Fishing Derby Question

[Dman]

  With a salmon derby being discussed, a member mentioned it was illegal to award cash prizes (I/E fishing rods, tackle, etc.) would be considered cash prizes. I've not ever heard of that, anyone else with derby experience have input on that? I know non-profits, individuals and Company's put on derby's with cash prizes in Washington every year.

[Dman]

 Posed the question of the Salmon U experts, see what they say.

[Antlershed]

You have to buy a permit to hold the derby if it is over x amount of people and prizes.

[Dman]

 Thanks Rick. Think there might be a "gathering" permit that applies to derby's if they are in one municipality, if they are spread out over a large area, you miss the cutoff generally. Looking into it with DFW also.

[HawkenBob]

Its like 25 bucks and for more than 6 people. there very easy to obtain thru WDFW. I have some experience with derby's..

[Dman]

 The response from DFW "If you are fishing for food fish (salmon, rockfish, halibut, etc.) you
are not required to get a permit."


 Spoke with salmon U. also, had some good pointers on how to run a derby.

D

[Antlershed]

Here is the page on the WDFW site. It doesn'y say Salmon, etc are exlcuded...

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/contests/

[Dman]

  Your question was forwarded to my attention.

If you are wanting to conduct a fishing derby on game fish (bass,
trout, walleye, etc.) you are required to obtain a permit to conduct a
contest for the taking of game fish.  The fee for this permit is $24 and
one should apply no less than 30 days from the proposed starting date.
You can download an application from our website
(http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/contests/index.htm).  The link is located in
the black box.  When the derby is completed, you will need to file a
final report within 30 days of the contest ending date.

If you are fishing for food fish (salmon, rockfish, halibut, etc.) you
are not required to get a permit.

If you have any additional questions, let me know.

**********************************************
Bruce M. Baker
Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Fish Program
600 Capitol Way N.
Olympia, WA  98501-1091
Phone: 360.902.2764
FAX:     360.902.2943