Disclaimer
The PSA Whidbey Island and sponsors of the derby accept no responsibility for loss, damage, injury to any boat, vehicle, equipment, contestant, passenger or observer during this event. Anyone entering the derby, or providing assistance to the derby officials or contestants, agrees to hold the Derby Committee, sponsors and officials harmless for any damages or claims which may arise; and, in particular, if you choose to participate, you agree that you are responsible for your own safety. The participant also agrees to abide by WDFW rules for that time frame and will not hold the derby accountable for any infractions that may occur. The participant authorizes PSA Whidbey Island Chapter to use, copy, publish or exhibit any photograph taken during this event for any unlawful purpose, including commercial purposes, fundraising and any and all other promotional materials, without payment for consideration to the participant, and the participant waives the right to review photographs.
Derby Rules
Fishing Areas
Fishing is allowed in all open Marine areas. All fish must meet WDFW Marine Area 9 regulations to be legal to weigh for derby. The beach access of these areas is included in this derby.
Derby Hours
Derby hours are from dawn to 4pm Saturday and Dawn to 2pm on Sunday sharp.
Weigh-in Requirements
Salmon must be caught the day of the event, and arrive at the weigh in location either by car (if fishing from the beach) or water to qualify for prizes. Weigh in stations will be located at Fort Casey State Park (Coupeville) and Bayside Marine (Everett)!
Salmon may be weighed from all areas that meet WDFW Area 9 rules to qualify for prizes. All participants agree to comply with all current WDFW rules. Any infractions will disqualify the fish and participant.
There are only two weigh-in locations for this tournament in 2025. They are Bayside Marine, Everett and Fort Casey State Park, Coupeville, WA. Both locations open daily at 10am.
Time Deadlines
You must be in line with your fish by 4pm Saturday and 2pm Sunday to weigh in your fish. Time will be determined by the derby official's cell phones. No exceptions!
Disqualification
Derby officials reserve the right to disqualify any fish that appears to be tampered with, per the rules designated herein. Fish that have a noticeable freshly clipped adipose fin will be disqualified, or fish that look to be snagged and not caught in the mouth. (We retain the right to notify WDFW if infraction warrants).
Prizes
Prizes shall be awarded for the largest Coho Salmon (by weight) in various categories and for salmon coming closest to the mystery weight. If the mystery weight is 8lbs and one is 7.5lb and one is 8.1 the 8.1lb would win.
The decisions of Derby Officials on legality, time, and weight will be final and binding.
Prizes and awards will be limited to one per entry fish per person. No upgrading of fish is allowed.
There will be youth prizes for the 2025 derby. All youth must be 15 years old or younger to be eligible.
Rule Violations
Any violation of Derby rules or regulations shall be subject to disqualification at the discretion of the judges.
Persons observing possible rules violations are required to submit a written protest, on a form available from derby headquarters (weigh in station), to the judges no later than 3pm on Sunday September 14th.
No Refunds
There shall be no refunds. This is an all-weather derby! Participants are expected to use reasonable judgement and common sense with respect to weather and sea conditions.
Prizes and Taxes
Prize recipients are responsible for payment of any taxes that might be owed on a particular prize, merchandise prizes shall have no cash value, and shall not be eligible for exchange or credit from the donor thereof. All prizes will be final at the time of award.
Derby official's decisions are final in all Whidbey Island Coho Derby matters!
Prize Drawings
You must be present for any door prize drawings on Sunday. Drawings will be between 2:30pm and 3:00pm at the Fort Casey weigh-in station.
Fish Requirements
Coho Salmon entered must be a minimum of 2.0 lbs. All fish will be inspected by our official Fish Checker, and in the opinion of the checker, any attempt is made to artificially enhance the weight of a fish or falsify where or how the fish was caught, that fish and the person entering the fish WILL be immediately disqualified from this and all future Whidbey Island Coho Derbies and criminal charges WILL be pursued. The official Fish Checker word is FINAL.
ALL WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE RULES APPLY. BE AWARE THAT WDFW RULES MAY CHANGE AT ANY TIME SO PLEASE CHECK BEFORE FISHING.
Coho Salmon entered in the Derby must have been caught on Saturday, September 13th and/or Sunday, September 14th of 2025. Coho Salmon must be weighed in on the day they are caught. Fish may be bled, but not gutted or cleaned for weigh-in. The winner of any tie will be determined by the earliest date and official time of entry. Only Coho Salmon caught in compliance with WDFW regulations of Marine Area 9 are eligible to be entered in the Derby. Only LEGALLY hooked Coho Salmon are eligible to win. If there are clear snag marks that fish will be disqualified.
Entry Limits
Each contestant may weigh in only 1 fish per day. There will be no upgrading of fish. Your first fish weighed in will be your entry.
Tickets
Everyone aboard the boat must have a derby ticket. This includes Charter Boats. Random checks will be conducted. Salmon for Soldiers are encouraged to participate in the derby but must have a ticket to win any prizes.
We are an infant PSA and appreciate all support from other PSA's and those who support the Salmon fishing opportunities and restoration of salmon stocks.
Amounts for prizes will be determined by ticket sales. 50% of all ticket sales will be divided up to make prizes.
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