Hooked on Hope Fishing Derby Offical Rules and Regulations
1. Official Fishing Hours
Teams may begin fishing at any time following check-in beginning at 5:00 PM on Friday, July 31, 2026 and may continue fishing until the official weigh-in deadline at 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
To be eligible for prizes, all teams and participants must be physically present at the official weigh-in area by 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Any team arriving after the official deadline may be disqualified from prize consideration.
2. Weigh-In Procedures & Prize Categories
All boats, teams, and individual participants must report to the official weigh-in area located on the lawn at Black Sands Resort and RV Park no later than 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2026, even if waiting in line to weigh or measure fish.
Each team must present:
- Their catch
- Official weigh-in card
An official representative will:
- Record the total weight of the crappie bag
- Measure applicable category fish
- Submit results to the scorekeeper
Main Tournament Prizes
- $2,500 — Heaviest Bag of 10 Crappie
- $1,500 — Second Heaviest Bag
- $1,000 — Third Heaviest Bag
The top three bags will be impounded following weigh-in pending:
- Final verification
- Internal inspection
- Confirmation of fish eligibility
Verification may be conducted using manual and/or electronic methods.
Fish Inspection
Fish may be randomly screened for:
- Added weight
- Foreign objects
- Rule violations
Any violation may result in immediate disqualification.
Tie-Breaker Rules
In the event of a tie:
- Each team will present their biggest fish to be weighed, the tie breaker will go to the heaviest fish
- If still tied, the winner will go to the second heaviest weight
Secondary Categories
Secondary categories are determined by length only to the nearest 1/8 inch and will be measured by a derby official using a Hagen’s “Hawg Trough” bump board at the designated measuring station.
Secondary Awards Categories
- Largest Crappie
- Largest Perch
- Largest Trout (all salmonoid species)
- Largest Bluegill
- Largest Catfish
- Largest Non-Game Fish
(including carp, sucker, squawfish, etc.)
- Smallest Fish
(from the species listed above)
3. Team & Participation Rules
- Teams are limited to a maximum of four (4) participants.
- This event will take place rain or shine.
- All paid entry fees are non-refundable.
Boat & Team Requirements
- Each team may use only one boat.
- Every person aboard the boat must be listed on the official entry form.
- No non-fishing riders are permitted during competition hours.
Exception: Children accompanied by a registered parent or guardian.
The number of anglers listed on the official entry form will be considered final and official.
Shore Fishing Teams
- Shore fishing teams of up to four (4) participants may compete together.
- All participants must be listed on the entry form.
Bowfishing Teams
- Bowfishing teams of up to four (4) participants may compete together.
- All participants must be listed on the entry form.
- Bowfishing teams may only compete by bowfishing methods and must stay within the boundaries of Loveridge Bridge downstream to Walter’s Ferry.
Kayak & Float Tube Participants
- Kayak and float tube anglers will compete as individual participants.
4. Fishing Boundaries
All qualifying fish must be caught within the approved boundaries of C.J. Strike Reservoir, including:
- Main Body
- Snake River Arm (downstream from Loveridge Bridge)
- Bruneau Arm
(excluding the Bruneau River)
5. Safety, Sportsmanship & Conservation
All participants are expected to demonstrate:
- Good sportsmanship
- Courtesy toward others
- Respect for conservation practices
- Safe boating and fishing behavior
Failure to uphold these standards may result in disqualification.
No Wake Zone
For safety and traffic considerations, “The Narrows” shall be treated as a:
- No wake zone
- Minimal wake area
All applicable state and federal laws must be followed at all times.
6. Officials & Rule Enforcement
The interpretation and enforcement of all derby rules shall be determined solely by derby officials.
Officials reserve the right to:
- Interpret rules
- Amend rules if necessary
- Resolve disputes
All official decisions are final.
7. Waiver of Liability & Media Release
By signing the derby registration form, all participants acknowledge and agree that:
- Participation is voluntary and at their own risk.
- The Hooked on Hope Fishing Derby, Pioneer Federal Credit Union, Black Sands Resort and RV Park, sponsors, and partners are released from any liability for injury, loss, damage, or claims arising from participation in the event.
Participants also grant permission for:
- Use of photographs
- Video footage
- Names and likenesses