Submitted by Pat Carrie Smith for the Sandspit Rod & Gun Club--It was unanimous that the 52nd Coho Derby was a big success, not for the number of fish caught, but for the exceptional community spirit! After the first two weekends, not too many fish were weighed in, even though there was a lot of fishing activity. However, despite the paucity of fish, the fun, social atmosphere of the derby matched the outstanding weather, with just one day that saw a little rain in the four weekends. The derby also had no shortage of volunteers, some who did some repairs to the building and restored the interior walls to a bright yellow color, others who started and kept the stove burning, weighed the fish, and cooked and served food all weekend. An outside circle around the beach fire was a center for conversation, and also for keeping an eye on those who were out fishing by the rocks or on boats. Major highlights were Ray Kwasnicki's Sunday morning sourdough pancakes, and Bev Schneider's pictures of derby scenes and activities that were added each weekend to decorate the walls. The cooperative efforts were celebrated with a potluck Thanksgiving dinner Monday night at the Copper Bay club building.
The final weekend winner was Alex Matson, with a 12.8 lb fish. The final top ten standings were: Melvin Wourms, 16.3, Gerry Mintenko, 15.9, Eric Olson, 15.9, Les Zellers, 14.15, Ken Anderson, 14.0, Dennis Mintenko, 13.06, Alex Matson, 12.8, Marie Kwasnicki, 12.7, Les Wourms, 11.13, and Jamie Matson, 11.1. Overall derby winners are: Melvin Wourms, top fish at 16.3 lbs, Marie Kwasnicki, top lady's fish at 12.7 lbs, and Jon Hunter in the juniors, with a 9.1 lb fish. Congratulations!!
Watch for details of the final event, the Coho Derby dinner/dance, to be held on November 20.