FISHING CONTESTS -- The first annual “Trippin’ With the Triploids” fishing derby is set to begin on Lake Rufus Woods Saturday, (May 12) beginning at 5:30 a.m..

Derby contestants have a chance to win a $40,000 boat  and other cash and prizes.

Tickets: adults $50, kids under 18, $30.

All contestants get a t-shirt and barbeque dinner at the awards ceremony.

Proceeds go to buying more triploid rainbows for release into Rufus Woods, the reservoir downstream from Grand Coulee Dam, said NancineLorz, derby coordinator.

 Read on for details:

Anglers 18 and above (adult division) can fish for one of five specially tagged fish for a super decked out boat from The Fishin’ Magician, Dave Graybill sponsored by Bob Feil Boats and Motors and four cash prizes.

Prizes will also be awarded to youth entrants. Prize categories for both divisions will include: Biggest fish, heaviest limit, smallest fish, mystery weight and many other categories.

Shore and boat fishing is allowed and there will be a total of five boat launch sites: one at Bridgeport State Park, Willow Flats, Tim’s Ranch, Coyote Creek, and Seaton’s Grove areas.

Each of the boat launches will have a derby official present. Derby fishing time is between 5:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. - you must be in line to weigh your fish by 3 p.m. at the US Army Corps of Engineers, Willow Flats area.

Contestants can pick up registration packets (tickets, wristbands, boat identifiers, t-shirts and any other derby info) May 6 to May 10, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, May 11, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Nell’s Café in Bridgeport, Wash.

Packets will also be available for pick up at the Friday evening event on May 11, at the US Army Corps of Engineers, Willow Flats area from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Info: (509) 449-3542; www.bridgeportwa.com.