Official Derby Rules
The derby is to be held from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm on Little Detroit Lake.
Tickets can be purchased to fish from one hole or two. One hole tickets are $30 on-line in advance, $35 from ticket vendors in advance and $40 on the day of the derby on-ice. Two hole tickets are $50 on-line in advance, $55 from ticket vendors in advance and $60 on the day of the derby on-ice. There is no age restrictions on participation. Participants may move to other unoccupied holes in the designated derby area. Derby participants are only allowed to fish in the designated area. Any participant fishing outside the area will be disqualified. Ticket must be visible at all time.
Participants will be able to check depth prior to 11:45 am on the day of the derby using lines with no hooks or bait. No lines will be allowed in the water between 11:45 and 12:00.
Participants may register as many fish as they would like, but only the heaviest fish they register will be eligible for a prize. All participants (even those purchasing two hole tickets) will be eligible for only one prize. Prizes will be determined by weight and time registered.
No enclosed shelter(s) of any kind will be allowed in the designated fishing area. However, it is permissible to erect a wind break on the ice. Additionally, no personal augers of any kind will be allowed in the fishing area, as all holes will be pre-drilled by Poles 'n Holes staff.
Electronics are allowed.
This Derby will be a release/kill derby. After weighing, live fish will be released. Fish that die during the weighing process will be counted towards that angler's daily possession limit, and release will not be attempted. This does not change the requirement that fish must be alive to be weighed. Derby officials have the final authority in determining whether a fish is alive. The leader board in the verification area will be updated regularly. Results are unofficial until verification by head judge. Judges shall have the right to verify all fish are legally caught. The decision of the judge is final. All prize winners may be required to take polygraph exam as part of the contest requirements. In the event deception is detected or the contestant refuses to take the exam, his/her prize will be forfeited. When transporting fish to the weight verification site, please keep the fish submerged in water. Please bring your own bucket/bag for transporting the fish.
No fish caught (landed) after the 3:00 announcement may be registered. Any fish to be registered after 3:00 must already be in route as the announcement is made.
Refunds will be generated only in the event that the derby is cancelled.
Raffle tickets are available for $10 and are not required in order to buy a derby ticket. Likewise, you do not need to be a derby participant to purchase raffle tickets.
Raffle and derby prizes are the responsibility of the winners. Prizes must be claimed within 90 days. Any licensing, registration, or tax expenses associated with claiming a prize are the responsibility of the winners.
No motorized vehicles are allowed in the contest area except for contest officials and law enforcement. There will be off-ice parking for all participants. No parking on the ice.
Participants must supply their own bait. No bait fish longer than 4 inches will be allowed. All participants’ coolers and equipment are subject to inspection.
Coolers and large containers are allowed and will be subject to inspection. No glass bottles will be allowed in derby area.
Violation of any rules may result in disqualification from the derby. These rules are subject to change and amendment before the derby. Please check back for updates.
Participants will not be allowed in designated derby area until 9 AM on the day of the derby.
Detroit Lakes Breakfast Rotarians are prohibited from participating in the derby.
Weather related changed will be communicated to the public through our website.
There will be additional door prizes awarded on the ice.
The derby award ceremony will take place at the Holiday Inn post party.