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.
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 2011 Fish Derby will be held at Greenvale Creek Marina in Greenvale creek on the north side of the Rappahannock between marker 8 and 10.. This year the two day event will be on November 25 & 26. To view the news article and awards click here.
Proceeds from this event go to local charities, volunteer services and churches supported by the BEUMM.
* Prize money is guaranteed based on 65 entries
