By Tom Rohrer
Few things are more enjoyable than fishing for salmon along the waters of the Puget Sound.
On Saturday, Aug. 18, the South Sound Chapter of Puget Sound Anglers held the first annual South Sound Salmon Derby near Swantown Marina in Olympia, part of the Northwest Salmon Derby Series.
Along with providing a competitive setting for angling, the event served as a fundraiser for the Wounded Veterans Fishing Program and for pancreatic cancer research.
Seven Soldiers and airman from the Wounded Veterans Battalion on Joint Base Lewis-McChord participated in the event.
Over twenty fish were caught and weighed in at Swantown Marina over the course of the day, with the winning fish weighing in at 23 lbs., good for a $1,000 prize.
A youth competition was held with a free entry, and both youngsters caught fish weighing over 14 lbs.
Prior to the derby, event committee members joined Terry Rudnick, an outdoor author/writer. The “On the Water” breakfast gathering, organized by Roberta Rudnick, of the Boston Harbor area, raised over $1,400 for pancreatic cancer research.
“I think it was a great success, especially in the first year,” said Michael Bartoldo, one of the event organizers. “Being able to have a charitable cause concurrent to the event is terrific.”
Bartoldo said there was positive feedback and comments regarding the awards banquet at the marina following the event, and the derby as a whole.
After such a positive response, Bartoldo noted that he expects more anglers and participation at next year’s derby.
For more information on the Northwest Salmon Derby Series and the South Sound Chapter of Puget Sound Anglers, visit www.sschapterpsa.com.
