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.

Even with bad weather on both Friday and Saturday, the 15th annual Bethel/Emmanuel United Methodist Men Rockfish derby took place with 21 fish being weighed in during the 2 days. Chad Moore of Arlington Virginia landed a 34 pound 12 3/8oz. rockfish and took the first place prize of $500.00. Brian Dillistin of Richmond landed a 30 pound 2 1/2oz. rockfish and was awarded second place and a prize of $250.00 and also won a bonus prize of $100 for the largest fish between the bridges. Mr. Dillistin graciously donated the money back to the Methodist Men because of the chartable work that the Methodist men are involved in on the northern neck. Tim Shrader head ranger of Belle Isle State Park landed a 29 pound 6 3/8 oz. rockfish and was awarded third place and a prize of $100.00 plus $50 for the second largest fish between the Norris and Tappahannock bridges. Kim Marlow of Fairfax Va. landed a 20 pound 1½ oz. rockfish to win the trophy for the largest fish caught by a lady angler. Tatum Sparks  landed a 21 pound 8 ¼ oz. rockfish to capture the youth trophy. 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 Boat Basin of Kilmarnock, Garrett's Marine of Bowlers Wharf, Lancaster Auto and Marine of Lively, Lively Drug of Lively, 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 Ron Edwards for use of his facility, The Upper Deck 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 and the youth trophy. All proceeds from the derby are used to support community and church programs.

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. 

Plans are underway for the 2010 Fish Derby. Check back for updates or contact the organization through this website.

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

* Prize money is guaranteed based on 65 entries.