This is from our friends at the Puget Sound Anglers. Share any stories below under “comments.”
Anacortes, WA (December 7th, 2015). The 2015 Resurrection Salmon Derby was held in Anacortes, WA on December 4th & 5th, and what a wild one it was. Despite the wind and rain, these die hard fishermen set out to prove who the best fisherman is. Several fishermen commented on the rough weather throughout. One fishermen noted that they encountered 6-8 foot waves on their transit down from Bellingham on Thursday. Friday was the best day as far as the weather was concerned, however, both first and third place entries were caught on Saturday during a Coast Guard issued storm warning.
Ryan Kies accepting a hefty check.
First place was awarded to Ryan Kies of Mount Vernon, WA who caught a Chinook weighing 19.60 lbs. Second place was secured by Rydel Brooks from Stanwood, WA with an entry of 16.38 lbs. Third place went to David Huynh of Burlington, WA at 15.62 lbs. The Secret Weight category was awarded to Steve Stout, aka Original, whose 8.28 lb. fish was closest to the predetermined weight of 8.30 pounds. During the derby, 48 fish were caught with a total weight of 462 pounds. There were 222 fishermen/women in 73 boats. More information is available on the Resurrection Derby website and Facebook pages.
The Fidalgo – San Juan Islands Chapter of Puget Sound Anglers would like to thank the Anacortes Elks who help us host this great event. A $1000.00 Scholarship was given in their name to Gabe Lawson. He is a local student from Friday Harbor who is studying at Clark College in Vancouver, WA and is pursuing a degree in Environmental Science.
The remaining proceeds will be directed towards salmon enhancement. Recent projects conducted by the Fidalgo – San Juan Islands PSA chapter include procuring 6 sets of incubator trays for the Glenwood Springs Hatchery on Orcas Island. Donating $2000 to the Northwest Straits Foundation which was specifically directed to help with the removal of derelict fishing nets and crab traps in the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands. PSA also contributed $5000 to the Anacortes Salmon Derby Scholarship Fund. To date, they have awarded $260,000.00 in grants and scholarships to local students pursuing degrees in fisheries management.
Planning has already started for the upcoming derbies in Anacortes. The Fidalgo – San Juan Islands chapter of PSA would like to thank everyone who helped to support the 2015 derby. Fishing is a way of life for many around here and Puget Sound Anglers looks forward to the continued support of our great local communities.
