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All Candidates' Meeting well attended

May 1 meeting introduced Juan de Fuca candidates to Sooke
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Candidates running in the provincial election for the Juan de Fuca riding chat before the All Candidates' Meeting held on May 1. From left

If you are one of the 600 to 700 fishermen mourning the second year in a row without a Juan De Fuca Salmon Derby on the father’s day weekend then this might cheer you up.

The first annual Sport Fishing BC Banana Challenge fishing derby will run this Father’s Day weekend. This is being designed as a fun derby and an important fundraiser for three worthy recipients.

All ticket revenues from the sale of regular derby tickets will be donated to the Southern Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition (www.anglerscoalition.com). Proceeds from a 50/50 draw and food sales at the award ceremony  are destined for the Charters River Salmon Interpretive Centre side channel project. The Sooke Food bank will also benefit with many pounds of fresh salmon and halibut from those who donate a portion of their catch. Those entrants donating will be entered into a separate draw for a special prize.

So far, there are about $10,000 worth of donated prizes for  entrants to win. All regular fish prizes will be awarded by draw to those who register a salmon or halibut, so a five- pound fish has an equal chance at a nice prize as a 20-pound catch. There will be hidden weight prizes and  a few special categories.  A prize is being offered for the person with the most encounters with  those pesky seals.  Just bring in the portion of each fish that the seals didn’t take and the person with the most  will be the winner.

Custom one-of-a-kind trophies will be awarded for the largest salmon and halibut. These trophies are very unique pieces of art and are designed to be boat mounted. Side bet tickets for the largest salmon and halibut are also being sold. These will be winner-take-all. Tickets for each side bet are $50 each and with 400 salmon tickets printed that could be  a $20,000 jackpot for the winner.  There are 250 halibut tickets printed which could make a $12,500 payout. Side bet tickets will be sold on Tuesday May 21 at Buffy’s Pub from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Wednesday, May 22 at the 6 Mile Pub from 5 to  9 p.m.  They will also be available on Friday, June 14 at Wise Buys in Colwood  from 5 to 7 p.m.

Regular derby ticket are available at these outlets: Eagle Eye, Wise Buys, Pedder Bay Marina and Island Outfitters.

Derby Details

Saturday, June 15 - fishing dawn to 4 p.m.       Sunday June 16 - fishing dawn to 1 p.m.

Host - Pedder Bay Marina - scales open 8 a.m. both days - closing ceremony 2 p.m. Sunday June 16.

Boundaries - all waters of areas 18, 19 and 20 are open  (Duncan waters and around to Bonilla Point).

Enter any legal salmon or halibut - onesalmon and one halibut per day per ticket

Ticket Prices -  Single ticket = $100  two tickets = $80 each  three or more = $60  - members of SVIAC or SFBC $20 discount per ticket

Tickets are per person not per rod. Follow the derby news and updates at (www.sportfishingbc.com) in the fishing forum or contact Rollie at sscl@shaw.ca

Fishing report for the past week has been good. Sooke anglers are still catching quality halibut in all local hot spot as well early running Chinooks are starting show up. Charter operator John Wells of Port Renfrew reports stellar Hali fishing and good chinook action on the beach with biggest reported at 28 pounds. As well lots of Coho out at the bank getting ready for the June 1st opening.

Keep your rod tip up!

Kiwi Magic

Want to fish in Port Renfrew? Trailhead Resort 250-647-5468.