I am very pleased to be working with the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby for the fourth season in a row. Run by the Ucluelet Salmon Enhancement Society, this summer long salmon fishing derby rewards participating anglers with monthly cash prizes, over $60,000 in cash and prizes at the year-end Fish Off and with the chance to compete for a $250,000 hidden weight grand prize during the Fish Off as well. All net proceeds of the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby is donated to local salmon enhancement projects on the west coast. Benefactors include the Thornton Creek Hatchery, Pacific Salmon Foundation and the Central Westcoast Forest Society.
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is a client of mine, a supporter of the Ucluelet Salmon Enhancement Society, and a sponsor of the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby. This is a blog post I wrote about the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby for the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort blog.
4th Annual Salmon Ladder Derby
“Fish on!!!!” I yelled as I grabbed the fishing rod out of it’s holder at the back of the boat.
The cord on the downrigger had snapped indicating a bite at the end of the line. By the time I had the rod in my hands it’s nose was diving towards the surface of the water. After a quick jerk to set the hook I started to quickly reel in the line, staggering my feet to try to keep my balance in the rocking boat.
After what seemed like forever, although it had only been 10 or 15 minutes, I could see the silvery flash and splash of the Chinook salmon that was on the end of my line. My fishing partner stood behind me on the side of the boat ready to scoop up my catch in the net and bring it aboard.
The salmon weighed just under 20 pounds, which is a decent weight for a Chinook especially in early May. As the summer months progress this species of salmon get bigger and bigger. Much to any anglers delight it’s common to haul in a Chinook salmon weighing over 30 pounds during the summer. In late July and August I have watched ecstatic fishermen and fisherwomen weigh in monster salmon, nearly breaking the scales at 45 to 50 pounds. Now THAT is a big fish.
Over the last few years fishing has taken on a whole new energy in Ucluelet, BC. The Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby, now entering it’s 4th season, has brought a new excitement to sport fishing in Ucluelet and has made the already enjoyable thrill of reeling in the catch of the day a must-do during any visit to our little fishing town.
With the chance to win thousands in monthly prizes, up to $60, 000 cash and prizes at a year-end Fish Off, and an opportunity to compete for the $250,000 Hidden Weight Grand Prize during the Fish Off, it’s no wonder anglers are choosing Ucluelet as their fishing destination.
“To participate, you just have to buy a derby ticket and go fishing!” said Lisa Brisco, who has been involved with organizing and running the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby since it’s first season in 2010. Lisa continued, “Oh, and catch a big fish!”
Derby tickets are on sale online at www.uclueletsalmonladderderby.com and at participating vendors in Ucluelet and Port Alberni. They are just $10 per day of fishing or $50 for the whole season (May 1- August 30, 2013). You can participate in the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby when you book your Fishing Package with Black Rock Oceanfront Resort.
The best part is, all net proceeds of this event is donated to local salmon enhancement projects on the west coast. Over the 3 seasons the derby has already ran it has been able to donate over $12,000 to the Thornton Creek Hatchery as well as make donations to the Pacific Salmon Foundation and Central Westcoast Forest Society. Your participation in this even helps raise funds and awareness for salmon enhancement!
When you book a Fishing Package with Black Rock Oceanfront Resort you will be fishing with Big Bear Salmon Charters. This guided fishing company is very reputable for showing their guests high-yielding fishing grounds, providing the best equipment, and ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the entire trip. Big Bear Salmon Charters prepares your catch, properly processing it and packaging it for safe transport home. They’ll also help you capture the memories of your fishing adventure by taking and sending you photos of the trip.
Big Bear Salmon Charters are no stranger to the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby. They are proud sponsors of the derby, supporters of salmon enhancement and their guest was the FIRST PLACE WINNER of the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby’s Fish Off in 2012.
Photo below: Mike Tait wins 1st place in the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby Fish Off in 2012. Photo was provided by the Ucluelet Salmon Enhancement Society.
Start planning your fishing adventure with Black Rock Oceanfront Resort. Book your fishing package, get out on the water and have a REEL good time. Never been fishing before? After you reel in your first fish we know you’ll be HOOKED! Plus, by fishing in Ucluelet and participating in the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby you will be helping to raise funds and awareness for salmon enhancement and that is a very worthy cause.
Tight Lines!
Amy Hancock
