MORE INFORMATION

Derby Name: Anacortes Salmon Derby
Date: March 29-30, 2008
Website: http://www.anacortessalmonderby.com/
Contact: info@anacortessalmonderby.com

Anacortes Salmon Derby Results

ANACORTES – What a difference a year makes.  Over 800 Anacortes salmon Derby contestants were blessed with relatively benign weather, which was much welcomed after experiencing gale force winds and high seas in last year’s contest.  Anglers were successful in landing 224 fish while competing for $35,000 in cash and prizes during the two-day event.

A sunny Sunday morning saw Nancy Cabe of Mt. Vernon, WA weigh a 24.22-pound Chinook that put her at the top the leader board, entitling her to the winner’s prize of $10,000 that was donated by Trophy Sportfishing Boats. In her first Salmon derby ever, beginner’s luck made all the difference as she boated her winning fish At Sucia Island using a plastic squid and flasher set-up. “This was the biggest salmon I've ever caught!” said Nancy after the derby.  “I grew up in this area and lived on Orcas Island for 18 years and fished all around the islands. I had never entered a derby. Now I'm hooked!”  Well who wouldn’t be with a pocket full of cash and all the braggin’ rights.

Keith Olson of Bellevue, WA hooked $5,000 for his efforts with his 2nd place fish of 19.64 pounds, followed by Rod King of Victoria, BC Canada took $2,500 across the border with an 18.34 fish, good enough for a 3rd place finish. Twelve-year-old Nicolienne Francois of Mt. Vernon, WA received top honors in the Youth Division with a dandy 17.76 pounder taken while fishing with her Dad, Raymond, and Fidalgo Chapter/PSA member Susie Carpenter of Mt. Vernon, WA wins the Woman’s Division with a 13.36 fish with husband Steve wielding the net.  For their efforts, Nicolienne and Susie each received custom-made commemorative fishing rods with reels, valued at $560.00 along with their trophies.

“I’m very pleased with this year’s derby,” said Derby Chairman Jay Field.  “We certainly improved on last year’s event which we literally had to invent.”  Field went on to say, “This event’s successes is the result of thousands of hours of planning and work by club members who share a vision and are dedicated to making this the best Derby in the Northwest.  The response from the business community has been overwhelming - indicating their support for youth, education, families and fishing by their generous donations.  And without the support of the Port of Anacortes, it would not be possible to produce and host an event of this magnitude”.

The proceeds from this Derby fund scholarships to benefit young adults who are perusing a career in fisheries and related science.  Last year’s scholarship recipients received $24,000.00

2008 Northwest Salmon Derby Series Schedule:

• Roche Harbor Salmon Classic, February 7-9 (More Info)
• Discovery Bay Salmon Derby, February 16-18 (More Info)
  
• Geoduck Restaurant Salmon Derby, March 1-2 (More Info)
  
• Anacortes Salmon Derby, March 29-30 (More Info)
  
• Salmon Quest (Portland), April 19 (More Info)
  
• Port Angeles Halibut Derby, May 24-25 (More Info)
  
• Bellingham Salmon Derby, July 11-13 (More Info)
  
• Elliott Bay Salmon Derby, July 26 (More Info)
  
• Des Moines Salmon Derby, August 2 (More Info)
  
• Gig Harbor Salmon Derby, August 9 (More Info)
  
• Hood Canal Salmon Derby, August 16-17 (More Info)
  
• Sinclair Inlet Salmon Derby, August 23-24 (More Info)
  
• Tokeland Marina, Willapa Bay Salmon Derby, August 30 (More Info)
  
• Edmonds Coho Derby, September 6 (More Info)