2012 vashon Island Salmon Derby UPS Ante

Were it not for the presence of Vashon’s worst fisherman, last year’s Vashon Island Salmon Derby would’ve been an even greater success.

"We’re proud of last year’s winners," boasted Islander Gene Kuhns. "Some of the Island’s best anglers – savvy, instinctive, ethical – you couldn’t ask for any better. But . . ."

At this, Mr. Kuhns stopped to compose himself.

"I mean the First and Second Place winners, Richard McIntosh, Sr. and Richard McIntosh, Jr. donated their winnings to the Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness. How great is that? But why did one of the contestants have to eat all the potatoes out of the Salmon Boil?"

Good question.

This year’s Salmon Derby is being held Saturday, August 25, at Dockton Park. Some of the area’s best – and worst – fishermen will be out at the crack of dawn matching wits with hatchery-produced chinook and coho salmon. In addition to the fishing, there’ll be a community potluck, along with paddle board demonstrations from Vashon Park Districts’Kayak Center, starting at twelve noon following the Weigh-in.

"Is it true,’ I asked, "that any man, woman or child, regardless of age, who complies with the rules can enter and perhaps win the $55,000 Grand Prize?"

"That’s right – a fully loaded 21’ River Hawk with a Mercury Fourstroke 150 HP engine all set to roll away home on a pretty little tandem axel galvanized Karavan trailer."

"Wow! Any local prize money?"

"You bet! First Prize will be $1,500 based on 200 tickets sold."

"Incredible! Who wouldn’t want to take a cast at that?

"And learn to ride a paddle board, too!"

"So, no downside, Gene?"

Gene crossed his arms. "Just one: the guy that ate all our potatoes. This year everyone’s bringing something to grill and a dish to pass. That means Trouble if that rogue Island miscreant shows up."

"Not to name names, but do you mean Chum Wobbler?"

Gene blanched at the name of the worst, most misbegotten angler ever to tangle a monofilament line.

"Yeah–" Gene kind of choked. "Chum."

"And what did I hear about some fish license controversy?"

"Do we have to talk about it?!" Gene shouted.

Oops!

We talked instead about the 14 Northwest Salmon Derby Series tournaments – including Vashon’s – being put on this year by the Northwest Marine Trade Association and how every derby is designed to target healthy, hatchery-produced salmon.

"The Derby Series helps raise awareness of the importance of rebuilding the Puget Sound fishery. Here on Vashon, we also want to help raise money to support the vital work being done day in, day out by the Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness."

"Outstanding. Where do I get tickets?"

"You can buy tickets by searching Vashon Island Salmon Derby at www.brownpapertickets.com. To be eligible for the Grand Prize, you must fill out a raffle ticket at northwestsalmonderbyseries.com."

"And what about that extra prize, Gene?"

"If your boat is equipped primarily with Mercury engines (2008 or newer) you can win up to an additional $3,000."

"Holy-moly! And anyone can enter? Even Chum? What if he wins the boat?"

Gene closed his eyes and rubbed his temples.

"Don’t even want to think about it."

"So what about Chum’s fish license fiasco?"

"I mean," Gene’s voice rose, "who ever heard of licensing a fish?!"

"But isn’t it the law?" I asked. "Don’t you have to have a license to fish legally?"

"Yes!" Gene’s eyes started to bug out. "YOU have to have a license, not the FISH! Wobbler showed up at the licensing office to license a Dover sole named Eric! I do this Derby because I love fishing and want to raise money for the Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness, but Chum’s going to be the end of me!"

I thanked Gene for his time as his family gathered to console him and said I’d be happy to bring extra potatoes on August 25.

We’ll see you there with baited breath! And remember: Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught.

The Vashon Island Salmon Derby & Community Potlick at Dockton Park.

Saturday, August 25, Weigh-in, 10am-noon, Potluck at noon.

Tickets available at
www.Borwnpapertickets.com search Vashon Island Salmon Derby. 25 per adult, $10 for youth, $5 for children.

Raffle: Register for the Grand Prize at northwestsalmonderbyseries.com

Rules and info at www.vashonifch.com

Sponsors: Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness, NW Marine Trade Association. To fish, share the bounty, have fun, and help raise money in support of the services provided by the Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness.

Contact: Gene Kuhns at gkuhns@jkoutdoors.com