BHRV: How Catch Verification Works

BHRV stands for Bump, Hero, Release, Video -- the four-stage verification system that makes every catch on DerbyFish trustworthy. If you have ever fished a tournament, you know the drill: you need proof. BHRV is the digital version of that, designed for catch-and-release fishing.

Why BHRV Exists

Traditional fishing tournaments rely on weigh-ins, honor systems, or photos that are easy to fake. BHRV solves that by collecting multiple types of evidence for every catch, then running them through AI analysis and human review. The result is a system where verified catches are genuinely trustworthy, which means leaderboards are fair, prizes go to the right people, and nobody has to wonder if that 24-inch bass was real.

BHRV also promotes catch-and-release. Every stage is designed around handling the fish quickly and getting it back in the water.

The Four Stages

1. Bump (Measuring Board)

Place your fish on a bump board -- a standardized measuring board with a lip at one end. Push the fish's mouth against the bump (the lip), lay the fish flat, and take a clear photo. The bump board gives us an accurate length measurement that AI can read from the image.

Tips for a good bump photo:

• Use a flat, well-lit surface
• Make sure the fish's mouth is touching the bump
• Keep the fish's body straight along the board, not curved
• Get the entire fish and board in the frame
• Wet the board first to protect the fish's slime coat

2. Hero (Selfie with Fish)

This is your hero shot -- a photo of you holding the fish. This connects the angler to the catch and confirms that a real person caught a real fish.

Tips for a good hero shot:

• Hold the fish at chest level with both hands visible
• Face the camera so your face is clearly visible
• Make sure the fish is recognizable (not silhouetted against bright sky)
• Natural lighting works best -- avoid harsh flash

3. Release (Video)

Record a short video of yourself releasing the fish back into the water. This is the catch-and-release proof that is central to DerbyFish's ethos. The video shows the fish leaving your hands and swimming away.

Tips for a good release video:

• Keep recording until the fish swims away on its own
• Hold your phone steady (prop it on something if you can)
• Make sure the fish is visible in the frame as it enters the water
• A few seconds is all you need -- do not keep the fish out of water longer than necessary

4. Verification (AI + Human Review)

After you submit all three media items along with your catch details (species, estimated length), the submission enters the verification pipeline. First, AI analyzes your photos and video for consistency -- does the bump board measurement match the fish in the hero shot? Is there actually a fish being released in the video? Then a human reviewer confirms the AI's findings and makes the final call.

Verification Outcomes

• Approved -- Your catch is confirmed and counts toward derbies and your profile stats. You can mint it as a Fish Card.
• Flagged -- Something needs a closer look. You may be asked to provide additional information or clearer media.
• Rejected -- The submission did not meet verification standards. You will receive feedback explaining why so you can improve next time.

How Long Does Verification Take?

AI review happens within minutes of submission. Human review typically follows within a few hours, though it can take up to 24 hours during peak times or large derby events. You can check the status of every submission in your Verify Fish Hub.

Quick Reminders

• Handle the fish as little as possible and get it back in the water fast
• Wet your hands before handling any fish
• Have your bump board and phone ready before you land the fish
• Practice the flow a few times before a big derby so it becomes second nature