2023 Wayne County Youth Fishing Derby 

The planning for the 26th annual Wayne County Youth Fishing Derby is underway. This Derby is the highlight of the year for Wayne County Youth, ages 4 – 16. The derby will start on June 23rd, 2023 followed by New York’s FREE fishing weekend  Saturday and Sunday 24-25th and runs through Friday July 28th.
 Fishing is a family activity and free fishing days are a perfect opportunity for beginners to try out fishing for the first time.  Please also consider taking a friend or family member who has never been fishing, out on the water for the days.

2023 Youth Derby Online Registration Opens June 1, 2023

Participants will enter only fish personally caught in the Wayne County, NY waters of Lake Ontario (1/2 mile west of Ginna Plant and east to Blind Sodus Bay) and its embayments; the waters of the Erie Canal and streams located in Wayne County, NY in accordance with all NYS Department of Conservation Fishing Rules and Regulations. Participant must have valid NYS fishing license unless exempted by law. Participants will enter only fish personally caught in the Wayne County, NY waters of Lake Ontario (1/2 mile west of Ginna Plant and east to Blind Sodus Bay) and its embayments; the waters of the Erie Canal and streams located in Wayne County, NY in accordance with all NYS Department of Conservation Fishing Rules and Regulations. Participant must have valid NYS fishing license unless exempted by law.

AL SHULTZ YOUTH MEMORIAL CHALLENGE (PAN FISH):
To be eligible for prizes in the Al Shultz Youth Memorial Challenge, youths must be between the ages of 4-7 at the time of registration. Angler must catch one of each of the five species: Blue Gill, Perch, Rock Bass, Sun Fish and a Smallmouth Bass OR Largemouth Bass. NOTE: Perch must be a minimum weight of 6 ozs. Each fish will be recorded according to date and time recorded on the weigh form. Blue gill, rock bass and sun fish do not need to be weighed but must be taken to weigh station to be entered into the contest.
SPECIES CHALLENGE:
a. Open to all anglers entering the largest fish (by weight) in each of the 5 eligible species will receive prizes and trophies. The five species are as follows: walleye, perch, northern pike, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass.
b. In the event of a tie, the person who entered the first fish according to date and time recorded on the weigh form will be the winner.
WAYNE COUNTY MERCHANTS FISHING CHALLENGE:
a. To be eligible for prizes in the Merchants Fishing Challenge, youths must be between the ages of 8-16 at the time of registration. Anglers must catch and enter one fish in each of the following five species: northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and perch. Angler may enter additional fish in each species, if larger than one already registered. Only the largest fish per species entered by an angler will be eligible. All fish must be caught in accordance with rules and regulations of NYS DEC, between June 23 through Friday July 28, 2023. NOTE: Perch must be a minimum weight of 6 ozs.
b. Winners will be determined by the total accumulative weight of the five eligible fish. In the event of a tie, the person who entered the first fish according to date and time recorded on the weigh form will be the winner.

Award ceremony to be announced at a later time and date.

Thank you to all the Merchants and individuals that make this annual fishing event even possible.

Nancy Wilkes of McDonalds, Lyons National Bank, Humbert Farms, Joey’s Northside Grocery, Captain Jack’s Good Time Tavern- Cornerstone Realty Associates , Dynalec Corporation, Termatec Molding – V&C Development,
Johnson Forest Management – Dates Excavating, Fishin Magician Charters, Paton’s Sodus Market David & Sue Williamson, Lake Breeze Fruit Farms, Ashley Insurance, Torque Auto,
Sodus Bay Outfitters, KC Bailey Orchards, PJ’s Unisex Salon, Mack’s Body Shop, Finger Lakes Aquaculture, Franklin House Tavern, Plano Fishing, Frabill, Tim Thomas,
Walmart, Rubino’son the Bay, Katlynn Marine, Farm Bureau ofWayne County, Fowler Marina, ReclaimedMaddness, Sodus Bay Sportsmen Club,
JJ’sDog House, Hughes Marina, Grantley Bait &Tackle, Jarvis Bait Farm,
Davenport’s Livery,Bay Bridge Bait, Krenzer Marina, Country Max Palmyra,
Wayne County Soil & Water Conservation District, Wayne County Federation of Sportsmens Clubs, Pop’s
Country House Collectibles, Mama’s Boyz Cafe