Rules
[This section reflects 2012 rules.]
Also please see the Frequently Asked Questions for details on how the derby will run.
The following text is taken from the 2012 brochure. Clarifications are added in [square brackets]. Where the rules refer to “Fishing Guidelines,” “Weigh Stations,” “Schedule,” and the prize list, links are provided to the associated material.
1. Tickets.
a) Derby tickets cost $40 per person for 1 or all 3 days.
b) Participants must have a current Derby ticket prior to fishing. [There are no stickers.]
c) Each person on vessel must have a ticket on hand, whether fishing or not and regardless of age. [Every legal pole in the boat needs its own ticket.]
d) All Derby ticket holders are eligible to fish, including officials.
2. Fishing.
a) You must comply with “Fishing Guidelines”. [2012 NOTE: The 2012 southern derby boundary is once again the traditional line that connects Double Bluff, Foulweather Bluff, and Tala Point. In 2011, a controversial last-minute rule change expanded fishing to include other parts of Marine Area 9. The original fishing area has been restored in 2012, and the area does NOT cross the traditional boundary. See “Fishing Guidelines”.]
b) You are responsible for complying with all Washington State, Coast Guard, and other applicable rules.
c) Entire Derby is Selective Fishery only (“clipped fin”).
3. Submitting fish.
a) Only legal clipped-fin Chinook/Blackmouth salmon at least 22 inches long, submitted during Derby hours with all required data, are eligible for prizes.
b) Fish must be transported by boat (via water) to one of the five official Derby weigh stations/launch ramps. [See “Weigh Stations”]
c) All fish are subject to inspection by Derby officials or fish biologists.
d) All fish are returned immediately (no storage or display) unless you choose to donate a fish to the annual Derby Appreciation Dinner (thanks!).
4. Prizes.
a) You or a representative with your ticket may claim prizes at the awards ceremony. [See “Schedule” for time and location; also see descriptions of "Top Cash Prizes and "Other Prizes" for further prize details, which are subject to change.]
b) You do NOT need to be present to win, IF your ticket is legible and you meet all requirements.
c) At most one “ladder” prize (based on weight) awarded per entrant, regardless of number of fish submitted. “Mystery Fish” and bonus prizes may be won in addition to a “ladder prize.”
d) Each winner may choose among all remaining ladder prizes (subject to age restrictions). Absent winners receive the next highest-value prize that can be sent in an envelope. Undeliverable prizes are distributed as officials see fit.
e) First fish recorded at any weight wins a tie; coin toss decides identical times. EVERY legal fish submitted has a chance to win “Mystery Fish” prizes!
f) Ticket holder names and phone numbers (plus other contact data IF requested on ticket) are entered in 2012 Northwest Salmon Derby Series boat giveaway. [see "Prize Boat" details]
g) Award decisions are final, regardless of errors. Any preliminary standings are for amusement only.
h) At awards ceremony, 50% of cash raffle proceeds go to one or more winner(s); for example, if $600 is collected, $300 will be raffled as one or more prizes. Officials will announce the total collected and the value of each prize; minimum prize is $100. Raffle tickets are only sold at ceremony; ticket holders must be present to win.
i) Tax information is required for prizes worth $600 or more; such prizes may be sent by mail shortly after the Derby.
5. Responsibility.
a) You participate in the Derby at your own risk. You agree to hold Gardiner Salmon Derby Association, volunteers,
and sponsors harmless for any damages, and you waive all claims against them. In particular, by choosing to participate,
you agree that fishing is inherently dangerous and you accept responsibility for your own safety and for any damage
that may occur.
b) This Derby is independent of the Northwest Marine Trade Association (sponsor of Northwest Salmon Derby
Series), which is responsible for all Series matters including boat giveaways.
c) The Derby is not responsible for errors or accidents, nor for any announced or unannounced changes in rules, schedules, or policies.
d) Derby officials have final word on any disputes about Derby rules, awarding of prizes, or other Derby matters. Please remember that we are all volunteers supporting a charity.
e) If you observe a crime, report it to police or Coast Guard; if you observe a violation of Derby Rules, report
it to Derby officials via VHF channel 68. Derby officials may ban violators, withhold prizes, or take other remedies.
