Fishing Derby

Annual Officer Kainen M. Flynn Memorial Fishing Derby

Location:   Gunstock Recreation Area (Rt. 11A, Gilford, NH)

Time:  8:00am to 1:30 pm

Fee:  Free

Kainen, an officer with the Gilford Police Department and an avid sportsman who loved the outdoors, lost his life on June 4, 2003, after falling from his boat on Lake Winnisquam doing what he loved – fishing.  During Kainen's time as an officer he was very involved with Gilford’s youth population and would often volunteer his time with any type of youth-related program.  Gilford PD members, other law enforcement colleagues, his family and friends continue to keep Kainen’s spirit and love for the Gilford community and its youth alive by holding an annual Officer Kainen M. Flynn Memorial Fishing Derby in his honor. 

While the annual June fishing derby is free of charge to participants, proceeds from a silent auction and the sale of food and beverages benefit the Gilford Police Relief Association (GPRA) and the Gilford D.A.R.E.Program.

Please check our website prior to June of each year in order to obtain the date of the derby.

As Kainen can be heard saying, “Always remember to wear a life vest while boating, have a blast while fishing, and be sure and catch a ‘big one’ for me.”   


NOTE:  Online registrations are no longer taking place. Upon arrival, participants are reminded to stop by the main tent in order to retrieve their worms and a tee shirt. From there, find a spot on the pond to set-up, and return to the main tent at 8:45 am for the official opening of the derby.


Fishing Derby Schedule:

8:00 am - 8:45 am  Participant check-in. 

8:45 am - 9:00 am   Muster at main tent for fishing derby rules.

9:15 am - 12:15 am  Fishing derby.

12:15 pm - 12:45 pm  Fish judging.

12:45 pm - 1:30 pm  Awards & closing ceremony.


Fishing Derby Rules:

The fishing derby starts promptly at 9:15 am and ends promptly at 12:15 pm.  No fish caught before or after those times are allowed to be entered into the derby.  Gilford PD respectfully requests that participants do not begin fishing until the stated time.


Participants must be 15 years-old and younger, and accompanied by a parent/guardian/adult.


Participants are required to check-in upon arrival at the main tent in order to receive their tee shirt, 

worms (if needed), and goody bag.  Issued tee shirts must be worn by participants in order to quickly identify them throughout the day.


Younger participants are allowed to be assisted by parents/guardians/adults; however, parents/guardians/adults cannot fish for participants as participants must be actively involved in the catching of all fish.


Only one fishing line per participant is allowed in order to qualify for derby prizes.


Participants must fish from the shoreline.  Boats, flotation devices, rafts, waders, etc. are not allowed during derby times.

Participants must adhere to New Hampshire Fish and Game rules and regulations pertaining to fishing in ponds.  As a reminder, there is a five (5) fish or five (5) pound limit.


All fish being entered into the derby contest will be taken by judges, tagged, and hung on a display board.  All fish caught during the derby will be returned to respective participants. Those not wanting to retrieve fish and those left unclaimed will be donated to the Squam Lakes Science Center for feeding to their animals.


Anyone with questions regarding a derby rule or Fish and Game law are asked to speak with one of the many Gilford police officers who are always on hand.


Everyone present is reminded to be courteous and respectful to participants, giving them as much room as possible.  The pond is stocked the evening prior so there will be plenty of fish for all participants.  Everyone is present to have fun.


All fish entered in the derby contest will be judged in the following order:

1) Weight of fish.  If a tie in weight occurs then length of fish will be deciding factor.  Should there be a tie in both weight and length then time caught will be deciding factor. 

2) Time fish caught. Times caught will be determined judges placing fish on display board.  Participants should get all fish to the judge’s table as soon as they are caught.


No alcoholic beverages are allowed at the derby.  Those discovered to possess such items will be disqualified from the derby (if a participant) or will face fines pertaining to Town of Gilford ordinance violations regarding open containers (if participant and/or spectator). 


All decisions made by derby judges are final.  Arguments and/or disagreements will be grounds for immediate disqualification.


Parents/guardians/adults entering children in the fishing derby are responsible for any and all actions conducted by them. Parents/guardians/adults assume all liability for any and all accidents and/or injuries that may occur.  Gilford PD, the GPRA, the Town of Gilford, the Gunstock Recreation Area, and the County of Belknap Commissioners who regulate Gunstock activities (to include any of their employees or designers assisting during the derby) are not liable for any and all injuries or accidents incurred.

PARTICIPANTS ARE REMINDED TO PLEASE BE SAFE AND TO HAVE FUN FISHING!!!!