There were rumors of the derby winner's fish being tailed by another angler. IF this is in fact true, technically, it would be a violation of derby rule #8.
"All fish must be caught and landed by the contestant alone. No snagged fish."
I was not 100% sure of how this rule was meant to be interpreted, specifically the word "landed." So, I emailed the CFGPA and got this response:
"The historical interpretation of Rule #8 has been literal, "All fish must be caught and landed by the contestant alone." Meaning without assistance from anyone else."
However, the person who responded to my email was also careful to point out:
"Regarding the post-event allegation of the angler having assistance to land his fish and his subsequent eligibility for entering that fish into the derby, I would refer you and all others concerned to Derby Rule #12: "In the case of a dispute, the Chairman's ruling will be final. Any protest must be in the hand of the Chairman, in writing, by 2:15 pm Derby Day."
So, since there was no dispute in writing before the time stated, the fish wins fair and square.
Personally, I think rule #8 should be changed to allow another angler to tail/net your fish if it seems pragmatic under the circumstances (as mikeyman pointed out, hazards and so on) Maybe you have a bad hip and can't quickly squat down like that, maybe you swore it was a hatchery so you skid it up on the sand only to see an adipose fin. Another set of hands almost always helps when it comes to a good release.
But for anyone still wondering, as the boxing day rules currently stand you are supposed to do everything on your own, including tail/net/bonk a hatchery fish.
Well how would anyone know... if this is just hearsay...?
I would think that netting counts if it is netted by the angler that has caught the fish..
The rules clearly state that 'the fish must be caught and landed by the contestant alone'
I doubt they would get 1st 2nd and 3rd prizes... but may have gotten both Heaviest fish caught prize... plus First fish caught prize?