Submitted by the Sandspit Rod and Gun Club-Hootchie, teaser head, spoon, plug, flasher, Singapor sling (Oops, that one’s for after you win the derby) or whatever you think will entice the BIG ONE!Yes, the 59th annual Sandspit Rod and Gun Club Coho Derby is set to start. The derby gets underway this Saturday, Sept. 15 and runs every weekend til Sunday, Oct. 7. Once again for those who think and talk about the “braggin’ rights” that go with the big coho, now is the time to perform!This annual event is geared up to provide the anglers all the usual items of the Derby. Tickets are available at Bridgeview Marine, Super Valu, Bayview S&S and Meegan’s. A ticket is required if you are going to fish for a top 10 spot. There are categories for anglers of all ages and genders. There is a category for ticket holders who do not weigh in a fish. A new category to encourage kids (juniors) and parents to participate in the junior section will award a prize for biggest coho weighed in each weekend. Juniors are kids 15 years old and younger, who do not purchase a derby ticket. Hopefully these categories will encourage more anglers come out and give it a go.Ray K. once again is the chef-weighmaster at Copper Bay (the Shack). He will weigh your fish in Saturdays and Sundays until 8 pm, when the scales and the Shack close. He promises to offer his sourdough pancake and egg breakfast on Sunday mornings starting at 8 am. Through the day hamburgers and hotdogs, etc. will be available.Copper Bay is the fishing and social centre for the the weekends from Sept. 15-Oct. 7. Do come out to see how the anglers and the top 10 are doing and enjoy some of the good stuff from the Shack. Volunteers around the Shack are always welcome and needed (see Ray or Elaine). Volunteers are those folks that make these islands and this event so successful and enjoyable.Tidal fishing regulations apply and only coho caught within the boundaries are derby eligible. Have a safe and enjoyable derby. Good luck and may the “braggin’ rights” be yours.
