Summer long salmon derby in Ucluelet
Westerly NewsApril 1, 2010
The big fish will bring a big prize this summer in Ucluelet.
Ukee will be hosting the longest running locally organized fishing derby that is expected to bring substantial revenue to town as participants compete for a $40,000 grand prize.
The Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby is an initiative of the new Ucluelet Salmon Enhancement Society, a non-profit organization formed by some of the directors of Tourism Ucluelet. Partners thus far in the event, which will run from May 24 until the first week of September, include Tourism Ucluelet, Thornton Creek Hatchery and the Ucluelet First Nation.
The event co-chair Brian Clarkson said they have already received $10,000 in support from the community in the form of sponsorships.
"I have been involved in a lot of fundraisers and festivals in the past and I have never felt the support the ladder derby is getting," he said in a media release. "It's an amazing community that takes pride in getting behind a project they believe in."
Clarkson said they are hoping to raise at least $20,000 for the Thornton Creek Hatchery for salmon enhancement.
There are sponsorship packages starting at $75 and running up to $2,000, so "there's something for everyone," Clarkson said. The packages include some form of listing on the event website at
www.uclueletsalmonladderderby.com, and the higher-level sponsorships include mention on printed materials.
The ladder format of the derby means the top 50 fish caught are continuously ranked on the event website. Any of the five species of Pacific salmon are eligible and two weigh-in stations will be set up (at the Whiskey Dock and at the Canadian Princess dock). At the end of the derby in mid-September, the top finishers will compete in a "fish-off" from Sept. 7 to 11 for the top cash prize.
Each month, the top three fish will be eligible for prizes and an entry into the final round.
Participants will buy tickets based on the number of days they wish to fish.
Clarkson said they will need assistance from the community, as on-call weigh-in staff and as general ambassadors for the event. He projects the revenue from the event could be in the millions for Ucluelet, given that participants will need everything from guide services to accommodation to fish packing.
Watch for upcoming meeting notices in the Westerly.
© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service
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