Derby Daze!!! Leave a reply

Over the next two weekends there are literally thousands of dollars, hundreds of prizes and a few boats on the line.

Welcome,  my friends to Derby Days!

The Edmonds Derby this weekend and the grand finale of the Northwest Salmon Derby Series: The Everett Coho Derby Sept 18 & 19 will add a little spice to what has been a bit of a slow start to local silver fishing.

You don't even have to catch a fish to win this EVINRUDE POWERED STABICRAFT valued at over $50,000.00!!! 

To take advantage of these  winning opportunities  let's go over some Derby Day "Top Ten" tips!

1. Credentials: No tickee, no winnee. Make sure you get a derby ticket! Just buying a ticket places you in several raffles including the grand prize fully loaded Stabicraft with Lowrance electronics! In addition, make sure you have your WDFW license and salmon punch card with your derby fish recorded as WDFW and Derby Officials will be asking for them. Check derby rules as some require that everyone on board hold a derby ticket!

2. Boat Check: More than one derby day has been spoiled by a dead battery, flat trailer tire or any other several maintenance issues that can creep up and bite you. Hook up the trailer to the truck the afternoon before the derby and fuel up the boat and truck. When you get home slap a portable charger on your boat battery just to make sure.

3. Early Bird: Weigh-in for these derbies close each day in mid afternoon, so you don't have a bunch of time to catch the winner. You should be launching in complete darkness and idling out of the harbor by the crack of dawn. If you live close to a marina, check out overnight moorages to dodge the derby day ramp lines! By getting out early you are maximizing your time on the water and taking advantage of that all-important daylight bite!

4. Intelligence: There is no better way to prep for a derby than pre-fishing it. Get out there and find where they are… and just as importantly, where they ain't. Keep your VHF or CB radio on and listen for "radio fish". When you get back to your marina check out other boats catches and keep an ear out for "dock talk" that might point you in a productive direction. Remember, no one ever learned anything with their mouth open…

5. Technique Time: Everybody can use a little refresher now and then! This year there are two seminars prior to the Everett Coho Derby. Mike Jamboretz at the CCA meeting at Bayside Marine on Tuesday Sept 14th at 7 Pm. "Jambo" is a Neah Bay charter skipper who you cannot help but learn something from. The evening before the derby John Martinis, long time tackle shop owner and accomplished angler will be giving a coho seminar. Friday Sept 17 at 7pm again at Bayside Marine 1111 Craftsman way, adjacent to the 10st ramp in Everett. In fact, you could show up early and launch your boat!!!

6.Gear Check: Downriggers & fishing reels have one thing in common; if you ignore their lines, they will break at the worst possible time. When is the last time you replaced your main line on your reels and the cable on your downrigger??? If the answer is "I don't know"… You know what to do. 'Rigger cables should be replaced every other year and at the very least, derby day is worthy of re-terminating the cable. The same for leaders could be said. To lose a "money fish"  to tired line or leader is not an experience that anyone needs.

7.Tip of the Spear: When you think of all the money you spend on your boat, motor, fuel, rods, reels, downriggers, electronics and tackle, it doesn't make any sense to fish a rusty hook. Derby day is "New Hook Day". Don't try to sharpen an old hook and call it "good enough". There is no such thing as "good enough" on derby day and there is nothing sharper than a new hook. 'Nuff said?

8.Gameplan: Ask any of the bass anglers working the national tournament circuits. Every one of these professionals have a very good idea what their approach will be with money on the line.  The salmon anglers plan on derby day starts with a look at the tide book and current tables. Plan on having gear in the water an hour before until an hour after tide change. Do your running between spots before and after primetime. Derby day is no time to experiment with new spots and gear. Tried and true gets you on the board.

9.Network: Cell phones and radios kill fish. If you have a few buddies out on the water on the big day see if they are willing to exchange info. Spread yourselves out over the open water of the derby area so you can get the big picture.  Don't ever forget that knowledge is a two way street. Be prepared to pick up the phone and call them in when you find the hot bite. It won't take long for your buddies to figure out that you're giving them the "one way Charlie" routine.  On a two day event such as the Everett Derby, info from day one can really make a difference on day two!

10.Make a Weekend of it! This year in particular, the derbies are becoming more of a several day event than just a one day blast. With the seminars and events surrounding the Everett Coho Derby at Bayside Marine,  there is certainly something for everyone! Good luck and get involved! Heck, someone has to win all those boats and prizes!!!