Spring Striper Derby 2025 - Official Rules & Guidelines

​Once you entered the Derby. You become a Judge and hold each other accountable. 

Eligibility

The Spring Striper Derby is open to individuals aged 18 and older. To participate, all anglers must register by February 14, 2025 (Valentine’s Day) and extended cut off is 2.19.2025

• Entry Fee: $50 per angler

• Registration: Text LC at (916) 346-2878 or send a direct message (DM) via Instagram at MienVsWild.

• Community Group: Participants will be added to the SPRING STRIPER DERBY Facebook Messenger group.

• Payment: Entry fees can be sent via Zelle or Venmo to LC. You can pay him on 
  SPRING STRIPER DERBY messenger group.

Fishing Location 

• Permitted Fishing Locations:

  • Feather Falls

  • Rio Vista

  • Sacramento River

  • Delta / Deep Water Channel

Updated and Clarify location from above: 
 

Fish from Sherman island  to Verona (ends at Beer Can Beach)- American river and
road 107(spilt to woodland) off limit)

Port of sac all the way to Rio vista 

All body part in the Delta 

West capital 

All slough/canals running through the sac river 

Fishing Schedule Date

• Derby Duration: February 21, 2025 – April 27, 2025 (30 days total)

• Fishing Days: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only

Number Code for Verification

To ensure fairness, a code number will be issued for each designated fishing day. Participants must include the code in their video submissions for verification. Failure to mention the code in your video will result in disqualification. The video will not count. 
 

Video Submission Guidelines
To ensure the validity of your catch, please adhere to the following video recording requirements:
 

1. Recording the Catch

   • Record the catch as soon as possible. While we will be lenient on the hookset, the video must show the entire process—from fighting the fish to bringing it in.

   • No outside assistance is allowed (e.g., netting the fish). However, someone else may record the catch for you.

   • You must clearly state the designated code word yourself during the recording.

2. Measurement Requirements

   • The measurement must be clearly recorded, and the length must be stated audibly in the video.

   • If the fish is longer than the measurement you quoted in the video, you will be held accountable. If the measurement appears shorter than what was stated, we will review and discuss the discrepancy.

3. Code Word Requirement

   • The code word must be stated in either the fish measurement video or the catch video. While it is not required for both, we recommend including it in both recordings to avoid discrepancies.

4. Proper Measurement Recording

   • Ensure the fish is measured on a flat surface to the best of your ability.

   • When recording the measurement, zoom in for clarity, then zoom out and pause briefly before moving the camera. This helps confirm that the measurement tape has not been altered.

   • Using a catch board is strongly recommended for accuracy or place on a flat surface and measure it correctly from front lip to the tail of the fish; do not pinched tail when measuring. 

5. No dead fish allowed – Ensure your catch is alive when measuring. If the fish is dead, your submission will be disqualified.
    

6. Compliance & Judgment – All videos will be reviewed by fellow anglers in the designated messenger group. Any failure to follow these guidelines may result in your submission being disqualified.

Submission Deadline

• Videos must be submitted to the group chat by 11:59 PM for confirmation. Any submissions received after midnight will not be counted for that day's fishing results.

Video Evaluation 

Video evaluation includes a maximum 2-hour open review by the angler judges. If no objections are raised within this period, the fish record will stand and be officially recorded on the leaderboard. However, if an objection is raised, a vote will take place among the angler judges. If three votes are cast against the submission, the video will be disqualified.

Grading your catch has to meet the following criteria 

1. Submit a continuous video demonstrating the process of setting the hook and landing the fish.

2. Independently bring the fish to the bank without assistance from others. The use of a net or gripper is permitted.

3. Measure the fish on a flat surface or a measuring board.

4. Ensure the fish is alive during measurement.

5. When measuring, the fish's tail must be spread out and not pinched.

6. Zoom in to clearly display the front of the fish's lips and the tail during measurement.

7. State the designated code for the day and announce the length of the fish in inches.
    

Failure to adhere to any of these criteria will result in the disqualification of your catch video.

Scoring & Prizes

• Winner Determination:

  • The angler with the longest Striped Bass (Striper) wins.

  • In case of a tie, the earliest recorded catch wins.

• Prizes:

  • 1st Place: $1,000 + MienvsWild ** Champion Cap**

  • 2nd Place: $400

  • 3rd Place: $100

• Bonus Catch:

  • A special Bonus Catch Code will be announced on fishing days.

  • Example: If the code is "H4CK" and your bonus catch requirement is a 23-inch Striper, you must catch a 23-inch Striper and mention the provided code in your video. The first person to submit their video through the Striper Derby Messenger Group will have their catch verified by all participating anglers. If there are no objections, your video is considered valid, and the length of your Striper will be recorded on the leaderboard.

  • Bonus catch size requirements will vary, so stay updated on the announcements.
     

Derby Catch Submission & Ranking Rules

1. Submission & Verification:

   • All fish you catch must be submitted for verification by the 39 angler judges in the derby group.

   • Only verified catches will be recorded and ranked on the leaderboard.

2. Ranking & Leaderboard:

   • The ranking is determined by the length of the fish, with the longest fish taking the highest position.

   • In the case of a tie in length, the fish that was submitted first will rank higher.

   • There will be no ties for the Champion title.

3. Placement Rules:

   • Champion: Awarded to the angler who submits the longest fish first.

   • Second Place: Goes to the angler with the second longest fish, even if it is the same length as the first-place fish.

   • Third Place: Awarded to the angler with the third longest fish, or the next qualifying fish if a tie occurs.

4. Smallest Fish Category ("Dinks"):

   • The smallest fish submitted will be ranked based on size.

5. Final Standings:

   • It is crucial to submit your catch promptly to secure your ranking.

   • Once verified, your fish will be locked into the records, determining your final placement at the end of the derby.

​Conduct & Sportsmanship

• All anglers are expected to practice fair play and ethical fishing.

• Cheating or unsportsmanlike behavior will result in disqualification and a lifetime ban without a refund.

• Regulations Compliance: Participants must follow all local fishing and environmental laws.

  • Stripers under 18 inches must be released.

  • MienVsWild is not liable for any violations committed by participants.

Judging & Disputes

• Community Judging: All participating anglers in the SPRING STRIPER DERBY Messenger group will serve as judges.

• Video Verification:

  • Anglers must hold each other accountable for video submissions.

  • If a submission is disputed, it will be reviewed by the group.

  • If a catch is ruled invalid, the participant must resubmit a new video.

  • A decision will be reached with a three-vote consensus among the group.

Liability

By participating, all entrants assume full responsibility for any risks associated with the derby. The organizers are not liable for any injuries, accidents, or damages that may occur.

Bait Guidelines

• All types of bait are allowed, including:

  • Live bait

  • Cut bait

  • Artificial lures

  • Natural baits

• Regulations Compliance: Participants must adhere to local fishing and game regulations regarding bait use.

• Liability Disclaimer: MienVsWild is not responsible for any issues arising from bait choices or fishing methods.

Permitted Fishing Equipment

• Fish Grippers

• Fishing Nets

Spring Striper Derby Potluck 2025

The Spring Striper Derby Champion Ceremony and award distribution for 2nd and 3rd place winners will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

• Event: Derby BBQ & Potluck

• Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

• Location: Hogback Access Island

• What to Bring: A dish to share with fellow anglers!
   

This is a great opportunity to celebrate, network, and enjoy the fishing community. We look forward to seeing you there!
 

For any questions, contact LC via text (916.346.2878) or DM on Instagram: @MienVsWild.

Tight lines and good luck! 🎣