Emmett Ross Memorial Fishing Derby & Merit Badge Event 

Everyone is invited to join us for a fun morning on the water at the Emmett Ross Memorial Fishing Derby, proudly organized by the Pine Hill District! Whether you’re a seasoned angler or have never fished before, this event is for you.

New to fishing? No problem!
Fishing equipment will be available to borrow, and from 8:00–8:45 AM we’ll be offering a hands-on fishing tutorial for anyone who wants to learn the basics before the derby begins.

Event Details

Cost: $5 per participant with advance registration ($7 at the door)

Who Can Participate: Scouts of all ages and programs are welcome!

Check-in Opens: 8:00 AM

Derby Begins: 9:00 AM (when the horn blows)

Everyone needs to  bring their own catch bucket!  (A clean 5 gallon bucket does work best)

Merit Badge Opportunity

For Scouts BSA, a certified Fishing Merit Badge Counselor will be on-site throughout the event and available to work with Scouts. He is also a BSA National Program Certified Angler.

Youth Fishing Derby Rules

(Also available as a downloadable PDF)

• Cubs & guests must be accompanied by an adult and use the buddy system.
• Scouts in Troops, Crews, Ships, and guests must also use the buddy system.
• The derby officially begins at 9:00 AM when the horn blows.
• All participants must remain at the lower end of the lake near the spillway and within sight of registration.
• No boats or waders allowed.
• You may bring your own fishing rod, tackle, bait, and catch bucket. (Limited equipment will be available to borrow.)
• All fish must be caught by youth participants.
• Adults may fish for fun but are not eligible for prizes and must have proper fishing licenses.

Place each catch in your bucket with lake water and bring it to one of the catch measurement stations.

Do not save fish—please bring them to be measured as they are caught.

All fish must be released immediately after measuring. This is a catch-and-release event.

The derby ends at 12:00 Noon when the horn sounds.

Prize Categories

Youth will compete in the following groups:

• Cub Scouts
• Cub Scout Guests
• Scouts in Troops, Crews, or Ships
• Guests age 11+
• Each group will have three prizes (12 total):
• Shortest Fish
• Longest Fish
• Most Fish Caught

Each youth may win only one prize (judges’ decisions are final).

Winners will be announced following the derby.

Tie-breakers:

Longest/Shortest Fish: most fish caught wins.

Most Fish: total inches of fish caught wins.

If no winner is determined for a category, prizes may be reassigned or held for a future event.

Additional Info

Restrooms will be available via a portable toilet in the parking lot.

Leave No Trace applies—please take all trash, bait, and fishing materials with you when you leave.

We can’t wait to see you there—bring your friends, your family, and your sense of adventure!