The largest fishing tournament held on Clear Lake gets under way at noon on Friday. The popular Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven annual catfish derby has been around more than 25 years and is getting more popular every year. It is the largest catfish derby west of the Mississippi and more than 450 fishermen from across the West are expected to compete in the three-day event.
Last year”s derby drew 497 fishermen and the winner was James Paschke of Woodland with a 28.23-pound catfish. It took more than 18 pounds to finish in the money in the adult class. The winner in the children”s division was Chance Barrett of Kelseyville with a 15.16-pound catfish.
Derby hours are from noon on Friday until noon on Sunday. The fisherman who weighs in the largest catfish in the adult division receives a new boat, outboard motor and trailer package worth approximately $5,000. Another $8,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to the other top finishers.
The winner in the children”s division receives a new quad ATV. The awards ceremony starts at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the Clearlake Oaks Firehouse.
Here are a few of the more important derby rules:
1. Anyone cited by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) for a fishing violation during the derby is automatically disqualified. Contestants can also be disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct during the derby.
2. All prizes to be determined by weight of individual fish. Only one prize will be awarded 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 then split three ways.
4. The heaviest catfish weighed in must be caught by a registered contestant in order to win the grand prize or 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 on Friday and presented for weigh-in by noon on 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 the Clearlake Oaks Firehouse, 12655 E. State Hwy. 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 with entry number showing.
12. The catfish must be caught on a hook and line only. Multiple hooks may be used.
The entry fee for the derby is $40 per adult if received before 11 p.m. on Thursday. There is a $5 late fee for entries received after that time. 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. Thursday to qualify for the reduced rate. Entries will not be accepted after 11 p.m. Friday. Contestants are responsible for picking up their entry numbers and a copy of the rules at derby headquarters.
