They have a face only a mother could love, but for the dedicated fishermen in the upcoming Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven annual catfish derby, the catfish is pure beauty. The derby has been around for more than 25 years and is the largest catfish derby west of the Mississippi. More than 500 fishermen from throughout the Western states are expected to compete in the three-day event, which opens Friday.
Last year”s derby drew 426 fishermen and the winner was Donna Mitchell of Clearlake Oaks with a 27.39-pound catfish. It took more than 20 pounds to finish in the money.
The derby gets under way noon Friday and runs until noon Sunday. The fisherman who weighs in the largest catfish in the adult division will take home a new boat, outboard motor and trailer package worth approximately $4,000. The winner in the children”s division will receive a new ATV. In addition, more than $8,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to the other top finishers.
The rules for the derby are as follows:
1. These regulations are in addition to the state of California fishing regulations. Anyone cited by the California Department of Fish and Game for a fishing violation during the derby is automatically disqualified. Contestants also can be disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct during the derby.
2. All prizes to be determined by weight of individual fish. Only one prize per registered contestant.
3. In case of ties, the prize money for each place shall be added, then divided equally. For example, if three people tie for second place then money for second, third and fourth will be added and split three ways.
4. The heaviest catfish weighed in must be caught by a registered contestant to win the grand prize or a cash prize.
5. Only the heaviest catfish caught by each contestant will be counted.
6. Top finishers may be required to successfully pass a polygraph (lie-detector) test. Additional tests may be given at the discretion of tournament officials. If you are not available to take the test between noon and 1 p.m. on Sunday, you will be disqualified.
7. Catfish must be caught on Clear Lake between noon Friday and presented for weigh-in by noon Sunday.
8. All contestants must register and get an entry number before fishing. Non-compliance will result in disqualification. Registration starts Thursday at noon and ends Friday at 11 p.m. at the derby headquarters, located at Clearlake Oaks Firehouse, 12655 E. State Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks.
9. Interpretation of the rules is left up to the derby officials. The officials reserve the right to disqualify any contestant who violates these rules. Additional rules, if required, will be posted at the weigh-in station.
10. Only live catfish will be weighed.
11. All contestants must wear their fishing license in plain sight and with their entry number showing.
12. The catfish must be caught on a hook and line only. Multiple hooks may be used. Nets, spears or guns are not allowed. Unattended lines such as those attached to balls or other floats placed in any other manner will be disqualified. Landing nets that conform to Fish and Game regulations may be used.
13. As you catch a fish, bring it to the weigh-in station during weigh-in hours. Do not hold fish until Sunday and bring them all at once. The fish will be logged in and a hole punched in the dorsal fin. If any angler catches a catfish with a hole in the dorsal fin, he/she cannot bring it to the weigh-in station and have it counted.
14. The person who wins the boat package will be required to pay the sales tax and have the boat/trailer licensed before they can take it home.
15. No entry fee money will be refunded for “no show,” but can be applied toward next year”s derby, upon approval of the committee.
16. Those who enter the adult contest under 18 years of age must have a co-signer. The co-signer is required to be present at the fish weigh-in. Co-signer must be prepared to take a lie-detector test.
The entry fee for the derby is $40 per adult if received before 11 p.m. today. There is a $5 late fee for entries received after today. The entry fee for children 15 and younger is $10.
Entry forms must be received by mail or brought to derby headquarters between noon and 11 p.m. today to qualify for the reduced rate. Entries will not be accepted after 11 p.m. on Friday. Entry numbers and rules must be picked up by each contestant in person at derby headquarters.
Entry forms and the rules for derby can be obtained from the Web site at www.clearlakeoaks.org. Fishermen also can call 998-1006 or 1-888-CL-DERBY.
