The Outdoor Line Forum

This Easter weekend was absolutely amazing. The weather alone had everyone talking but aside from that it was also the 7th annual Anacortes Salmon Derby.


Let’s face it, anytime you can combine amazing summer-like weather with time on the water in the San Juan Islands, you are experiencing something special.


Enjoying the weather is a bonus but we were there to fish. As per usual, Team Outdoor Line hit the water late on Saturday as we had a show to finish before getting out of the Marina.
We finally got gear in the water about 9:00am and it didn't take Endsley long to hook up.


We had several take-downs throughout the day, this was a dandy Nate we let go. We were marking a ton of fish on our Lowrance but getting them to bite at times seemed difficult.


Fishing the Islands is fishing with little down-time. Things can go hay-wire in an instant; you gotta be on your toes. That being said even our crew has moments of frustration. That's Fishing... Bottom-line is get it straightened out and get the gear back in the water...


Over one-thousand folks turn out to fish the Anacortes Derby. It's a very large event and very well ran. A huge thanks to all those who invest so much time to make this happen every year.

Sunday at noon is the cut off to get your fish weighed in. There are also WDFW personnel on site to take some sampling and gather info on most of the fish brought to the scales.


With no boat ramp at the Marina we need to use the hoist to get the boats on the trailers. We can go enjoy the BBQ and awards, once Big Red is out of the water and on the trailer. It only took about an hour of waiting in line, then finally it was our turn. Big Red was slung, hung and loaded. Once strapped down, it was time for some grub.


There is definitely no shortage on food. The guys on the grill cook up a ton and then it's up to you to create your own masterpiece. This one hit the spot... And man was it good.


Items that have become pretty popular at the Derbys we are involved with on the NW Salmon Derby Series, are Shirts and Hats. Lucky for us Kathy and Nicole are always willing to sit at the table and sell the Shirts, Hats and Stickers. If you didn't get yours, be sure to get'em at the next Derby.


This is what around a thousand participants look like, in the tent for the awards.


This is truly a family event. Jay Field does such a great job, making this an important day for the kids as well. Looking at the pics, it's obvious that you are never too young to start wearing XtraTuf Boots...


This is the end result. This is why folks spend the money and time to fish this Derby. Scott Fowler aka (Flounder) was one very happy man when he took first place in the Derby. His 21.52lb Blackmouth earned him a very repspectable payout of $15,000.00. Scott informed Jay Field that he and his crew would be donating $500.00 back to the Derby scholarship fund. Way to go Scott.

If you didn't get a chance to participate in the Derby this year, do yourself a favor and make sure to get involved next year. It's a great event and a very good time.

We'll see ya on the water...

Great write up! Thanks for taking the time to make it feel like we were there when we couldn't! Looks like a great time!

This year was my 4th Anacortes Salmon Derby, and it was an exceptionally good time. Jay and the crew put on a first class program for all. Nelly and Robbo it was good to see you guys as well. I caught a nice little 9.4 lb fish at Thatcher Pass. I have been fishing the SJI about 4 years now and am starting to get some things figured out. This has to be one of the hardest fisheries I have ever tried to learn. I'm already looking forward to next years derby.
L8R
Dan

What a great event!... and the weather? Flat, warm and sunny in March???

Over 250 chinook were entered in the two day event and here is the complete rundown!

I'll be back next year...and the year after, and the year after that...

The Anacortes Derby is definitely a fun event. I got to meet a lot of good people. Good entertainment. Festive atmosphere. Good eats [free. Great prizes. Fuel dock with better prices than I pay at home. A day and a half of fishing in one of the most scenic places on the planet. Free moorage, free launching [first time my boat has been on the trailer straight in years].
When do them tickets go on sale again?

Ha! I thought the exact same thing about the gas dock Eddie! Defiantly my favorite derby and the weather doesn't get any better then that. The Juan's is a very challenging place. I wish I lived closer so I could fish it more. We fished in the northern islands all weekend looking for a bruiser. Managed to weigh one small fish and released 2 nice native fish. I'll totally be back next year.

So where do we find this Robbo winning video??

Hey Kurt,
Let's ask Robbo if he has posted it yet on our video page