The Sooke Harbour Resort and Marina hosted its third Vancouver Island Classic Derby from Aug. 30 to Sept.1.
The derby offered a grand prize of $15,000 for the largest chinook or spring salmon reeled in from the Juan de Fuca Strait.
Lindsay Beckett, event organizer, said only 13 teams entered, which was down from about 50 in 2010.
“It’s quite a huge drop in participation. I honestly think it’s just economic, a lot of people just couldn’t come up with the money,” Beckett said. “That’s what I’ve been hearing from people.”
Entrants included anglers from Washington, across the province and Alberta.
The derby is also done in support of the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society, where all proceeds from a prize draw is given to the hatchery.
The derby’s entrance fee was $1,500, which included marina slip, derby swag and gala event entry.