2011 Spring Derby prize structure

[LiveWire]

Just a thought for the derby committee to consider. I am sure that the mandate to run a first class and successful derby is what everyone wants.
Over the years there have been a few different formats utilized by various derbies. The higher the chance of a fisherman winning a prize during the duration of the derby is a proven way to increase ticket sales and participation.
Your thoughts on the following would be welcomed.

Run the categories in 2 week blocks. Every 2 weeks the categories are "wiped clean" and the derby starts fresh.

Increase the payout spots for Chinook to 10.
Trout categories all can remain at 6 or even decreased to 5, also "wiped clean every 2 weeks.

The overall payouts can be decreased in each category, spread out if you will. Some spots can be awarded prizes, some cash, whatever is calculated as a best fit.

I dont even think an increase to the derby ticket price would be a concern to anyone with the INCREASED CHANCES TO WIN over the duration of the derby.

Other rules such as "Only one fish in one category per block" should be entertained as well in the rules.

The main goal should be to increase the desire for anglers to participate in this event. I think this format should do it. Just look at the 9 day LOC Derby run in New York. Twenty spots per category for 9 days of fishing. A very well run derby that people from all over the USA travel to to fish. The majority with the Main goal of just ... "getting on the board"
The Grand Prize for the biggest fish caught for the duration could still be a substantial prize as well. This would cover all the bases.

Give the highest number of people you can chances to win a prize and I am sure you will see the derby grow in leaps and bounds.

[LiveWire]

I have also heard that some believe that the trout categories should be eliminated, The brown Trout category in particular. The explanation "nobody ever weighs in a brown anyways."
Eliminating categories reduces chances for fishermen. No need to shoot yourself in the foot.
Spots not paid for the Brown Trout category can simply be rolled over to the next years derby purse for future prizes, and or purchase of prizes. This can be done with a proper audit of derby ticket sales.
Again, helping the derby to grow.
Or how about a raffle draw for a prize package from the unclaimed Brown Trout winnings later on in the year with a portion going to Kids Day or something? There are many options that can be entertained and considered. Please chime in with your thoughts.

[Dan Andrews]

Jason the last meeting had quite a bit of discussion on this as that is where the club was asking for input. After receiving input on Monday's meeting the derby committee met again yesterday (Saturday).

I can't say for sure but I imagine the pinch is on and we're likely talking about the following year instead real soon. Your best bet right now is to call Doug Gauthier direct and find out if they have finalized the rules for this coming spring yet and if not perhaps ask if you can present your ideas at the next DC meeting.

[Rigger]

Don't like the idea of wiping clean the derby board every 2 weeks. Conservation is a concern. Big fish of the week is the only Salmon prize up for grabs in that category for the first month. The idea for Overall Payouts is to increase the main prize (1st Place) to attract more anglers and not to decrease it. This can be achieved by an increase in ticket sales, higher ticket costs, sponsorship and changing the prize structure to a higher % paid out in 1st place and decreasing drastically to last place. It is a very tough decision for the Derby Committee to make. One fish only was entertained last year. I am still undecided about this rule. When you can't fish in that One Category, it can get annoying. The idea was not to eliminate the Brown Trout category but to merge it with Rainbow category. The thought here is to increase the main prize structure to attract anglers while not ignoring a 23 lb Brown Trout. Rolling over of unclaimed prizes will enhance the future derby but this only happens in the Brown Trout category. Raffles do not attract more anglers to the Club or get them to enter the Derby.

[Deleted]

The whole idea that jay is putting out is to spread the prizes and money out it works for the loc derby . A big first prize cash amount will only draw the big tournament anglers. Clean slate more prizes every two weeks worked very well for the old Sun derby it was the most popular event around . The idea is to make the event available to everyone. As far as conservation it is a put and take fishery for the most part and with minimum weight restrictions the overall kill isn't a big as you think education is the answer to that problem . As for the browns keep the catagory just learn how to catch them There were many 20lb fish caught on the south shore last season but were not entered in the St. Cath event. My two cents. regards stormin.

[naturenut4]

From what I have heard the Laker category was considered to be taken out because nobody can eat the fish? So ppl are just catching them for the cash prize.. I have a small suggestion.. so the fish doesn't go to complete waste.. maybe the top 3 Lakers can be mounted with the SCGF club paying the fee, as the prize for catching them? Would the cost to mount them be anywhere NEAR the price that was being given out for each one being caught over the last few yrs or was it way less being awarded compared to the ammount of mounting one?

[LiveWire]

naturenut...I am sure that a taxidermist would be wiling to mount a fish or 2 for a fee as well as some sponsorship advertising for the derby. I bet Advanced Taxidermy would be willing to help out. The thought of a nice mount would be pleasing to quite a few I bet. I do like the idea.

Increasing the payout for just the 1st place Chinook with intentions of attracting more anglers is not the way to go. Think of it as a numbers game. Increasing payout spots increases everyones chances of winning. The 649 lottery pipedream is a perfect example. Increased odds at placing a fish is sure to attract participation.

Even if the derby organizers considered a few options like extending the Chinook category to 10 spots it would be a bonus.

The Overall Big Fish Prize could still be awarded, as well as 10 other happy people.

Large sponsors such as Scotty are donating downriggers worth $500 plus dollars. Why bother giving this prize out to the same guy in first place who was just handed a cheque for $3000, when the Club can award a downrigger as a prize to an additional angler in the same category as his or her prize?

Would it be safe to say that the more winners you have, and chances at winning will only increase Derby and Club support?

[naturenut4]

I agree with you Jason on everything you have said!!

[Dan Andrews]

I have never sat in on a derby committee meeting although I have sat in a general meeting with them. I can say with confidence that the discussion here is very productive in comparison and that these members here should consider not only sitting in on a committee meeting in the near future, but consider accepting a chair at the game and fish the next time an opportunity arises.

You guys not only make sense but you really seem to care. What have you been waiting for?

[LiveWire]

Dan I have been a member of the Game and Fish for going on 30 years. I have done my part over the years in other ways during that time.

[rm]

I like the idea of 10 prizes for Salmon and also keeping all the Trout catagories and keeping them separate from each other. It just makes sense as it's a more appealing derby to the angler we're trying to attract that hasn't bought a ticket with the more chances to win and likewise if you don't end up paying out the Brown catagory well then that's just a bonus for the club.

One main prize per catagory have to admit I never thought of that one but another great idea you'll end up with 25 different winners and unless your in first with a monster of a fish you still have that derby passion if that's the kind of angler you are as you'll be looking to move yourself up and letting many of the rest go. Although I see it as pretty much a put, grow and take fishery it will probably save some fish for people concerned.

One thing I see as a MUST for this derby is to have the results of the leader board posted daily here and on the spoonpullers site. From the consevationist's side it prevent's unnessasary kills and can only help with expossure if you want more ticket sales. Just assuming someone can drop by the clubhouse and check themselves doesn't cut it when you've got scales all around the corner of the lake. Daily updates mean a ton to anglers fishing any derby of this type these days and one of the biggest complaints of derbies when their not there.

[Dan Andrews]

Dec 1, 2010 20:06:20 GMT -5 rm said:

One thing I see as a MUST for this derby is to have the results of the leader board posted daily here and on the spoonpullers site. From the consevationist's side it prevent's unnessasary kills and can only help with expossure if you want more ticket sales. Just assuming someone can drop by the clubhouse and check themselves doesn't cut it when you've got scales all around the corner of the lake. Daily updates mean a ton to anglers fishing any derby of this type these days and one of the biggest complaints of derbies when their not there.

Well we all agree on that point; that is us using the internet. If you can explain that to all the elder fellas running the ramp and every weigh station then it will be done. I've asked in the past for a phone call and even to leave a message but some of these fellas can't talk to an answering machine either. I've banged my head over this one but it just isn't going to change until the internet users run the ramp and the other scale locations agree.

[LiveWire]

Daily updates of the leaderboard is a very important thing to mention. Not only as a way to keep the anglers up to date, but it can be used as an advertising and draw for sponsors to support with prize donations.
I am sure there are a few business' in the Niagara Area who would like to have their name associated with the "Daily Update of the Leaderboard" Local Gas Stations, Repair Shops, Marinas and boat repait facilities, Restaurants and the like. The St Catharines Standard printed the Leaderboard DAILY for 5 species...all top 10 every day for the duration of the derby. IT was done in the past, no reason why it could not be done again. Attracting sponsors is a whole topic unto itself, worthy of another thread.

So back to the Prize structure.

Anyone from the Derby Committee read this yet? Any feedback is welcomed

[Rigger]

If my wife sees one more fish on my wall, I think she will hang me up right beside it. Mounting of fish is for that once in a lifetime monster. Can only see this being done if it is for advertising for a taxidermist at minimal cost to the Club and Derby. If the Club has to pay anymore than that, it just does not make sense to me. I use to buy the St. Catharine's Standard just to see the results. Whenever my name would be in print, people would call and send their congrats. With the INTERNET taking over, the newspapers seem to have lost touch and alway overcharge for anything that needs to be put in a newspaper. They no longer know what it takes to sell a paper, just what ads to put in it and how much to charge.

[LiveWire]

When I mentioned the newspaper I was referring to the fact that Daily Updates are POSSIBLE, yes using the internet, not the paper.
You must have alot of "Once in a Lifetime Monsters" on your walls rigger, if you are not allowed to mount any more fish.