It’s almost here!

1.    You can only win once in your division. To ensure a safe and fair fishing derby.  If your name is drawn more than once, another name will be drawn.

2.    Fishery Guardians will be on patrol to measure your live catch.

3.    Trout will only be judged by the Eskasoni Fishery Guardians at two locations, official stations will be at the Amaguadees Pond and Crane Cove.

4.    Entrants must supply own fishing gear including a live trap to keep fish alive. (Catch & Release)

5.    All boats must fish within the boundary lines indicated on the map. All boats used in the fishing derby must be in safe working condition. If your boat is considered a risk to the environment or unsafe, you will be asked to take it out of the water.

6.    Boats must operate at idle speed when they are close to shore to keep wake to a minimum and not disrupt fishing activity on shore.

7.    All fishermen and boaters are responsible for their own garbage and must be disposed of in provided garbage cans around the areas.  

8.    Absolutely no alcohol or drugs while operating boats. Same charges apply as on land for driving while impaired.

9.    Entrants with boats must abide by Provincial Boat Safety Regulations: Must have Small Pleasure License to operate a boat during the Derby, including lifejackets, bail buckets, etc.

10.   To qualify for prizes, each entrant must be registered & must use a rod. If you take a fish from a non-registered fisherperson you will be disqualified. DO NOT fish with gill nets or trawl lines. All fishing must be done with a single line and hook/lure.

11.   Trout must be measured alive & registered on the same day caught then released. Each trout caught is an extra ballot towards the draw.

12.   Entrants must fish within the boundary lines. If you fish outside the boundary lines, you will be disqualified from the derby. No refund.

13.   Non-Indigenous participants are required to follow the bag & possession limit under the NS Trout Fishing License in their possession.

14.   Eskasoni First Nation and Trout Derby Committee waiver all liability for Loss OR Damage to equipment.

15.   In the event of a tie for the biggest fish or most fish caught, prizes will be divided equally amongst the top contestants.

16. Only registered fishermen will be allowed to takepart in the derby. Those fishermen, not registered will not be able to take part in the derby, if these participants are caught transferring fish to a registered fishermen, they will be disqualified and the registration fee will not be returned. NO REFUNDS!

17. Disrespect of fish will not be tolerated. People who are caught throwing away fish or leaving it on the shore will be disqualified.

18. To ensure a safe and fair derby, all boats entering waters in designated fishing areas will be inspected and guardians may do random checks of boats during the day. Do not block or park in front of community boat launches.

19. We encourage all participants not to fish prior to the actual date of the derby. This is to ensure that the fish are comfortable in their new habitat and to enhance the chances of participants to catch more fish on the days of the derby.

20. All members of the Eskasoni Atoqwa'su Trout Derby planning committee, staff and Eskasoni Chief & Council are not eligible to enter their names for prizes.  Family members of these groups are eligible.

21. Those who plan to fish and would like to earn extra ballots must have a badge.

22. In the event if you win a smaller prize and would like to be eligable for the main prize, you can put your ticket back into the bin, and take a chance for a redraw. This may result in not winning a prize but its the gamble you take.