Drew Lalumiere Memorial Walleye Tournament Rules

Event Date: Saturday, May 17 through Sunday, May 18, 2025
Location: Lower Otter Creek, Vergennes Falls Basin to the mouth of Otter Creek
Time: Sunrise May 17, 2025 through 12 pm May 18, 2025

1. Eligibility

  • The tournament is open to all anglers, both novice and experienced.

  • All participants must have a valid Vermont fishing license for the date of the event.

2. Registration

  • Pre-registration is required. All participants must register online, over the phone, or in person at Rack & Reel 5347 Ethan Allen Hwy, New Haven, VT 05472 by Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

  • Registration Fee: $25 per participant. This covers entry to the event, weigh-in fees, and participation in the prize pool.

3. Fishing Areas

  • The tournament will take place on the Lower Otter Creek, from the Vergennes Fall’s basin to the mouth of Otter Creek

  • Only designated fishing areas within the boundaries of the Lower Otter Creek are allowed. Fishing outside of these boundaries will result in disqualification.

4. Tournament Format

  • The tournament will be an Individual competition.

  • Anglers are permitted to fish from boats, docks, or shore.

  • The goal of the tournament is to catch the largest fish by weight of Walleye or Sheepshead

  • Time Limit: Participants may fish from 5:24 am May 17th until 12pm on May 18th, 2025.

5. Species & Legal Catch

  • Only Walleye and Sheephead are eligible for entry.

  • Minimum size limit: Walleye must be at least 18” in length. All fish caught must follow the Vermont regulations per species.

  • Bag limit: Participants may weigh in up to 3 fish per species per day.

6. Weigh-In & Scoring

  • Weigh-In Station: The official weigh-in station will be located at River’s Edge Cottages, 47 Donovan Lane, Vergennes, VT 05491. Anglers must present their catch at the weigh-in station. The weigh-in station’s hours of operation are from 8 am to 8 pm on Saturday, May 17, 2025 and from 8 am to 12pm on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Late arrivals will be disqualified. 

  • Weighing Procedure: Each fish will be weighed by tournament officials. The official weight will be recorded. Only fish that meet the legal minimum size requirements will be weighed.

  • Tie-Breakers: In the event of a tie, the heaviest fish with the greatest length will be used as the tie-breaker.

7. Fishing Methods

  • Prohibited: Use of nets, traps, or any non-traditional fishing methods is prohibited.

  • Hooking Methods: Fish must be hooked in the mouth. Fish that are foul-hooked (e.g., hooked in the body) will not be counted.

8. Rules for Boats and Equipment

  • Boats: Participants are allowed to fish from boats. All boats must be registered and compliant with all state laws and safety guidelines.

  • Permitted Gear: Only legal fishing tackle and equipment as specified in Vermont state fishing regulations will be allowed.

9. Code of Conduct

  • Sportsmanship: All anglers must treat fellow competitors, volunteers, and officials with respect. Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in disqualification.

  • Environmental Responsibility: All anglers are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles and to dispose of trash responsibly.

10. Prizes

  • Prizes will be awarded for the following categories:

    • Heaviest Walleye

    • Heaviest Sheepshead

    • Additional Prizes: $50 to the angler with the largest walleye caught on a Green Mountain Grabber, photo evidence required. 

  • Prize winners will be contacted within 24 hours of the conclusion of the tournament.

  • Prize amounts will be based on final number of participants 

11. Disqualification

Participants may be disqualified for:

  • Violation of any tournament rules.

  • Falsifying or misrepresenting catches.

  • Unsportsmanlike conduct or disruptive behavior.

  • Fishing outside designated areas or times.

  • Failure to follow Vermont state laws and regulations.

    12. Weather Conditions

  • The tournament will take place rain or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe by tournament officials (e.g., storms, high winds).

  • If the event must be canceled due to weather, a rain date will be announced or refunds will be provided as per the tournament's policy.

    13. Liability

  • Liability Waiver: By entering the tournament, participants agree to hold harmless the organizers, sponsors, and officials from any injury or accident that occurs before, during, or after the event.

  • Insurance: Participants are encouraged to have their own insurance for medical emergencies or accidents.

    14. Miscellaneous

  • Photography and Media: By participating, anglers grant permission for their image or likeness to be used in tournament promotional materials, media, and social media.

  • Changes to Rules: Tournament organizers reserve the right to make changes to the rules if necessary. Participants will be informed of any rule changes before the event begins