It’s time to shine up your boats and gear up for the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society’s 8th annual salmon derby.
The two-day event happens July 30 and 31 during B.C. Day long weekend and the grand prize this year is $5000 for the biggest catch.
Entry for the derby costs $50 and proceeds go towards running the Jack Brooks Hatchery on Otter Point Road.
“The salmon derby forms our major fundraising effort annually -- this is how we keep our hatchery operating and it’s not an inexpensive undertaking,” said society vice president Robert Gamache.
It’s a family-oriented event and open to everyone. There will be categories for juniors, seniors and ladies and is aimed at involving the whole community, he said.
The competition starts at dawn until weigh-in, and takes place between Bentinck Island and Point no Point in Juan de Fuca Strait. There will be a weigh station across from Evergreen Centre measuring catches on Saturday morning until 7 p.m. and Sunday morning until 1 p.m.
Sponsored by Sooke community organizations and the business community, other prizes include boat rentals, weekend retreats and gift baskets.
The Sooke Lions Club will also be providing dinner to participants on Sunday afternoon at Sooke Flats and prizes will be awarded afterwards.
Tickets for the Derby can be purchased from The Crab Shack and Eagle Eye Outfitters in Sooke, West Shore Sport Fishing in Langford, and Island Outfitters in Victoria.