2026 2nd Annual Croaker Derby Tournament Rules

1. Date & Duration

  • The tournament will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

  • This is a one-day tournament.

  • Lines in the water at 6:00 AM.

2. Eligible Fish

  • Only Croaker caught on hook and line are eligible for the main tournament.

  • No netting, snagging, or other methods are allowed.

3. Weigh-In

  • Weigh-ins will be held from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

  • The official weigh-in site will be at the Clubhouse at York River Yacht Haven.

  • All participants must be in line by 3:00 PM sharp to qualify.

  • Late entries will not be accepted.

4. General Rules

  • Anglers are responsible for following all applicable Virginia state fishing regulations.

  • Fish must be caught during official tournament hours.

  • Any evidence of foul play, cheating, or rule violations will result in disqualification.

5. Awards & Scoring

  • Winners will be determined by the heaviest three-fish aggregate weight of Croaker.

  • Each angler may weigh in a maximum of three (3) Croaker.

  • Anglers may weigh fewer than three Croaker; however, their total weight will still be compared against other anglers’ aggregate weights.

  • The combined weight of the eligible Croaker weighed will determine the angler’s official tournament weight.

  • Tie-breakers will be decided by the earliest official weigh-in time.

6. Calcutta Rules

  • Calcutta entries must be made at on-site registration.

  • Cash only for Calcutta entries.

  • Winners will receive 50% of the Calcutta entry fees collected.

  • Calcutta species must be caught on hook and line.

  • Calcutta categories include (Tie-breakers for Calcuttas will be decided by earliest weigh-in time):

    • Mud Toad

    • Flounder

    • Cobia

    • Heaviest Single Croaker

7. Liability

  • All participants enter the tournament at their own risk.

  • Cobia for Kids, Gloucester United Baseball/Softball Team, and tournament officials are not responsible for accidents, injuries, or lost or damaged property.