RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. Kids Day Derby 2026 is open to all kids 2 to 16 years of age. The derby is free to participate in.
2. Fishing will begin at 8am and finish at 10am.
3. Registration opens at 7:30am. All kids must register at the registration tent to receive their official Kids
Day Derby button before fishing
4. Two ways to win:
Kids enter up to 3 fish of any species including multiples of the same species to be entered into
the draw for one of the 20 Grand Prizes. Goby species included.
Kids can enter fish they catch 5 inches or more into the Biggest Fish Contest. The fish must be
measured by our volunteer fish measuring team. Goby species will not be measured for the Biggest
Fish Contest. Volunteers will be walking around with clipboards and measuring tapes waiting to
measure your fish 5 inches or more. You can continue to upgrade your fish size. No limit to how many
fish you can have measured. Fish will be measured in inches.
All anglers will be entered into both contests.
5. Kids Day buttons issued today only will be accepted. Kids Summer Derby buttons will NOT be accepted.
6. Photo entries only. Take a picture of your child with the fish and the 2026 Kids Day button.
7. Please do not bring fish up to the registration tent.
8. Fishing is from shore only. You may fish on either side of the St. Catharines Game & Fish property.
9. Fishing from a boat is not permitted today.
10. You can set up before 8am but cannot begin fishing until the horn blows at 8am.
11. The horn will sound again at 10am to signal the end of the derby. Make your way back to the
registration tent by 10:30am to enter your fish pictures with the registration staff.
12. All entries must include the official 2026 Kids Day Derby button in your picture to qualify as an entry.
13. Each fish entered will receive a ballot for the Kids Day Derby draw. Maximum 3 fish.
14. A bonus ballot will be given to each angler who catches 3 fish of any species including multiples of the
same species.
15. 20 randomly selected Kids Day Grand Prize winners will be chosen from today’s entries.
16. 3 longest fish in inches will win the corresponding top 3 cash prizes. 1 st is $150, 2 nd is $100, 3 rd is $50.
17. Prizes will be presented today at the awards presentation.
18. Digitally enhanced photos including digitally adding the button to the picture will be disqualified.
19. It is a condition of entry that the entrant's parent or guardian agrees to release the organizers,
sponsors, and Derby Committee from any claims for damages or liability of any nature whatsoever.
20. Participants agree to abide by all the regulations of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources under
the Fish and Game Act.
21. Any legally caught fish that meets Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources guidelines is eligible for entry.
22. Participants agree to abide by fishing regulations in the municipality of Niagara in which you are
fishing.
23. Fish must be caught by rod and reel only. No net fishing or gaffing. Snagged or foul hooked fish will be
disqualified. All fish must be hooked by their mouth. We encourage live release.
24. Gobies count as an entry but are not to be released as per the fishing regulations on invasive species.
25. We encourage all kids to wear life jackets.
26. Parents are responsible for the safety and well being of their child while on the St. Catharines Game &
Fish property and surrounding areas
27. Adults may not fish in the derby. Children 2-16 years may fish with minimal help from adults.
28. All prizes must be picked up at the St. Catharines Game & Fish Clubhouse September 12, 2026.
29. All prizes must be accepted as awarded. The derby committee's ruling of prize winners will be final.
30. The organizers reserve the right to amend, add to, remove, or otherwise change any of the rules and
regulations without prior notice if they deem it to be in the best interest of all parties in the derby.
31. Unclaimed prizes become the property of the SCGFA Kids Summer Derby.
32. By signing the Consent Form at Registration, you are agreeing that your child's name and picture
may be published online as it relates to participation or results of the Kids Day Derby.
Good Luck and Good Fishing