Buffalo Lake, Alberta
Feb 17 - 18 2024
CFE event licence #615893

This event is catch and release ONLY. Harvesting of fish will result in disqualification. Use barbless hooks only. Maximum of two lines per entrant. All entrants are required to pick up their welcome package prior to fishing on the lake. All entrants will be provided a measuring device in their welcome  package. 

Derby boundaries are within the limits of the water body of Buffalo Lake, excluding the Narrows in portion located in 40-22-W4, please observe the boundary markers for Narrows fishing. Any anglers fishing in the Narrows during the derby will be disqualified. 

(The purple portion on the map under the Red X) 

This is a Northern Pike only event. If Burbot or White Sucker are caught, release immediately – only photographs of Northern Pike submitted will be accepted. 

In the event of disqualification, any entry fees will be forfeited and not refunded. By registering and participating in the derby, all participants agree to abide by the rules and regulations as set out in the 2024 Big Jack Classic Fishing Event Rules and Competitive Fishing Event License issued by the Government of Alberta. 

Save our fish, refer to the leaderboard often and do not submit photos of fish smaller than the posted leaders in each category. This will help limit the impact on the fish caught and enhance the chances of survival for catch and release where the fish can be put back into the water as quickly as possible. 

All rules below must be adhered to. 

1. Getting Started

1. The 2024 Big Jack Classic Ice Fishing Derby is an online derby run through Angler’s Atlas website  and their mobile app MyCatch.

2. Anyone can participate in the 2024 Big Jack Classic Ice Fishing Derby, and it is for all ages. Registration is currently only able to support individual registration. For those participants sharing a mobile device, participants must login to their own account to submit their catches through the manage accounts feature.

3.  There is a $35.00 registration fee to enter the derby. Youth entry is for youth up to 16 years of age, Links can be found at www.BigJackClassic.ca 

4. If you enter after the tournament starts, you must check in before starting to fish and sign a waiver.

5. Catches must be submitted through the MyCatch app for judging anytime during the listed  derby times (see below - 3 b). 

6. Everyone entering the event must download the free MyCatch mobile app which is available for both iOS (Apple App Store) and Android (Google Play Store) and login to activate the event on the app using the same login email and password that you used to register in the event. If you previously have had the app, we suggest doing a check to see if there are updates or simply reload the app. 

7. In order for catches to be sent properly, you must use the same login email and password for both the Angler’s Atlas website and the MyCatch app.

8. All contestants must register for the tournament via this URL: https://www.anglersatlas.com/event/745/buffalo-lake-ab-2024-big-jack-classic-2024. You may register for only one division in this event, 17 years of age and under or compete as an open competitor 18 years of age or older.  

9. You will receive an automatic email confirming that you have entered the event and that your payment has gone through. 

10. Practice using the MyCatch app ahead of time

11. Watch all four videos available at this link to familiarize yourself with the app: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1Yp9OqZ6saBgaKklT5jh6DkuTbai3NeJ

12. Test the app before you go out fishing (note: the app allows you to record fish for your own personal logbook while not in an active event. Some features will appear slightly different when you are not in an active event, so please make sure you watch the YouTube videos at the link above).

13. Once accepted into the derby, download the free MyCatch mobile app which is available for both iOS  (Apple App Store) and Android (Google Play Store) and login to activate the derby on the app again using the same login email and password that you used to register in the derby.  If you previously have had the app, we suggest doing a check to see if there are updates or simply reload the app. (https://www.anglersatlas.com/mycatch) 

14. By participating in this event your name may be publicly visible.

15. Protecting anglers’ privacy is a priority, and any location data collected during the event will not be released to the public. Our promise to anglers is “Secret Fishing Spots Stay Secret”. See below for further details.

16. By registering and participating in the derby, all participants agree to abide by the rules and  regulations they have received as set out in the Big Jack Classic Fishing Derby Event Rules and Competitive Fishing Event License issued by the Government of Alberta.

17. A great resource to refer to is our How To Register For A Event video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o3PzcIoGo4&t=8s

 

2. Catch Reporting Rules

1. This event is catch and release only. Northern Pike is the only eligible species. Recognize fish  species using the information below: https://albertaregulations.ca/2023-Alberta-Guide-to-Sportfishing Regulations.pdf

2. Burbot and white sucker and are ineligible. If a Burbot or a White Sucker is caught, it must be released  immediately. Any submitted photos of Burbot or White Sucker will result in disqualification. 

3. For each catch to qualify, a photograph of the fish with a measuring device (instructions below) must be taken using the MyCatch app (ie. photos cannot be uploaded from a photo gallery or other source).

4. All contestants must have GPS/location services enabled on your cell phone for their catches to qualify. Your location data will be protected. For more information, see details below.. 

5. This is a total length measurement tournament. NOT fork length. See pic for reference. The total length of a fish is measured from the tip of the nose or jaw to the tip of the tail with the tail pinched. All catches will be approved to the last physical line on a measuring device. If it extends past a mark but there are no physical lines to confirm the true length, the last mark it crosses will be used. If a fish is longer than the angler's bump board, the longest measurement on the board will be counted. 

 

   

 

6. The nose of the fish must be at the start or zero mark on all measuring devices and the total length is taken where the longest length of the tail crosses the measurements on the measuring device. 

7. The photo entry must be taken from a birds-eye view looking down on the fish. 

8. All fish must be measured with the right side down (the right side of the fish must be facing down or touching the board) and the left side of the fish facing upwards with the head to the left of your screen.

9. When you measure your fish entry on a commercially produced bumpboard or the provided bump board, the measurement rules are as follows. The nose of the fish must be visibly touching the bump end of the board, the fish must be placed on top of the board and the entire fish showing the head and tail must be visible in the measurement photo. We must also see past the head and tail in the photo - do not cut off the head in the photo. A legal measurement ruler will be provided in your welcome bag.

10. No home-made bump boards or tape measures will be accepted for this event. The use of a commercial bump board or the provided bump board are the only acceptable measuring devices

11. If an entry submission comes in where a measuring rule is not followed, such as the nose is not touching the bump or at the zero mark, the fish may still be approved but a 2.5 cm length penalty will be applied. The penalty will apply to the observable length of the fish at the discretion of the Organizer. The entry may also be rejected. 

12. A photo that does not clearly show the overall length of the fish, including head and tail, on the measuring device WILL NOT BE SCORED. More than one attempt to get a valid scoring photo is allowed. The app will prompt you to either accept the photo or retake a photo. 

13. The mouth is allowed to be open, closed, or anywhere in between, so long as the fish meets the other above requirements

14. There are to be no fingers placed in the gills or mouth of the fish. Any fingers in the gills or mouth of the fish will disqualify that fish. This rule applies to the Measurement photo only (not the hero or release video)

15. During the entry process you will be prompted for a second photo, often called the Hero Shot, which is optional for this event.

16. A third option in the entry procedure is a live video prompt. The live video must show the release of the fish entry as this is a requirement for proof of releasing the fish for this event. If an entry does not have the video, it will be rejected.

17. For species diversity categories, the photo must show the entire fish so it can be identified by tournament organizers.

18. The app will work without WiFi or any or strong cell service. If you submit a fish without any or strong enough service, the app will tell you that the fish has been recorded, and that it will sync up to the server once you return to service. Every fish you log (whether in good service or not) will appear in your app’s Log View (2nd icon from the left at the bottom). If you have fish “awaiting sync,” it will indicate this here. The submissions will eventually come through on their own once you return to service, but you can help speed up the process by “manually syncing” those pending logs (see how here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU-AwLc8OLY) once you’re in service. The logs are time/date/location stamped to the moment that they were taken, so even if the submission is delayed, the time on that submission will still be accurate. 

19. Catches that are submitted will be reviewed for approval often throughout each day of the  event. Once the submissions are reviewed and approved, they appear immediately on the  appropriate leaderboard(s). DO NOT EXPECT to see entries show up immediately after you log  them and are located on the website you registered on.

20. IMPORTANT: Arguing against or trying to attribute reason as to why any of the above rules could not be followed will have ZERO bearing on the ruling of a rejected fish. “It was cold/windy” or “My buddy can verify...” will not be considered, and NO exceptions will be made. It is on the angler to review their photo thoroughly and submit an acceptable photo based on the above rules.

21. A great resource is the MyCatch video that shows how to complete an entry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS65wMakQHA 

 

3. Tournament Location and Times

1. Derby boundaries are within the limits of the water body of Buffalo Lake, excluding the Narrows in the portion located in 40-22-W4, please observe the boundary markers for Narrows fishing. Any  anglers fishing in the Narrows in portion 40-22W4 during the tournament will be disqualified. See attached map to this event for reference.

2. The 2 day derby runs from:

Saturday, Feb 17, 2024 from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm MST and

Sunday, Feb 18, 2024 from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm MST OR

Optional at Organizers discretion is Monday (if weather is inclement on Saturday or Sunday or both)

Monday Feb 19, 2024 from 7:00 am - 3:00 pm MST 

 

At the discretion of the tournament director, tournament days may be shortened, postponed or canceled due to unsafe weather or water conditions.

3. All catches made within the start and end times must be synchronized with the Angler’s Atlas server within the event times to qualify. 

4. Entrants can expect visits from Committee members/Rules enforcement throughout the derby. Be  respectful if they wish to enter your shack or inspect your fishing gear during the event.

5.  At the discretion of the derby director, derby days may be shortened, postponed, or canceled due to  unsafe weather or water conditions.

6. All Covid-19 Public Health orders and Gathering Restrictions at the time of the event must be  followed by all participants. 

7. This is an ice fishing derby. Practice ice safety at all times! Only walk and fish where it is safe to do so.  For tips on ice safety, refer to the following: https://www.lifesaving.org/public/download/files/201062

 

https://mywildalberta.ca/fishing/safety-procedures/ice-safety-tips/default.aspx

 

4. Awards &  Prizes

1. Proceeds from the derby entry will be distributed as cash prizes in accordance with the  prizing categories below.  

• $2000 - Longest Catch Overall (Open Event) 

• $1000 - Second Longest Catch Overall (Open Event) 

• $500 - Third Longest Catch Overall (Open Event) 

• $1500 - Longest Catch Junior Division (17 years of age and under) 

• $750 - Second Longest Catch Junior Division (17 years of age and under) 

• $250 - Third Longest Catch Junior Division (17 years of age and under) 

• Random Draws from all Registered Entrants on Saturday, February 17, 2024•

• Random Draws from all Registered Entrants on Sunday, February 18, 2024• 

 

2. Prizes will be awarded through cheque from the Stettler Board of Trade. 

3. Cash prize amounts listed are a minimum payout per category. Payouts may increase depending on the number of entrants. 

4. A participant can only win for one cash prize category. One participant cannot win multiple cash  prizes. Where a participant places first in two categories simultaneously, that participant will be  awarded the highest dollar value cash prize and win in that category only. 

5. Awards will be announced by Wednesday February 21, 2024, and anglers will be contacted  directly using the contact information provided in the derby registration process. 

6. In the case of a tie, the tie break will go to the person with the first reported fish   

7. Derby organizers reserve the right to adjust entries. 

 

5. Other Rules

1. By registering and participating in the derby, all participants agree to abide by the rules and  regulations they have received as set out in the 2024 Big Jack Classic Ice Fishing Derby event rules  and Competitive Fishing Event License issued by the Government of Alberta (CFE No.615893). 

2. Anglers can only submit catches that they have caught themselves. This is an individual derby, so  you cannot enter as a partnership or team, and under no circumstances can you share fish with  any other angler. Anglers are free to fish alone or with other derby or non derby anglers, but each  registered angler may only enter their own fish. 

3. All fish entered for this event must be caught via angling i.e., using hook, line, rod and reel. At no time will fish caught by non angling (i.e., use of traps, arrows, forks, spears, trap nets or cages) be  allowed to be entered. 

4. This tournament falls under the Family Fishing Weekend for Alberta Residents and visitors. https://mywildalberta.ca/fishing/family-fishing-weekends/default.aspx

5. Anglers can only submit catches that they have caught themselves. This is an individual tournament, so you cannot enter as a partnership or team, and under no circumstances can you share fish with any other angler. Anglers are free to fish alone or with other tournament or non-tournament anglers, but each registered angler may only enter their own fish on their own app.

6. Each contestant must conform to the fishing rules and regulations that are in place for the  jurisdiction in which they are fishing. 

7. All fish entered for this event must be caught via angling i.e. using hook, line, rod and reel. At no time will fish caught by non angling (i.e. use of traps, trap nets or cages) be allowed to be entered. Usage of a landing net to land a hooked fish is allowed.

8. Each contestant must have in their possession a valid fishing license for their respective jurisdiction or be exempt under regulations of their jurisdiction.

9. Each contestant must conform to the general sport fishing rules and regulations that are in place for the jurisdiction in which they are fishing. You must follow all regulations pertaining to possession limits.

10. Promoters and organizers assisting in the derby operation are not responsible for death, injury,  damage, liability, theft, fire, or any loss to any contestants. 

11. Any angler found to be cheating will be disqualified from the derby and any future derby.  Angler’s Atlas also reserves the right to ban these anglers from competing in future events. 

12. In the event of disqualification, any entry fees paid will be forfeited and not refunded. 

13. All rules have loopholes. It is our intention to provide an honest sportsmanlike derby. In the interest of good sportsmanship, contestants are reminded the spirit of the rule will prevail in all judgments.

14. All questions or concerns relating to the rules of this derby are to be referred to the Organizer or their designated Authorized Derby Committee. Their decision will be final in all cases. No other person can be considered a spokesman for the rules during the derby. The contact for this event is The MyCatch Approval team and can be reached at https//www.bigjackclassic.ca - please include the name of the event in your email

15. Any contestant has the right to make a protest against another contestant by contacting an  Organizer through email and must be completed and presented within 1 hour of the close of the  derby. Their decision will be final in all cases. A $100.00 dollar protest fee may need to accompany the protest. The fee will be returned if the protest is found to be valid. 

16. To ensure the best chances of survival for the fish, all participants are to handle fish safely. See  guidelines for safe fish handling here: https://mywildalberta.ca/fishing/documents/aep-infographic-Alberta-Ice-Fishing-Fish-Handling-December9-2020.pdf  

17. Save our fish, refer to the leaderboard often and do not submit photos of fish smaller than the  posted leaders in each category. This will help limit the impact on the fish caught and  enhance the chances of survival for catch and release where the fish can be is put back into  the water as quickly as possible. 

18. This is an ice fishing derby. Practice ice safety at all times! Fishing is only allowed on a minimum  of at least 4 inches of ice. Only walk and fish where it is safe to do so. For ice safety information please see: https://mywildalberta.ca/fishing/safety-procedures/fish-handling/default.aspx

19. Measure fish inside tents or ice shacks whenever possible, especially when temperatures dip below -10 degrees celsius 

20. Wet your boards/rulers prior to measuring fish in cold conditions to help prevent freezing the fish to the board, especially if you are using aluminum/metal boards. 

21. For this Ice Fishing Derby - ice on the eyes or in the gills etc.are a reason for disqualification.

22. All photo and video submissions may be used by MyCatch by Angler's Atlas for future use.

23. Please show respect for the overall cleanliness of the lake. We ask that each angler be responsible for picking up any litter or garbage from your site once you have completed fishing for the day. Together we can work towards leaving the lake in a better condition by picking up garbage if found.

24. Weather permitting drone photography will take place, ensuring safety, compliance, and  camaraderie. Please be respectful if you encounter a drone.

 

6. Data Privacy and Fisheries Research

“Secret Fishing Spots Stay Secret” — This is our primary commitment to anglers who report their catches through MyCatch. So what does this mean in practice?

1. Angler’s Atlas does not release MyCatch GPS data to the public. It is treated as confidential and is provided to fisheries researchers under strict conditions.

2. Every research team we work with must sign a data sharing agreement that sets the terms of use for the data.

3. Data is anonymized before it is provided to the researcher.

4. Researchers agree not to share the data with anyone else.

5. Researchers cannot use the data for any purpose other than the research specified in the agreement. 

6. Exact location data cannot be published as part of the scientific research. Instead, it has to be generalized to a larger region so the location cannot be reverse engineered. 

7. Angler’s Atlas may release data to a law enforcement agency if compelled to do so under court order.

 

These data privacy rules are designed to protect our angler’s private data, to conserve the fisheries, and to make sure we maintain a trusting relationship with our anglers into the future. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to reach out to Angler’s Atlas President directly by email ([email protected]).

 

7. Schedule A - Specific Rules as set out Alberta Environment &  Protected Areas EPA CFE 615893 license:

Schedule A: Competitive Fishing Event Conditions

1. Advertising is not permitted until a licence number has been issued. All event advertisements shall include the Competitive Fishing Event (CFE) licence number in the advertisement.

2. This CFE shall take place as per the event rules specified in the Big Jack Classic CFE application submitted to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas on April 4, 2023 and updated on April 19, 2023.

3. This CFE only permits the use of photography; fish must not be killed, retained, transported or weighed.

4. Organizers shall ensure that participants only photograph fish species listed as Eligible Species on the CFE licence.

5. The organizer must maintain a list of all participants that are registered for the event and noting that each participant was issued a registration package, whereby the participants understand and agree to follow all CFE rules and licence conditions.

6. The organizer shall clearly post a copy of the CFE licence conditions along with directions on how and where to contact the organizers.

7. The organizer shall ensure that all participants understand that photographed fish shall be handled in a manner that causes them least harm and released back into the waters from which they were taken.

8. Organizers are responsible for enforcing all event rules. A copy of the CFE licence and conditions as well as the organizer’s event rules shall be provided to all registered participants.

9. The organizer shall complete and return a Competitive Fishing Event Reporting Form and associated worksheets within 14 business days from the conclusion of the event.

1. The reporting form for this CFE is due no later than: March 8, 2024

2. The report shall also include a list of all rule infractions relating this event.

3. The report shall also include a break down of all monies collected, awarded for prizes and used to defray reasonable expenses.

10. Fizzing of fish is prohibited.

1. Fizzing refers to the practice of releasing, or attempting to release air from the air bladder of a fish caught from deep water.

11. All participants in the licenced CFE must possess a valid Alberta Sportfishing Licence (except those legally exempted from the Alberta Sportfishing Licence requirement i.e. under 16 years of age, an Alberta resident aged 65 or older, or a First Nations person who is defined as Indigenous under the federal Indian Act, or during a designated Family Fishing Weekend) and follow all angling regulations unless otherwise specified in this Schedule A. 

12. Participants in this CFE must practice catch-and-release for all fish species caught during the event.

13. Fish shall not be marked, cut or physically altered in any way.

14. All participants must use barbless hooks only. For the purposes of interpreting this condition:

1. A hook means a single, double or triple pointed hook on a common shaft, and includes hooks attached to a line or lure, and;

2. Barbless hooks includes hooks with barbs removed or hooks with pinched barbs lying flat against the shaft of the hook such that they are not functional. 

15. This license is subject to cancellation at any time and shall be surrendered to the issuer upon written notice of its cancellation.

16. This license is non-transferable. This license is only valid for the listed licence holder and/or individuals listed on the licence.