MOVO Rules:
Official Derby Rules
Please abide by all rules and regulations of both this derby and laws established by the State of Ohio and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Failure to follow these rules may result in disqualification, forfeiture of entry fees, and penalties, either civil or monetary, as imposed by the Ohio DNR.
- MOVO, The Mid Ohio Valley Open, is open to all amateur anglers with a valid Ohio or West Virginia fishing license. Anglers must use a licensed fishing vessel, and the operator must hold a valid boating license (if applicable). An adult choosing a minor as a partner will take full responsibility for that minor. Those under 18 years ofage may only participate with the completion of the appropriate waiver/release form.
- Safe boat conduct and safety precautions must be observed at all times. All boats must be equipped with life jackets, which must be worn when an engine is engaged. Participants understand that particular skill is required to operate a boat on anybody of water.
- This derby will take place on Saturday, April 29, 2017, rain or shine. If cancellation by host is necessary, derby will be held on the next available weekend. If participant cancels his/her registration or does not make the derby, no refunds will be given.
- All competitors are expected to show courtesy to other competitors and non-competitors alike. No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs will be allowed during derby hours.
- All competitors must complete and sign a registration form and pay a $50 entry fee per person ($100 per vessel). Limit 1-2 anglers per boat. It is encouraged that registration forms and entry fees be paid in advance. Registration will also take place on the day of the event beginning one hour prior to launch. An optional $10 “Lunker Pot” contest fee should be submitted at the time of registration.
- The launching of boats will begin at 5:30 a.m. from the Pomeroy Parking Lot Boat Ramp. Order of launch will be based upon the order in which registration forms AND entry fee is received. Therefore, registrations paid in advance will receive priority launch times over those who register the day of the event. If a paid registrant does not arrive before his/her time to launch, the next boat will be called to launch, and the late arrival will launch when they arrive. The derby will begin at 7:00 a.m. All advanced paid “latecomers” and same-day registrations must be launched no later than 10:00 a.m.
- All fish must be caught live and in a conventional manner using a rod and reel. No trolling will be permitted at any time during derby hours.
- Waters are off limits after sunset the day prior to the derby. Derby volunteers will inspect any live wells, tackleand other equipment to ensure a fair competition.
- No fishing is to be done within 25 yards of the host landing area or within 50 yards of another participant’s boat which was first positioned. Scouts and non-competitors are not permitted to “save” a preferred fishing location. Derby waters include any area of the Ohio that is navigable by boat from the launch point within the Racine Pool. This includes the necessity to move the boat over rapids; however, the boat must remain in the Ohio. The boat may not leave the water, such as moving the boat onto shore to navigate around waterfalls. Derby waters that are posted as follows: off limits, no fishing, no trespassing, or private property by the State or Local authorities, or private property owners where the publicis not allowed, is off limits to all competitors. Competitors cannot cross any of the above listed water to gain access toopen or public fishing waters. Only fishing in the Ohio River is allowed. Competitors shall remain with their partners in the boat at all times during the derby, except in the event of sickness or brief excursion to use a restroom, during severe storm, or other such hazard. Competitors may leave the boat to dislodge it. If for any reason either or both members decide to leave the derby waters early, both members shall bear full responsibility for notifying a derby official. If one team member leaves the water early, he/she may not return and resume fishing. However, his/her partner may continue fishing for the remainder of the derby hours. In case of a breakdown, one partner may return with fish by another derby boat while the other partner is permitted to stay with the disabled boat.
- The derby will end at 2:00 p.m. at the boat ramp where the derby began at which time weigh-ins will begin. Boats still in the water at 2:00 p.m., but in line waiting to exit the waters, may not fish and will not be penalized. Late arrivals will result in a one pound penalty per minute, up to 10 minutes at which time their catch will be disqualified. Late arrival penalty applies to both total weight and “Lunker Pot” weight. Weigh-ins will begin promptly at this time. Participants may choose to exit the water early, provided their catch is not removed from the general weigh-in area. Teams not weighing any fish are still required to check in with derby officials in order to account for all teams. Once a team member has checked in or left the boat for the purpose of checking in, neither team member may continue fishing.
- Each boat (individual or team) is limited to a maximum of five bass. The combined weight of all five bass will determine placement ranking in the tournament. Bass may be any combination of smallmouth or largemouth type. Minimum length of bass is 12 inches measured on a flat board, closed mouth, pinched tail. If more than five fish are brought to the scale,the largest fish will be thrown back. Any short fish brought to the scale will result in loss of biggest fish, in addition to then on-qualifying fish being thrown back. Any dead fish brought to the scale will result in a four ounce penalty. A maximumof two dead fish will be weighed per boat. Each penalty (other than late arrival) applies to the derby catch, and notthe “Lunker Pot” catch. Each boat may only weigh once.
- In the event of a tie for derby catch, the largest fish will break the tie. If a tie still exists, the number of fish will break the tie. If a tie still exists, the second largest fish will break the tie. In the event of a tie for the weight of the “Lunker Pot,” the length of the fish will break the tie, the fish being measured on a flat board, closed mouth, pinched tail.
- Winners are responsible for any and all taxes on any moneys or prizes won. Please understand that the derby is a fundraiser and the registration will be split 70/30 with 70% going to fund the initiatives of FACDO and 30% going to the fisherman who place in the derby. Payout amounts will be determined by the number of boats entering the derby. Second place will receive a Yeti cooler. Third place will receive 2 rods/reels and Yeti gear. The “Lunker Pot” is 70% payback.
- Damage of any nature is the responsibility of the derby participant. Both the driver and the passenger who participate accept full liability and responsibility for any and all personal injury or property damage that may occur.
- Complaints or protests must be submitted to a derby official within 15 minutes after scales are closed. Derby officials must be notified of intent to protest before scales are closed. It is the desire of Derby Officials to award prizes at the conclusion of weigh-ins. However, if a complaint is lodged, Derby Officials reserve the right to mail checks to winning teams pending any necessary decisions. It is further understood that the decisions of Derby Officials will be final.
