Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: chris gadsden on November 26, 2009, 09:40:39 PM
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http://www.fishingwithrod.com/boxingdayderby
Talked to Paul from the Chilliwack Fish And Game Protective Association tonight and plans are well on the way for this years derby. More info to follow as it is made available.
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Good to hear Chris,hope to see you out there this year.
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Talked to Paul from the Chilliwack Fish And Game Protective Association tonight and plans are well on the way for this years derby. More info to follow as it is made available.
When Paul is ready, please have him emailing me so I can put the info up in the news section too.
I always make sure that I miss this event each year so I don't steal the title from the rest of you, of course... ;D
Good luck to those who are participating.
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Bumping it up. Derby info is now available:
http://www.fishingwithrod.com/boxingdayderby
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My grandpa won this derby in the Archie Nelmes era, about 50-60 years ago. When I was 15 my grandpa died. He had alzheimers and I wasn't able to learn much from him in regards to fishing. He owned a restaurant in Chilliwack for a number of years in the 60's/70's called Cottonwood Corners which was a major hub for Vedder river fisherman. My dad gave me his old centerpin reel when I was about 8 years old. I managed to get sand in it and ruin it before I ever understood how sweet centerpin reels are, and before I ever realized how much sentimental value it would have. The reel is a seldex, and it's been in repair at Sea Run since the summer. If there is one thing on earth that I'd like is to win this derby with that reel. It's going to be my first year trying, and from what I hear a lot of guys go out and not so many fish come back. I've been steelhead fishing a total of 4 times in my life and have managed to land at least one each trip, so hopefully my luck continues this boxing day and my grandpa can live vicariously through me and his reel, of course.
I'll be there with bells on.
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One a trip? Thats a great record.
Last year was my second year and I was lucky to get a fish on about 70% of my trips which is normally considered pretty good :o
What river were you fishing and at what time of year ???
The Vedder normally doesn't have very many fish kicking around in December, and it's very cold so you need to get whatever you have on right in front of them.
Good luck though...
Im home for 3 weeks starting the 17th so I MIGHT just have to enter it again this year ;D If not I'll still be up for a peek and the auction.
Best of luck to everyone involved!
Cheers,
Dan
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My trips were all this year April 11th, 18th, 25th, and the last day of the season, April 30.
April 11 - I got into a colored fish right after Alison pool in the fast water before the river widens out and turns. It was around 7 lb but wild.
April 18, 25, and 30th - I got a 8lb hatchery, 5-7 lb wild, a wild and a 6 lb hatchery fish, respectively. All of these fish were caught in the exact same spot in the lower runs. I first casted my last hatchery fish on April 30th and then watched my friend fish for 8 solid hours until he got fed up and we went home.
I'm really lucky I think
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Yes lucky but also...
By April fish have been piling into the river every single day. It is also alot warmer so fish will move alot further for a presentation.
Believe me when I say Dec-Feb are alot harder to come by fish.
March and April are the fun months, not uncommon for some people to get 5 or more fish days.
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Glad to see another derby upcoming. They do a great job and have enjoyed it the last 4 years of competing. I am going to land a hatch fish this year I know it. Hey ED my only landed fish came on boxing day so does that mean I am a great steelheader ;D ;D I have lost my fair share but this years going to be different ;) Anyway got a little off topic there so as I was saying that trophy's mine and everybody might as well stay home ;D
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Heh jon5hill,
Cool story about your grampa, and reel. I was first was first introduced to Fred senior at the old store across the river when I was 5. That was just under 51 years ago. I also had a bunch of great fishing on the Vedder, but now live in Prince Rupert, so won't make the derby. I truly hope you get your steelhead on the 26th.
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I have entered the derby a few times but because I covered the derby for the Chilliwack Progress for a few years I always kidded people I did not want to have to write about myself winning it so I did not enter that many times. ;D Saying that I did end up writing about my son winning it a few years ago with a fish a bit over 15 pounds.
I have entered 2 smaller fish in the few times I have taken part and one year I lost 3 on derby day including breaking a big one off. :'(
It certainly would be great to hoist the Ferguson and Furnell Trophy that goes way back in history, 1938 and has been won by so many top steelhead anglers.
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I have entered the derby a few times but because I covered the derby for the Chilliwack Progress for a few years I always kidded people I did not want to have to write about myself winning it so did not enter that many times. ;D Saying that I did end up writing about my son winning it a few years ago with a fish a bit over 15 pounds.
I have entered 2 smaller fish in the few times I have taken part and one year I lost 3 on derby day including breaking a big one off. :'(
...Cocky.... wasnt it 99 when your son won?
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...Cocky.... wasnt it 99 when your son won?
2000, 15.90 pounds.
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Did you do a write up for his derby win? I would like to heard about it, It will keep us pumped while we wait a little longer.
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Heh jon5hill,
Cool story about your grampa, and reel. I was first was first introduced to Fred senior at the old store across the river when I was 5. That was just under 51 years ago. I also had a bunch of great fishing on the Vedder, but now live in Prince Rupert, so won't make the derby. I truly hope you get your steelhead on the 26th.
Thanks so much, I appreciate it!
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Did you do a write up for his derby win? I would like to heard about it, It will keep us pumped while we wait a little longer.
Yes but it was before I wrote my stories on the computer. It would be in the Progress archives.
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I missed this derby last year! I can't wait! Definately heading out and trying out my New "islander steelheader cp"
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Hey Steel Mo Head you heading to the derby? I'm gettin a cp as well. We can go de-virginize our reels. :D
yea definately!!! My work is closed that day. Email me you're info im down to check the river out a few days before the derby as well.
franky_mai@hotmail.com
you're out in richmond right??
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anyone know what the prizes are like this year?
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I haven't heard yet. I'll let you know in a week, when I weigh in the biggest steelie ;) ;D
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Am heading up today for a look, will also be up that way tomorrow if anyone wants a ride from Vancouver. Looking forward to entering my first derby!
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On average how many people fish on derby day?
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It is always one of the busiest days on the river during the steelhead season.
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It is always one of the busiest days on the river during the steelhead season.
But still less people then salmon season ;) around 300 to 400 people I think, could be wrong :-\
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I've never actually entered the derby but have caught many steelies on boxing day over the past 35 years, the best was five years ago when I got 3 wild fish in the morning, one on my first drift. The years are catching up with me now and I find it harder to walk the river these days, I'm usually done by 1pm. When everything hurts its time to put the feet up. I won't be there this year but I have a feeling it is going to be a big success so get out there and sting a few.
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hey jon that's alwsome about the seldex.My dad from the 50's has also given me his.But i have'nt used it yet.Maybe this year, it still works like new.Here's a dumb question ,are they worth money, other than sentimental.Not that i would sell it.
Thanks,remember keep your lines tight
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I was wondering if someone could tell me how to enter for the boxingday steelhead derby at the vedder/chilliwack? if someone could get back to me thatw ould be great thank you and merrry christmas
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All the info you need is just a click away.
http://www.fishingwithrod.com/boxingdayderby/
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thanks needed that :)
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merry xmas to all....So we can buy derby tickets at the end of lickman road in the parking lot then?
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You can get them at the Fish and Game club from 6am onwards. Is it easy to find? Will be doing the same myself,
Merry xmas and good luck,
Nick
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Drive down chilliwack lake road until you see Thompson park. Look Left. You are there.
;D
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Drive up until you see the new framed farm like building, its right beside it you cant miss it.
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Thanks guys.
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Hi!
If anyone in Vancouver needs a ride up to the Vedder first thing I'm leaving at 5ish and have plenty of room. Will be coming back 2 or 3pmish.
Nick
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Hi I would like to meet some of you board members at the derby tomorrow I will share a few 20-25 gram floats!
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Just talked with Chris and there is 3 fish weighed in as of 8:30.
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Shaping up to be a good year.
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8 fish at 12:00 largest 14pounds shaping up to be a good year
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10 fish wieghed in as as 12:30
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2009 Boxing Day Steelhead Derby is in the books now with 266 anglers weighing in 10 fish. I will be adding more reports, list of all winners, Rodney will post pictures later and I some video on u tube throughout the evening.
For now well known Chilliwack angler Pete McPherson is this years King Fisher with a 14.31 steelhead and has taken home the Ferguson Furnell Perpetual Trophy with his winning fish.
Check back later for more information.
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He is placed first in the Freds tackle Wally Hall derby. Its about time we saw Peter back on the board.
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Congratulations Peter!
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/2009boxingdayderby/091226_04.jpg)
Other photos by Chris are posted at: http://www.fishingwithrod.com/member/gallery/2009boxingdayderby
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Well done Peter....you certainly earned it !!
Bud
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beauty looking steelhead
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A recap of 2009 derby.
266 anglers entered bringing in 10 fish to the scales. Other reports of several wild fish, hatchery steelhead taken by those not in the derby and of course reports by some that say they lost a derby winner. ;D
Ist place and winner of the Ferguson Furnell Perpetual Trophy first awarded in 1938 and won that year by Carl Wilson that year with a 12 pound 9 ounce fish.
2009 winner Peter McPherson: 14.31
Second Gary Johnson: 13.01
Third Glenn Rawkor: 11.76
Fourth Ken Edmondson: 11.74
Fifth Tristan Sommi: 11.05
Hidden Weight Donald Jacques: 9.66
First Fish Weighted in: Travis Vanleeuwen 6.25 pounds at 8:17 AM, 23 minutes ahead of the second fish weighted in. Vanleeuwen's also
was the smallest fish of the derby making him a double winner.
Please excuse any names spelled incorrectly as list was a bit hard to read.
U tube video of the derby coming up later this evening.
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Derby Story from Pete at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fknpSF-VKn0
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuP6xDPxFT8
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Peter is one of the nicest guy you want to meet. Congratulations to him.
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A short report on my derby experience.
I did not get an early start as I was recovering from celebrating Christmas Day although the action I had yesterday had me enthused somewhat. I am hoping of course maybe I could land my 3rd Boxing Day Derby Steelhead. I am not sure how many times I have entered but it would be around 10 I guess. I also thought of the time I had lost 3 on derby day including breaking a good sized fish off, above the float too. :-[ That year I did not get an early start as I was helping selling derby tickets at the clubhouse.
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/2009boxingdayderby/091226_06.jpg)
I arrive at the club house to get my ticket around 8:35 and Travis was there already with a fish hanging on the board, the first fish weighted in at 8:17 hitting the scales at 6.25 pounds. I have just got my ticket and in comes two fish in short order with Gary's nice fish at 13.01, the time is 8:40 with Ken a couple of minutes behind with a 11.74 fish. Boy maybe the early bird does get the worm after all. The good news looks like it may be a banner derby. I snap a photo of Ken's fish being weighted by Clive and then I head to "The Point" for a great buffet breakfast for only $8.50, senior rate. ;D A number of other anglers are taking a break from fishing and are enjoying the fine array of foods. Make sure you drop in when out fishing that way, I am sure you will not be disappointed in the food they are serving. While I eat another angler comes in and he has a fish too. Shortly after that I hear Pete has also one that turns out to be the winner.
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/2009boxingdayderby/091226_08.jpg)
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/2009boxingdayderby/091226_07.jpg)
Wow 5 fish and it is only maybe 2 hours into the derby. I gobble the rest of my breakfast in a hurry now and out the door I go, with steelhead on my mind.
I arrive at the scene of yesterday's action and see a good number of anglers on the flow but none in where I had the fish on yesterday but I am sure it has been fished before I have arrived. I fish another run first using prawn tails for starters. I then move with great anticipation to the hot spot but after fishing it up and down with the prawns and roe bags the Maple Leaf Drennan did not even wiggle. I phone The Master to see he is fishing but is after webfeet on the Fraser. It certainly is a nice day to be either fishing or hunting. It is fairly warm as the guides are not freezing up but the wind makes it feel a bit cooler than it really is. Many non fishing families are enjoying walking along the river trails and gravel bars, another great way to celebrate the Christmas season. You certainly donot have to be an angler to enjoy our precious rivers.
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/2009boxingdayderby/091226_05.jpg)
Pistol Pete who had called earlier comes down from up river with the same success as me. He decides to try down by the Hydro Bridge while I move to some runs below the so called Hot Spot. The runs turn out to be non hot too but one angler said he saw one taken on the "other side". I talk to a few others who have seen nothing but heard rumours of a wild and hatchery taken "down further".
I reverse fields and head back from where I started and fish the runs again. A chap on the other side said he was now fishing where Pete got his. Of course it was on the "other side" from where I was fishing but it looks like I am in the right area to be fishing.
Time is closing in to the derby deadline of 2 so as I want to be there to get some pictures and video I head towards the dyke and the Leaf Mobile. But first I try a side stream on the way out and just before I make my last cast I see a glimmer of light reflecting off something, I think it must be a blade or spoon lying on the bank that someone had lost. On the way out I climb down the bank from the trail to check it out. It turned out to be a fairly expensive watch so if you lost one on the river give me a shout.
I get back to the clubhouse right at the derby deadline but of course It does not matter as I have no fish to weight in. I head to the board and see there is 10 fish ,less than I thought after seeing 6 brought in first thing. Pete McPherson has wrapped up first place which is nice to see as he has worked so hard on so many fishing issues over the years I have known him. Of course most of you know him too after his many years working in Fred's Custom Tackle in Vedder Crosssing. Pete is not only a top rod but one great guy.
I film a bit of of his fishing story for u tube and also some pictures with his Kingfish and the coveted Ferguson Furnell Trophy with so much history behind it, dating back to 1938. Many great angler's names are on it, many now sadly gone to the happy fishing grounds in the heavens above. Reading those names on the trophy bring back memories of them to many of us as they were fishing partners and dear friends.
The award ceremonies are ready to go and a good crowd is in attendance and when Pete gets his awards he is a popular winner. Paul the Chilliwack Fish Game and Protective Association's President is handing out the trophies and the prizes and there is lots of them. I even get my name drawn for a $50 gift card which was great as I can use it for a New Years dinner with my wife.
Thanks to Paul and his committee for putting on a great derby and a good sum of money will once again go to fish enhancement projects.
When I leave to catch the hockey game the prize draws are still going on, I think a good number of those that entered and came to the clubhouse won something.
I was not lucky to catch a fish but a watch and a $50 gift certificate was OK too. Of course meeting some old fishing friends and members of FWR was great too. Maybe next year you or I will join that elite group of anglers including now Pete McPherson on the Ferguson Furnell Trophy.
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Derby Awards are at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO8unqh2_14
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I had a large comedy of errors yesterday. I never sleep past 5, more than enough time to get there from North Van. 6:15 I woke up. I tossed my rod and grabbed my vest and hit it. Around about Abottsford it struck me - no waders. Forget about it. I'm nearly there. Got off at Lickman and drove to the foot to get the instructions. I drove over to Fred's to get a ticket. And buy a toque to cover my bald head. Fred's will be getting more of my business with that very kind offer to loan me waders. Go back, get ticket punched. I decided to go up top and work my way down. The slab was fairly busy, but I spotted a tasty looking empty place at the top of Allison. I got out and realized that I had grabbed the wrong vest in my fog induced rapid departure that morning. There was still a few spoons to try, so what the heck. I put everything together and I was just about to head down to the river when it hit me - pen and license. The pen was no issue, but the license was the deal breaker. That stupid full page sheet license wallet stuffer has GOTTA go. :( Sadly, I packed up and went to Canadian Tire with the gift card I got for Christmas. No luck there either.
But on the bright side, I went to the game with my son and got a mini Canucks jersey for his shiny new 3 day old daughter ( My first Grandchild :) :) :) )
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Awesome Day to be on the river on boxing day,good to see some nice fish taken on derby day,as for me i headed to the spot i hit my first of the year on last Saturday ,the water was perfect ,i fished several fishy looking runs but the fish weren't home,congrats to all the lucky winners and thanks to Chris for all the pics and updates. :)
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At 4:00AM my alarm clock sounded, albeit uselessly as my eyes were wide open and I was intently staring at the roof waiting for it. I dressed for the departure and soon enough Joe and I were on the road to the Derby.
Being our first kick at the can, Joe and I weren't sure what to expect in terms of numbers of fish entered, number of anglers, but we were first at the clubhouse at 5:40 in the morning ready. I walked into the room with the trophy case, stared intensely into it. I felt like I was now in over my head. I had just entered a guild of unrelenting men who, in the pursuit of the steelhead, are very willing and eager to fish in whatever weather mother nature throws at them. The steelhead has a way of changing us. It at first convinces the angler that they share some unique bond with it that no other angler could parallel or even begin to understand. When I entered that trophy room and saw the Ferguson Furnell trophy I immediately recognized my insignificance in the endeavor. 65 names etched carefully into it, representing 65 different people who for all I know had a much more severe case of steelhead fever than I.
Asking several of the senior members of the club how many fish are typical of a derby I was astonished to get estimates of between 6 and 30, and numbers of anglers in the range of 200-300. Such an intense effort is expended by so many fishermen in the pursuit of these silver ghosts, yet yielding a remarkably few number of fish. This is concerning for me, as it's a pretty consistent indication of steelhead numbers, and my concern for salmonid species extends into my career as well as my angling life. However it also adds a degree of exclusivity to the event, turning any entry by an angler of a fish into the derby for subsequent measurement and analysis a rare and privileged affair.
Being relatively new to angling I was certain that although I had success in the spring, my cards were not going to be so hot this time of year. And they weren't. Joe and I fished a couple of runs at Peach Road for nearly 7 hours straight, using mainly shrimp and jigs. It may have been a strategic error to stay in the same general area all day, but I had consistent success at the very same run earlier in the spring and had confidence in its productivity. On the way home I began thinking how this event will change my life in the future, and I realized that it's like another Christmas, but better. After all is said and done, I am glad to have participated in the derby, and will continue to do so until I am fortunate enough to join the ranks of Ferguson Furnell, Peter Mcpherson and the other 64 anglers represented by the coveted King Fisher prize.
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Nicely written jon5hill. You keep at it like you did on derby day and you will definitely connect with some steelhead in the very near future. Of course the secret is just to find where they are and once you get your first one more will follow. They are willing biters, better I find than salmon in fresh water. Of course what makes it harder to hook one is there is just not as many steelhead returning each year to the Chilliwack Vedder River.
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I don't post often and contrary to my profile I have been watching this forum since the inception of FWR. I am only speaking up in order too have something good made greater and too raise an issue that I and others are having with this derby. My purpose of this post is not to be negative or harsh but I am worried about the reputation that the derby is losing and this is the only way I can express my disappointment and suspicions.
I have been apart of the derby for a few years now and I look forward to this derby all year long. I am a huge fan of the Chilliwack Rod and Gun club and their work. I believe in what they are trying to accomplish with this derby and so do my fishing friends. I have been fishing on the vedder for about 18 years now and if I can help in any way then I will try my best.
With the lack of funding from the Federal and Provincial governments in part due to the economy I believe that funding needs to be stepped up from the locals with out just handing over money. I can appreciate now more than in years past how difficult it can be to raise monies to fund important projects that are vital to improving a fishery on a highly pressurized system such as the vedder. But I for one want something from the monies that I hand over. So first, I want to thank the volunteers of the Rod and Gun club because without there help we would have nothing. I recognize there efforts year after year! Thank you!
But for the real reason that I have written this. I come to this derby year after year to challenge what I have learned and practise from the year previous as though I am in a very competitive on going tourney and this derby is my final exam. Yes I know at the end if the day it’s all for fun and for the Rod and Gun club. But I enjoy the challenge of knowing that all the best are at this derby and they are as motivated as I am. And year after year the best on the West Coast comes out to challenge this purpose. That is up until the past couple of years.
But here where it gets me, if 2 to 4 hundred guys continually enter the biggest drift derby on the West Coast and if this is the most difficult derby. Then why is there not a bigger addendum for appropriate sponsorship and advertising? It stuns many of us, out of the these 2 to 4 hundred fishermen and fisherwoman 60% or higher hold a well branded name of waders, rods and gear and we get it from only a hand full of locations then why is there such a pitiful to non existence of representation from these companies. I know that when I was a rep for a well respected company in my past industry I was mandated to get out to venues much like this derby to set up a booth for assistance on our products and to sell equipment that was just entering the market or to move product that we wanted off our floors.
Myself and many others question is “why are the prizes and incentives dropping for the past couple of years”, and “will this lead to decline in the kind of derby many of us thought this derby was about”? The answer right now sounds as though if you do not catch a fish then just go home because there is nothing at the club house to go. And then the R&G club miss out on the need fund raisers such as 50/50, food, and other activities and I find this disturbing. Would it not be wise to attract those companies to retain guys at the club house and therefore raise more money?
I hope this posting is not looked as a rant but as a submission of what I have been hearing from others. And in hopes that somehow more can be offered and that the derby and the purpose get the bar raised.
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Hey Cohopk , You hit the nail on the head and provided the solution . :) Manufactures booths and Displays ( Lamiglass , Molson etc ;)
Cheers
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Maybe you can make that a project for yourself during the next year. Write emails, make phone calls to these companies and give them the details on how many fishermen attend this annual derby. Maybe some of them just dont know? Have you spoken to the organizers of the event asking them if this is something that they want to encourage? Someone needs to take the bull by the horns and it seems as though you have the passion, so take that passion and make it a reality.
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Cohopk If you feel changes need to be made to the derby and if you are not a member of the Chilliwack Fish Game and Protective Association I would take the liberty to suggest you join and get on the executive. I am sure help is always needed in helping run the club and the derby. By doing so you can work towards and promoting what you are suggesting in your post.
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Good point with the lack of sponsorship. This is always a challenge for any volunteer-based organization. Being involved with several events currently and in the past, I know the exact reasons of this. Local businesses are pounded with requests regularly and while many are more than happy to help, they are running a business after all, not a charity, so there is only so much to hand out. Top name brands are incredibly hard to get in touch with unless you already have the contacts, usually they require you to ask well in advance. Thirdly, volunteers are hard to find, and existing volunteers are often worn out from doing the leg work. I personally dislike seeking sponsorship. It's almost like begging, not even for yourself.
For the event Fish for the Future (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fftf) that I run each July, I no longer expend the time to beg for prizes except going to two or three very sources that I can totally rely on because they personally know me well. The rest of the money used to fund this event comes from a small portion that subscribers pay on this website. It works fine, no hassle and each year the event runs smoothly.
With derbies that have a long history, I don't actually think larger prizes would draw out more top anglers. It may attract more anglers, but those who are on top of the game would already be in the derby regardless what prizes are on the list. It's the title that they are after, not prizes, especially when they already spent the money on top gear.
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so THAT's why you find young volunteers with young families....they don't tire as easily, and you have high hopes of 'conning' the young ones into volunteering for future events...... ;D :D ;)
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so THAT's why you find young volunteers with young families....they don't tire as easily, and you have high hopes of 'conning' the young ones into volunteering for future events...... ;D :D ;)
That's pretty much it. I'm outsourcing child volunteer labour from Richmond. ;D
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Congrats again to Peter! Made a good day even better to see his chromer as the top fish on the board when I popped in at 2:00. Couldnt have happened to a more generous and accomplished angler with whom Ive had the privilege of fishing with. (back in the days when I remembered which end of the rod to hold)
Way to go!!!!