THE 2012 OLYMPIC Peninsula Salmon Derby, scheduled for Presidents Day weekend on Feb. 18-20, is being billed as the best ever.
Like last year, the 2012 event is huge — with 500 square miles of fishing, five weigh stations and a $10,000 first prize, according to organizers.
This year’s prize list is already worth more than $21,000, and new prize donations are arriving daily, according to Marine Trade Association President Dan Tatum.
This winter blackmouth classic is part of the Northwest Marine Trade Association’s “Northwest Salmon Derby Series,” and is an important annual event for residents of Gardiner, Diamond Point, Blyn and the other nearby communities, according to Tatum.
“We have a higher profile this year,” Tatum said.
“In the past we’ve always had good coverage by The Outdoor Line [710AM ESPN Seattle], but this year they will be fishing the derby.
“They will broadcast live from Port Townsend on Saturday. In addition, the Team Simrad and Team Lowrance boats will be at Port Townsend’s Point Hudson Sea Marine docks on [Feb. 17], offering a free barbecue from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. while demonstrating new marine electronics.”
Port Townsend will have plenty of derby action but four other launch ramps will also be serving the 800 to 1,000 anglers expected to fish the derby — boosting local economies during an otherwise slow February.
Residents who are fishing this year, or who are expecting guests for the derby, should check with local hotels, restaurants, and merchants for special derby offers, Tatum said.
Volunteers will staff weigh stations at all five launch ramps: Freshwater Bay, Ediz Hook in Port Angeles, John Wayne Marina in Sequim, Gardiner and Port Townsend Boat Haven.
The event uses selective fishery — only clipped-fin (hatchery) winter blackmouth chinook salmon can be submitted.
In addition to the top prizes, awarded by weight, there are three Mystery Fish prizes ($1,000, $500, and $500) that anybody can win.
Submitted fish will be inspected but won’t be collected, so the weigh-in process will be fast and efficient.
The awards ceremony will be held on Monday, Feb. 20, at the Gardiner Boat Ramp at 2 p.m. It will include a cash prize raffle.
“Before the Monday awards ceremony in Gardiner, this year we’re having a free barbecue starting at 11,” Tatum said.
“This will be a fun time for anglers and local neighbors.”
All area residents should be sure to come down on Monday, say hello, enjoy lunch, and join in the festivities, Tatum said.
This event, formerly the Discovery Bay Salmon Derby, is hosted by the Gardiner Salmon Derby Association, a nonprofit corporation that supports area emergency and other services by generating funds from derby ticket sales as well as from contributions by area residents and businesses.
This year,the association is funding a Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) for use by Clallam County Fire District No. 3 at its Diamond Point station.
Firefighters use these devices, which cost about $10,000, when dealing with structure fires in search and rescue, and in other emergency service applications.
More details will be provided at Monday’s awards ceremony, as well as at Gardiner’s annual Salmon Derby Appreciation dinner, which has been tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 31.
Tickets for the event cost $40 for one day or all three days.
Tickets are on sale at many area merchants, and also online at www.SwainsInc.com.
“Our ticket sales are going real good,” Tatum said.
Tickets will also be available at the five launch ramps, but only on Saturday, Feb. 18.
Ticket sales will be limited, so be sure to get a ticket early, Tatum said.
This event benefits emergency and other vital services for Gardiner, Diamond Point and nearby communities.
For more information, including derby rules, visit www.GardinerSalmonDerby.org.