The Alberni Valley Tyee Club’s annual salmon derby has come to a close with Don Kimura winning the top prize by reeling in a 30 pound 14 ounce (14 kg) salmon.
Kimura walked away from the festival with a $15,000 cheque for his first place finish.
“I didn’t know exactly how big it was, but I knew it was a winner,” he said after being handed his prize. As soon as he reeled the fish in he went straight back to the weigh station.
The fish was caught near Nanat Island, located near Bamfield. Kimura said he’s caught fish up to 50 pounds in that area before, but never during the derby.
Kimura said he’s been taking part in the derby for 50 years and said winning the trophy was more important than the money. He doesn’t yet know how he’s going to spend his winnings.
Justin Fraser had the largest fish of the derby at 26 pounds and two ounces until Kimura brought his in. Fraser took the second place spot for day three while Bob Matlock won third place for the day with a 21 pound 10 ounce fish.
The derby’s first day was won by Ian Simmons with a 24 pound four ounce salmon, second was Ed Filipchuk with a 23 pound 14 ounce salmon and third was Adam Robertson with a 23 pound 10 ounce fish.
Sunday’s winner was Keith Seidel with a 25 pound fish, second was Cole Robinson with a 23 pound salmon and past derby winner Corey Jones got the third place salmon at 22 pounds, 14 ounces.
The Tyee Club’s executive believes there were around 3000 to 4000 fish weighed throughout the three-day derby.
“The fishing gods responded and the fish showed up,” club president Carolyn Jasken said. “We had a phenomenal derby and of course the icing on the cake was a 30-pounder coming in. It was just a lot of fun.”
By noon on the first day more than 400 fish had been weighed and Jasken said it was the best year in years for the derby.
The Tyee Club’s windup is next week and that will bring a close to the club’s fishing season.
