Which sturgeon derby?

Rimshot · 01-22-2004, 10:38 PM

I am thinking about entering one of the two derbys this year(fishermans or gijoes). I have never had the time in the past but they always sounded fun. This year I think I can finally pull it off. So I'm hoping to get some feedback from people who have done both or at least know a fair amount about both. I'm guessing things like organization, sponsors, hosts, and prizes could mean the difference between fun and annoying. Anyone have any feedback on either? Thanks a bunch.

Thick-N-Thin · 01-22-2004, 11:37 PM

All I can tell you is that the GI Joes derby has been alot of fun. I don't know if you could go wrong with either one. Eric Linde has organized the last couple of GI Joes Derbys. This year Stan Brock (Former NFL Player) is organizing this GI Joes/Berkley Sturgeon Derby. Great people, food, prizes and stories. Just a great experience all the way around. You can't go wrong with GI Joes if you had to choose one.

It's well worth the time you should at least try one of them!

hooksetter · 01-23-2004, 02:19 AM

I'm with Thick man, known Eric along time and he
has set up a great program. I'm sure Stan learned
alot last year to make it a success. Too bad I have to work that weekend, so I'll be at FM's
tourney.

illbfish · 01-23-2004, 05:38 AM

I fished both derby's last year & theres no comparison. Everything from the starting line to the food at the end was way better at FISHERMANS.
The prizes & food were worth more that the entry fee. :grin:

Rimshot · 01-23-2004, 02:49 PM

I just stopped by GIJoes and got the info on their derby. It costs $12 more but seems to be the same as far as rules etc. One thing I noticed though was that they are giving away a North River boat :shocked: . Does the Fishermans derby have any prizes like that? Might be worth it just to have a shot at that boat :grin: . Any other input on these two derbys out there?

Kentucky Hog Hunter · 01-23-2004, 07:32 PM

GI Joes, Eric Linde & Stan Brock...

Enough said...Stan is one great host and can tell a story to beat all and Eric Linde, well, I have never met a finer individual than he...He is a true professional at what he does and a great human being to boot...

I will always participate in this as long as Stan is involved and I know where Eric stands so I will say no more...

If you want to fish in the best Sturgeon Derby...Fish in the GI Joes Derby... And oh by the way...a portion of the procedes of the GI Joes Sturgeon Derby goes to support the "Boys & Girls Club of America"... what a deal...

Reel Fun Fish'n · 01-23-2004, 07:54 PM

I've never done the G.I Joes derby

but I have oarticapated in the Fisherman's derby for the past 3 yeara and what a hoot

they too have a grat dinner and hosted bar

after the derby. It is a littlew pricey but you can't take it with you so you might as well use it while your here

Reel Fun Fish'n · 01-23-2004, 07:55 PM

excuse my poor typeing or spelling

Biteme · 01-24-2004, 08:26 AM

Just my opinion, but with the reductions in limits, quotas and seasons why would anyone promote a derby fishery for sturgeon. I dont think they should be having either derby. Yes it is a blast and I have been in them before - but is it politically correct now considering the condition of this fishery.

Biteme · 01-24-2004, 01:03 PM

RS,
I think is does create additional impact. Lots of these folks that are in the derby are brought along for the festivities by salesmen - marketing types and so on. Many of these folks had never even thought of sturgeon fishing until one of their business vendors invited them. This derby isnt like a bass tournament the bass are released unharmed. The last year I did the fishermans one there was 178 teams. the next year it was well over 200 and now we have two seperate tournaments, not to mention the big one in astoria. I have nothing against a bunch of Ifishers having a friendly competition but I think the big commercial derbys for sturgeon at this point in time are not right.

I am going to go get my flame proof suit now.

Rimshot · 01-24-2004, 11:01 PM

Dennis,
Do you really think a derby adds more impact to the fishery? At first thought it would seem so but if you break it down and really think about it I doubt it really does. First, this is not an national or international event like a B.A.S.S. tourny that would draw anglers from all over the country to fish here that normally wouldn't fish here. That would certainly add more impact. But this is a local event involving people that live here. Second, I highly doubt an event like this would cause someone who doesn't fish for sturgeon to buy a license/tag, buy all the gear, and pay the entry fee just to do it. It would impact the fishery if it was creating a bunch of new sturgeon fisherman if even for a day, but I doubt that is the case. Last, does it create an extra fishing day that normally wouldn't have happened? This is the most likely but still I'll bet most of these guys are trading(giving up) other fishing days to do this one. Something to the tune of "Ok honey, you can spend the $75 to enter that derby but instead of going fishing the weekend before you are going to clean the garage." "Yes dear."
So really what you have is a bunch of local guys who already have tags and fish for sturgeon anyway, being organized to fish on the same day to have some fun, meet some new friends, and benefit a local charity. Oh, and possibly tag one of their 5 sturgeon for the year.
I agree it SEEMS like it is a huge impact because of all the fish that will be caught on that one day. But is it creating EXTRA impact on the fishery that wouldn't have been there otherwise? Nah, I don't think so. Just my opinion though.