Fishing Derby Rules
Before the First Step Winter Fishing Derby begins, please take a moment to review these important rules to ensure a safe, fair, and enjoyable event for everyone. Knowing the guidelines ahead of time helps keep the derby fun and running smoothly for all participants.
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First Step Winter Fishing Derby — Official Rules
Location: Fishing is allowed only within the Inland Sea, VT, the official derby boundaries.
Dates & Times : The derby runs from February 21 at 12:01 AM through
February 22 at 12:00 PM.
Only fish caught during this period are eligible.
Entry & Eligibility
-
A valid derby ticket is required to participate.
-
Teams: up to 4 anglers per team, one team ticket.
-
Must comply with Vermont Fish & Wildlife regulations.
-
A valid Vermont fishing license is required
Fish Categories & Judging
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Four (4) fish categories.
-
Fish are ranked by length and weight
-
One entry per fish only.
Prizes
Individual Prizes (per category):
-
1st Place: $500
-
2nd Place: $250
-
3rd Place: $100
Team Prize:
-
One prize awarded per team category, equal to 50% of total team ticket sale proceeds.
Weigh-In Requirements
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Fish must be whole, fresh, and unaltered.
-
No frozen or tampered fish.
-
Fish must be taken directly to the official weigh station: 25 Raymond Road, Colchester, VT
-
Weigh-ins only during official hours.
-
Officials’ decisions are final.
Conduct & Safety
-
All participants must act safely and respectfully.
-
Children must be supervised.
-
Follow instructions from officials and law enforcement.
-
Unsafe, unsportsmanlike, or dishonest behavior will result in immediate disqualification.
Liability
Participation is voluntary and at your own risk.
By participating, all anglers and attendees agree to release the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers from any and all liability for injury, loss, or damage that may occur as a result of participation in the derby, including risks related to ice, water, weather, or other conditions.
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Review
The Rules
First Step Winter Fishing Derby — Official Rules
Location: Fishing is allowed only within the Inland Sea, VT, the official derby boundaries.
Dates & Times : The derby runs from February 21 at 12:01 AM through
February 22 at 12:00 PM.
Only fish caught during this period are eligible.
Entry & Eligibility
-
A valid derby ticket is required to participate.
-
Teams: up to 4 anglers per team, one team ticket.
-
Must comply with Vermont Fish & Wildlife regulations.
-
A valid Vermont fishing license is required
Fish Categories & Judging
-
Four (4) fish categories.
-
Fish are ranked by length and weight
-
One entry per fish only.
Prizes
Individual Prizes (per category):
-
1st Place: $500
-
2nd Place: $250
-
3rd Place: $100
Team Prize:
-
One prize awarded per team category, equal to 50% of total team ticket sale proceeds.
Weigh-In Requirements
-
Fish must be whole, fresh, and unaltered.
-
No frozen or tampered fish.
-
Fish must be taken directly to the official weigh station: 25 Raymond Road, Colchester
-
Weigh-ins only during official hours.
-
Officials’ decisions are final.
Conduct & Safety
-
All participants must act safely and respectfully.
-
Children must be supervised.
-
Follow instructions from officials and law enforcement.
-
Unsafe, unsportsmanlike, or dishonest behavior will result in immediate disqualification.
Liability
Participation is voluntary and at your own risk.
By participating, all anglers and attendees agree to release the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers from any and all liability for injury, loss, or damage that may occur as a result of participation in the derby, including risks related to ice, water, weather, or other conditions.
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