Bethel-Emmanuel United Methodist Men's Rockfish Derby

Rockfish Derby

The Bethel - Emmanuel United Methodist Men (BEUMM) of Lancaster County, Virginia sponsor an annual Rockfish Derby on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving. The two-day event in November, has been conducted since 1994 and has expanded into a must event for some loyal supporters.

97 Entries for 14^th Annual Thanksgiving Rockfish Derby

Excellent weather on both Friday and Saturday provided some great fishing for the 14^th annual Bethel/Emmanuel United Methodist Men Rockfish derby. Over 40 fish were weighed in during the 2 days. B. J. Carrier of Lively landed a 43.75 pound rockfish and took the first place prize of $500.00. Carlie Woolard of Kilmarnock landed a 28.49 pound rockfish and was awarded second place and a prize of $250.00. Wayne Darrall of Lively landed a 26.16 pound rockfish and was awarded third place and a prize of $100.00. Carlie Woolard and Wayne Darrall caught their fish between the bridges so they also received $100 and $50 respectively for the two largest fish caught in the Rappahannock River. Susan Herrmann of Manakin-Sabot landed a 25.50 pound rockfish to win the trophy for the largest fish caught by a lady angler. Nicholas Lapham of Lanexa landed a 17.43 pound rockfish to capture the youth trophy and a $50 savings bond donated by Chesapeake Bank Lively. Consolation prizes were also awarded. Thanks to the following sponsors for donating prizes. Bay Etching and Imprinting of Lively, Bobby's Marine of Burgess, Chesapeake Bank of Lively, Chesapeake Boat Basin of Kilmarnock, Garrett's Marine of Bowlers Wharf, Lancaster Auto and Marine of Lively, Lively Drug of Lively, The Oaks Restaurant of Lively, RW Sports Shop of Callao, Wal-Mart of Kilmarnock, Winnie's Wonders of Lancaster Tavern, and Whelan's Marina and Campground of Farnham. Thanks to the following businesses that supported the Derby: Upper Deck Crab and Rib House of Mollusk, The Sports Centre of Kilmarnock for donating all trophy engraving, the Bank of Lancaster for donating all the printing of registration forms and flyers. Special thanks to Karen and Ken Knull for use of their facility, Yankee Point Marina where the weigh-in and awards ceremony were held. Also a special thank you to Mike Lambert, a member of the Methodist Men and a Belle Isle State Park ranger for creating the "Lambert" trophies awarded for the largest fish caught, the largest fish caught between the bridges, the largest fish caught by a lady angler. All proceeds from the derby are used to support community and church programs. Anyone interested in getting on the mailing list for next year's derby should visit us on the web at www.beumm.org.

The Rockfish also known as the Striper, the Striped Bass, Rock, etc. is one of the most prized sports fish in the world. Hardy enough to survive in the ocean, they come back to the Chesapeake Bay in the spring and remain until the late fall. The larger ones generally stay in the deeper, colder waters of the bay and feed. The smaller ones migrate into the rivers. When the derby is held in late November the Rock are usually in peak condition and large ones are running in the Bay and the rivers. Since our location is on the Rappahannock River, some of our participants fish in the bay and others prefer to remain in the river.

Prizes include cash*, trophies and sponsor prizes. The top cash prizes for the largest rockfish caught in the two day event are 1st - $500.00; 2nd - $250.00, and 3rd — $100.00. Bonus cash prizes are awarded of $100.00 and $50.00 for the top two rockfish caught between the White Stone and the Tappahannock bridges. The youth that catches the largest rockfish is awarded an EE Bond, in addition to any other prize they may win.

Trophies are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd largest rockfish caught in the Chesapeake Bay. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd largest rockfish caught in the Rappahannock River also receive trophies. The female who catches the largest rockfish receives a special trophy. All of the trophies are unique, in that a local artist creates them each year. Many more prizes are donated by local merchants (sponsors) and awarded on Saturday.

This year (2008) the Derby was held on November 28th & 29th. Plans are underway for 2009, check back for updates.

The registration fee is $25.00 per fisherman and applications should be mailed to

BEUMM Derby
P.O.Box 118
Lively, VA 22507

- or -

deliver to Bethel United Methodist Church, State Route 201 South, Lively, Virginia.

Registration Forms , Rules, Schedules and Directions , Prizes. For more information call (804)462-5790, (804)462-7229 or 761-8119 (cell)

Proceeds from this event go to local charities, volunteer services and churches supported by the BEUMM.

* Prize money is guaranteed based on 65 entries.