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Derby Committee Statement

October 4, 2007

In response to the recent weighing of two fish containing lead weights, and as a means of addressing this new situation, the Derby Committee met this week. After gathering all necessary information and carefully considering the best interests of all parties involved, the Committee voted to create a new rule. This new rule will guide us better in making future decisions relative to this issue.

It is now apparent that, because of yo-yoing, confronting this issue was inevitable. We regret any confusion, and we appreciate the patience and trust demonstrated by those following the issue. The Derby Committee determined that neither angler whose fish were in question broke any Derby rules.

Yo-yoing presents a new set of concerns and questions, thus complicating the issue. The Derby Committee prohibited this fishing method several years ago. Today, we stand even more firmly opposed to its practice. We hope that the events of this Derby will provide an opportunity to learn more about the harmful effects of yo-yoing. The Derby has always acted in the interest of protecting fish and recreational fishing, and we will voice our concerns over this issue. In managing the Derby, we attempt to be as proactive as possible. In this instance, we were required to react. We view our new rule as a positive step towards addressing yo-yoing and protecting
the tradition of the Derby.

New Derby Rule

October 4, 2007

In order to address recent events, and in consideration of the fishing method known as yo-yoing, the Derby Committee has created a new rule. This rule takes effect immediately, and is retroactive to the start of the 2007 Derby.

“Any inorganic item(s) including, but not limited to, fishing tackle, wire, rocks, and rope found to be attached to a fish or inside a fish’s mouth when a fish is caught shall be removed by the angler prior to weigh-in. If any inorganic material is not visible to the angler and is discovered when the fish is cut open, this material shall be examined by the Derby Committee and, if deemed to be inside the fish prior to it being caught by the angler weighing it in, the weight of such inorganic item(s) shall be deducted from the official weight of the fish. If, however, the Derby Committee deems that the inorganic material was intentionally introduced to the fish after that fish was caught and prior to the weighing of that fish, additional action may be taken including, but not limited to, the disqualification of the fish and angler.”

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