This first time event is not just a fishing derby it’s also a chance for locals and visitors to come on down to Jock’s Dock on March 12 and March 13 to take in a local event featuring local charities, businesses and volunteer groups. Although fishing starts at day break, activities for the public will start at 11 a.m. and go to 6 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. There will hopefully be something for everyone.Sooke Harbour Marina and Resort  and Shine Bright Cleaning will be hosting various kids’ events — face painting, a driftwood boat building contest, and a casting event with prizes. There will be boat tours of the harbour and basin, by donation, hosted by Sooke Coastal Explorations starting at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. This is good chance for folks who haven’t  had a chance to get on the water to see Sooke from the water. The Crab Shack will be selling fishing tackle and seafood, Eagle-Eye Outfitters will be doing so as well. Bluewater Bait Company will have various types of bait for sale and bait demonstrations, along with their line Optics, binoculars, etc. Troy De Souza, the federal Conservative candidate for the federal riding of Esquimalt, Juan de Fuca will be on hand to meet Sookies and to answer questions about halibut issues along with other local ones as well. Driver Ent. Ltd. will be unveiling the new fish scale for the Sooke Harbour Resort for this event which can handle fish up to 500 pounds. This first time event hopefully will become an annual one with something for everyone while raising money for local charities like Charters River Stewardship Centre, located on Sooke River Road at Charters Creek, which can use the help and always the Sooke Community Food Bank.Fishing Steel Artwork’s Ryan Chamberland is constructing the trophy which will be named the Jack Homer Memorial Trophy in memory of the late Jack Homer who passed away recently and was a legend on our waters since the 1930’s. It will be awarded for the biggest halibut. The winning fish goes to the food bank as well. Also anglers who catch a hali will be able to donate a slab of it to the food bank and participants  will be entered into a special draw.Entertainment will be from Dead Reckoning, a local up and coming music group, and hopefully other local artists. Tickets for the derby can be purchased at Eagle-Eye Outfitters, Sooke Marine Centre, Sooke Harbour Resort and Marina and the Crab Shack. In Victoria at Trotac Marine and Island Outfitters and in Langford at Westshore Sports Fishing Centre. The festival portion is a FREE event.If one wants to go fishing but does not  have a boat to go fishing in call: Al 250-642-3410 or Elden 250-642-4410 or Steve 250-686-0738 and we might be able to fix you up. Until next time.Keep your rod tip up!Kiwi Magic

Sooke News Mirror