submitted by the Sandspit Rod and Gun Club-The weather was fantastic. Just to be outside on the weekend was a sensory sensation. Who says summer is over? Good fishing with lots of fish caught at Copper Bay and Skidegate Inlet (east). Ray K. at the 'shack' put out some awesome food and weighed a lot of fish for a first weekend.For those not familiar with the derby, it is a saltwater fishing contest conducted over four consecutive weekends (Sept. 18 - Oct. 10) to catch the biggest coho in the Copper Bay - Skidegate Inlet (E) areas. A derby ticket is required to fish for a top 10 position. There is a junior category (15 years and younger) that does not require a ticket. Fish can be caught from a boat or the shore on a Saturday or Sunday of the derby and must be weighed at the Copper Bay 'Shack'. The scales close at 8 pm. Saltwater regulations apply.Food is available at the shack where Ray K. keeps the grill hot and the scales ready to weigh. Volunteers are needed to help around the shack taking orders, prepping food, collecting fees, etc. so please give Ray a hand.Of course where fishers gather stories are swimming around. Alex M. and his family are fishing from his boat and Alex catches a large coho (really big). Number one son, who is stretching the net out, manages to get the hooks in but the fish out. There was a howl that was heard for miles and the folks at Copper Bay looked at the sky expecting to see an approaching storm. Better luck next time Alex.Also reported was a kid who weighed in an 18-pound coho and admitted he caught it outside the derby boundaries. We applaud the honesty and hope the next one is within the boundaries. The results for the first weekend:Judy Foster: 16 lbs 15 oz (first weekend winner)Rick Atkinson: 16 lbs 9 ozRudy Servatius: 16 lbs 9 ozMarcel Vesti: 14 lbs 2 ozLes Wourms: 13 lbs 14 ozBill Rieger: 13 lbs 5 ozPeter Berg: 13 lbsClint Matson: 12 lbs 11 ozBobbi Lee: 12 lbs 9 ozMaurice Roy: 12 lbs 6 ozLadiesJudy Foster: 16 lbs 15 ozBobbi Lee: 12 lbs 9 ozJuniorsDaniel Morgan: 12 lbsMatt Servatius: 9 lbs 9 ozThree weekends to go and the 'braggin rights' are still in the water. 63 fish weighed in and some nice big ones. The signs are for a good run of coho and the big ones are still out there. Stay safe and good luck to all.