This past weekend Port Renfrew Marina hosted the first Kinsmen Spring Fishing Derby. There were 124 tickets sold. The weather was fantastic and the seas were good. On Friday fishing was very quiet and there were thoughts maybe fishing would be work. Saturday fishing improved and on Sunday fishing got even better. There were a lot of great prizes to be won and everyone enjoyed their time in the derby. After all was said and done $1000.00 went to the local San Juan hatchery and $4000.00 will go to charities the Kinsmen choose, one being a new playground in Lake Cowichan to improve the safety concerns there. Overall the derby was well received by all and we look forward to seeing it again next year as it grows in popularity. The Kinsmen do so much good for communities and its a wonderful organization to support and give them the help they need to accomplish their goals. First Place winner: Jamie McCallan 29.1 Second Place: Kevin McKenna 26.9 Third place: Cam Hamilton 25.8 Fishing in general is improving on a daily basis. The weather got fairly wild out near the bank but things have settled some.
This coming Saturday, July 25th will be the "Houdy Memorial" in Blair Houdayer's memory. This a low-key event and one day only and is for moochers only or anyone willing to fish without downriggers. There is no entry fee but we are asking for donation only to the Canadian Cancer Society in Blairs memory. The derby is from dawn to 5:00 pm with a small get together at the marina Longhouse at 6:00 to present the trophy to the winner and so share any memories you may have of Blair.
Notable catches:
- Desi Hatchard of Vicious Fish Charters 33
Port Renfrew Marina will be having a Fishermen's garage sale coming up on Saturday Aug. 1st. For those of you wanting to find new treasures in fishing gear and just browse around. Bring your gear you no longer need and do some trading. Tables available and no fee.
At Port Renfrew Marina we have two items up for raffle. One is a Bradley 6 tray stainless steel digital smoker. It can do hot or cold smoke and has up to nine hours of smoking time. It is digitally controlled for time, temperature and smoke. This smoker retails for $649.00 and tickets are $5.00 each or 3 for $10.00 available at the office. The other item is a beautiful gift basket generously donated by the Port Renfrew General Store. It contains a white metal ice bucket with a built in bottle opener, a cooler bag, a bottle of vanilla vodka, an 8 year old bottle of Bacardi Rum, A bottle of Salted Caramel Baileys, and two bottles of good quality red wine. It also has three acrylic designer plates, 4 stemless wine glasses, an outdoor citronella candle, 2 packs of cedar wraps to cook salmon, cocktail napkins, lemongrass scent sachets, movie pass for two including popcorn and 2 drinks, a picture fame for your favorite pic of your biggest fish or favorite person, Chinese LED lantern lights, 2 bamboo trivets, 1lb Starbucks coffee beans, and a 16 piece box of New Classics of Purdys Chocolates. Come by the office to have a look. Value is approximately $300.00 Tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.
At this time we are looking for donations for our annual Labor Day Derby. If anyone is interested in making a donation or knows of a business who would be interested please come by the office and let us know. All donations are appreciated and acknowledged at the event and on our website. As we all know the donations are what make a derby such a big success, the more we receive the better the results and proceeds for the San Juan Hatchery. This hatchery has now had a $10,000.00 cutback from the government and if we want to see this hatchery remain productive for our area now and in the future, we need to step up and do what we can to help them. We need you to come forward!
Bud & Rex