Port Renfrew Marina's 5th Coho Derby has come and gone for another year and what a weekend it was! With Coho fishing slowing down after the first big rush and the weather expected to not be the best, the turnout wasn't as many this year. Given these conditions there were still 490 tickets sold and and a spirit of excitement to be the hopeful winner. Fishing on Sat. was slow at best with a Southeast wind stopping fisherman getting to their secret spots. Some areas were so rough you couldn't stand up in your boat. Fishing by yourself was a real ordeal
. Blair Davis and Gary Whittaker started by sharing first place at 14.7 pound Coho's. That held through the rainstorm on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Sunday morning also brought in another 14.7 by Larry Poggmueller. It was looking like a 3 way tie when with 20 minutes left to the 1:00 weigh in time Mark Kloss weighed in the winning Coho at 14.9 pounds for a $9800.00 purse. This would be the first year the winning Coho has been under 20 pounds.
. Blair Davis and Gary Whittaker started by sharing first place at 14.7 pound Coho's. That held through the rainstorm on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Sunday morning also brought in another 14.7 by Larry Poggmueller. It was looking like a 3 way tie when with 20 minutes left to the 1:00 weigh in time Mark Kloss weighed in the winning Coho at 14.9 pounds for a $9800.00 purse. This would be the first year the winning Coho has been under 20 pounds.
Now we are all wondering, will the big Coho show up this year? Maybe, after this week of rain. There were reports of Coho out in the beach but few were willing to risk their boats for the catch with log debris and boats broken loose from the dock area down from Port Renfrew Marina. There were rumors that the San Juan log jam had broken loose but it was just damage and debris from the intense rain storm the night before. Many a boat needed bailing during Saturday night but luckily no boats in the marina suffered any damage.
Fishing for Springs has slowed down with a few big ones around. Gary Whittaker caught a 42 pound Spring and the Coho's are there in pockets to be found if you are willing to put in the time.
If you would like a fishing report please call the office at 483-1878 or toll free at 1 866 565-2354 and get the latest on the situation.
A Reminder: Port Renfrew Marina will be closing on October 14th. Please remember to pull your boat and unit out if not already done so or make arrangements for winter storage.
Bud & Rex