The Metchosin Firefighters 17th Annual Bite Me Derby was held this past weekend off Sooke.
As usual, it turned out to be another great success with the winner being caught off Possession Point.
Kevin Packford caught a 42.7-pound chinook on Saturday morning. It was the third fish over 40 pounds to win a derby this year. It seems like the big ones are being caught on derby weekends.
Brian Orr won the Juan de Fuca Derby with a 40.5, Terry Wilson won the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Derby with a 42.7.
I guess when there are lots of boats on the water someone’s going to pull in a big one. There were boats spread out from Beechey Head to Sheringham Point. You could walk across the boats at Possession Point and Secretary Island where the winner was caught early Saturday morning.
Winning combo was a Besty flasher with a blue teaser head at 82’ on the downrigger.
Second place went to derby regular Melanie Gibson with 37.80 caught off Sheringham Point, third was a 32.40 by Scott Adams and Dave Purnell was fourth with 31.80.
The Bite Me Derby always has good fishing with good fish being taken and usually sunny weather as well.
The next big derby is the Port Renfrew Marina Derby coming up this Labour Day weekend. For more info and tickets check out info@portrenfrewmarina.com.
On the fishing scene salmon remains very good off Sooke with opportunities to catch chinooks, pinks, hatchery Ccho and sockeye. It does not get any better than this.
With good, hot weather, no wind with just a little fog, now is the time venture out on the water either in your own boat or one of the many good charter operators in Sooke.
Port Renfrew remains strong, fishing out at the Swiftsure has been great for chinooks up to 30 pounds.
Halibut fishing has slowed a bit but should start coming on strong again soon.
Crabbing remains good as well with good keepers.
Stay tuned for details of the upcoming First Annual Coho Derby this Thanksgiving weekend off Sooke.
Until next time keep your rod tip.