Ron Larson from the QFM, Ward Bond of Island Outfitters, winning fisherman Al Crow and fishing partner Steve Braithwaite, and Darren Wright also of Island Outfitters display Al’s winning 194 # halibut caught off the Sooke Bluffs on Saturday afternoon to take first place in the 15th Just For the Halibut Derby.

Ron Larson from the QFM, Ward Bond of Island Outfitters, winning fisherman Al Crow and fishing partner Steve Braithwaite, and Darren Wright also of Island Outfitters display Al’s winning 194 # halibut caught off the Sooke Bluffs on Saturday afternoon to take first place in the 15th Just For the Halibut Derby.

Derby winner

The talk around the docks in Sooke was, too bad Al Crow caught his big one to early instead of waiting for the Just For the Halibut Derby.

Well, it didn’t seem to matter, Al went back out on his 42-foot ex- troller fishing with long time fishing friend Steve Braithwaite and went fishing in the same areas where he had landed his 212-pounder two weeks ago. After fighting the tide a bit the Crow crew caught their big one at about  4 in the afternoon using a salmon head with single circle hook for bait. For their efforts they took home $7,500 in first prize money.

Other Sooke anglers who placed in the derby were; Bob Ritchell 65#, John Pesant 60#, Fred Elgert 57#, Kelly Lott 52#, John Bridal 46.6#.

There were 68 fish weighed-in in the two day event.

It’s the Victoria Day long weekend coming up which is the unofficial beginning of the fishing season for Port Renfrew. The Port Renfrew Marina is open as well as the Pacheedaht campground. Crabbing is good, as well as salmon and halibut fishing.

Until next time.

Keep your rod tip up!

Kiwi Magic

Want to go fishin’ call

250-686-0738

Sooke News Mirror