid ticket and a valid fishing license + salmon stamp.
  3. Only fish that are legal to catch and retain according to the current BC fishing regulations are considered.
  4. Skipper and crew are responsible for provision of required safety equipment and knowledge in current boating and fishing regulations.
  5. Derby start is open means you can launch the boat and start fishing any time on July 3, 2010.  Coordinate with your skipper when and where your boat departs.
  6. Most skippers will fish between Beecher Bay and Otter Point.  You are encouraged to socialize with the crowd by means of shouting or via VHS channel 68.
  7. Latest weigh-in is 2:30 PM at Sooke Harbour Resort.  Send a crew member to the fish scale to report your arrival on time.  Latecomers will be disqualified.  The weigh-in station at the top of the resort boat ramp will be open from 12 PM noon.
  8. If you want to moor only during the ceremonies at the resort or Jocks Dock, please call ahead for arrangements.
  9. Skippers to arrange for a fishing order on their boats to give every fisher a fair chance in the derby;  e.g. draw numbers for each fisher and let them play the fish according to the numbers No. 1 takes the first strike, No. 2 the second strike no matter if fish was landed or not
  10. Each fisher to bring at least 4 marked (colored etc.) cable ties to mark the fish you kept.  This will prevent discussions about whose fish is which later
  11. Tickets will be validated at the weigh-in by tearing off the number part.  The numbers will be used in the prize draws.
  12. Check the Prize Draw List to find out what categories apply for prizes.  Please note: You can pick up maximum ONE prize even if you win more than one category!
  13. Photographs will be taken for use in media and website advertising.  Please contact a committee member if you wish to be excluded from any promotional activity.
  14. The Derby assumes no responsibility for any damage or accident occurring during or as a result of the event.
  15. Note: Only one prize per ticket pulled for the raffle.  The tickets will not be returned to the barrel once drawn.  Multiple prizes however can be won by those purchasing multiple tickets.

Additional Rules for Professional Guides

  1. Professionally guided charters are typically allowed only for the Sponsor Team Category.  Exceptions may be granted by the Derby Committee.
  2. Professional guides can only obtain a derby ticket if they participate as a derby sponsor.  However, they are very welcome to join us for the dinner and ceremony if they tell their secrets and contribute glorious fishing stories.
  3. Professionally guided charters must fish between Victoria Waterfront and Sheringham Point.
  4. Guides can setup gear but are not allowed to touch the rods during bite/drill.  Guides can net fish.

Event Agenda

  1. At 6:00 AM there will be a Derby Welcome Delegation at the Marina Office building for out of town guests and those without tickets.  There you can obtain tickets, documents, coffee, and info about the Derby Rules, Agenda, and Prize List (this can also be picked up just before you weigh in if you are launching from a different location).  There will also be Derby Flags available to be mounted on each participating boat.   Earlier package pickup can be made by contacted Brian Yu (250) 588-0089 or email byu@kwl.ca.
  2. The onsite adventure center will be open at 6:00AM for fishing supplies, bait, and licenses.  There is a pathway by the Jocks Dock boatramp to walk over for convenience.  In order to avoid any delays in the morning, however,  it is recommended that you get your license beforehand.
  3. The only official weigh-in station will be open from 12 PM noon at the top of the resort boat ramp.
  4. Around 2:45 PM mingling and live music will start waterside beside the weigh-in.
  5. Approximately at 3:15 PM the dinner buffet will open.  Soft drinks and beers are provided.
  6. At around 4:45 PM, derby speech and cheque presentation to the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society.
  7. Around 5:00 PM, award ceremony and prize draw.
  8. Rest of the night remains unregulated.