Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby

Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby

$10,000 first prize for Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby
Winter blackmouth classic held Presidents Day weekend

The 2012 Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby is returning over Presidents Day weekend, Feb. 18-20, 2012.

Like last year’s derby, the 2012 event is huge – with 500 square miles of fishing, five weigh stations and a $10,000 first prize. This year features three “Mystery Fish” prizes.
Formerly the Discovery Bay Salmon Derby, the derby is hosted by the Gardiner Salmon

Derby Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that supports area emergency and other services. This winter blackmouth classic is part of the Northwest Marine Trade Association’s Northwest Salmon Derby Series.

“Last year was fantastic, but this year should be even better,” said Dan Tatum, association president.

Derby volunteers staff weigh stations at five launch ramps: Freshwater Bay, Ediz Hook in Port Angeles, John Wayne Marina in Sequim, the Gardiner ramp and the Port Townsend Boat Haven. Submitted fish are inspected, but won’t be collected.
Every fish submitted has a chance to win one of the three “Mystery Fish” prizes: $1,000, $500 and $500.

The awards ceremony is at 2 p.m., Monday Feb. 20 at the Gardiner ramp, and includes a cash prize raffle. New this year is a free barbecue starting at 11 a.m. for anglers and local neighbors.

Derby tickets are $40 and good for one, two or all three days. Tickets go on sale next week at many area merchants, and also on-line at 
SwainsInc.com. (Tickets also are available at the five launch ramps, but only on Saturday, Feb. 18.)
This event uses selective fishery – clipped-fin hatchery fish only – and proceeds benefit emergency and other vital services for Gardiner, Diamond Point and nearby communities. For more information, including derby rules, click here.