Resurrected!!! 1

With memories of last year's San Juan Island (Marine Area 7) smokin' hot blackmouth (winter feeder chinook) opener spinning through my head, I couldn't wait to get up to the Islands for the opener!

Add the fact that I'm going to have my pard' Robbo Endsley and Island guru Jay Field on board Big Red to compete in the second annual Resurrection Derby and I had a sleepless night leading up to the event.

Early on the morning of December first, we met at Jay's place in the Skyline Marina/community, all hands jumped in the truck to launch at Washington Park and scout for blackmouth all the way out to Friday Harbor, headquarters of the 2011 Resurrection Derby. Kevin Kline of Friday Harbor has worked his butt off launching this event, a reprisal or "resurrection" of the classic winter Rosario Derby which sadly went the way of several of our salmon fishing traditions.

While Jay Field and I looked for salmon, Robbo couldn't help glassing the island hillsides for the blacktail deer that are so abundant in the San Juans! Seriously, I'm impressed that Robbo keeps an eye on everything at all times. Somehow, he can watch rod tips, the water, other boats, the electronics and look for deer…all at once!

We had to work hard for our chances at fish but we managed to have a rare double header right at noon on Saturday. Robbo expertly bagged Jay Field's fish then swung around and bagged mine… Hmmm, looks like he had done that before…

Once it was all said and done on Saturday, the leaderboard was finalized and there were some "usual suspects" posting some impressive catches!

The "Reverend Captain" Jay Field at work: Jay served as Master of Ceremonies for the award presentation at the Friday Harbor Yacht Club. This room held one impressive quorum of serious salmon fishing talent!

Speaking of talent, San Juan Island legend "Uncle Pete" Nelson and Rob Endsley take a moment to mug for the camera.

Team "Big Kahuna", winners of the inaugural Resurrection Derby last year, posted a very strong showing taking Total Boat Weight honors and a check for $1000!

The first fish to hit the scales was also the biggest at 22.34 lbs, caught by Walt Vanwingerden and his Grandson Tommy of Bellingham. This blackmouth eclipsed last years winner by over 2 lbs. Derby Chairman Kevin Kline and Jay Field hand over the "BIG FAKE CHECK" for 10 grand! Not bad for a weekend of fishing!

After the Derby Banquet, the whole gang headed to Herb's in Friday Harbor and that's when things started to get a bit blurry…

The San Juan Islands are open from now right through April 30th. Talk about a wonderful window of opportunity! There will be solid fishing all winter and an opportunity to learn one of the most scenic and productive areas on the coast. For me, that was the biggest thing I will take home from my Resurrection Derby experience: I had three days on the water to learn from two dear friends who also just happen to be two of the most experienced guys in this neck of the woods.

I learned a ton about the Islands this weekend and I figured out something else: I have a lot more to learn about the wonderful place called the San Juan Islands!

Tom Nelson
The Outdoor Line
710 ESPN Seattle
www.theoutdoorline.com