Submitted by Pat Carrie Smith for the Sandspit Rod & Gun Club--Another successful Coho derby finished Sunday, despite stormy weather for the second weekend in a row! Derby winners for 2005 are Les Wourms, with a 15-pound 11-ounce Coho, and Top Lady Bev Collinson, who brought in a 12-pound 1-ounce fish. The water did quiet down during the afternoon to accommodate those fishing on boats, but it looks like fishing from the shore may be more rewarding than from a boat, since that is where both our winners caught their big fish! Way to go, Les and Bev! Winners in the Juniors were Jeremiah Zeller, with a 9-pound, 8-ounce fish, and Tyler Zeller close behind with a fish weighing in at 9 pounds, 6 ounces. Good going, guys!
There were a total of 73 fish weighed in this year, compared to 21 last year for the entire derby. Last year the derby saw sunny weekends with no rain, so it appears that stormy weekends may produce more fish. If that theory doesn't fit, then go figure! The derby old-timers probably have their own guesses.
The social atmosphere so evident last year was observed again this year. The Copper Bay clubhouse had a large turnout for the last sample of chef-master Ray's sourdough pancakes. Maybe he should set up shop so we don't have to wait until next year!
The awards dinner will be Saturday, Nov. 26, not Nov. 19 as previously announced. (Nov. 19 is election day, which escaped the planners' notice). There will be prizes for a host of categories and, of course, lots to eat. A big 'thank you' to all the organizers, participants, and contributors to this year's derby. We hope to see you on November 29!
The final derby standings for 2005 are:
1. Les Worms 15 lbs, 11 ozs. (4th weekend winner)
2. Terry Jordan, 14 lbs, 2 ozs. (2nd weekend winner)
3. Marcel Vesti, 14 lbs. 1.5 ozs
4. Bob Botel, 14 lbs.1 ozs.
5 Ken Anderson, 14 lbs,1/2 ozs.
6 Bert Salanski, 13 lbs. 14 ozs.
7 Shain Olson, 13 lbs, 1 ozs.
8 Pat Wourms,12 lbs. 14 ozs, (1st weekend winner)
9 Daryl Wourms, 12 lbs. 13 ozs.
10 Dennis Mintenko, 12 lbs. 9 ozs. (3rd weekend winner).
Top lady: Bev Collinson, 12 lbs, 1 ozs.
Juniors
1. Jeremiah Zeller, 9 lbs. 8 ozs
2. Tyler Zelller, 9 lbs. 6 ozs.
Fish weighed in for the 4th weekend - 18