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.

Approximately 100 fishermen and women participated last year (2006). The center of activities and final weigh-in is at the Upper Deck, near the entrance of Greenvale Creek (formerly Conrad's Upper Deck) off the Rappahannock River. The Upper Deck is located in Mollusk, Virginia on the historic Northern Neck.

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 past year (2007) the Derby was held on November 23th & 24th. Plans are underway for 2008's Derby. 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, deadlines, directions, Derby schedule and Derby Rules are listed on the Registration Form. For more information call (804)462-5790 or (804)462-7229

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

* Prize money is guaranteed based on 65 entries.