Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project

13th Annual 2007 Monterey Bay Big Fish Derby, July 6th, 7th & 8th
By Larry Wolf

Once again it’s Derby time in the Monterey Bay. This season has started out with big salmon although not many in number. The fishing has been hot and cold to date. The good news is that there is lots of krill and whales in the bay as I write this report. The fish that are 30lbs. now will be much bigger but July 6th. As in prior years, we will be awarding $1,000.00 for the biggest fish caught in the Derby. There will be four other cash prizes of $150.00 for the largest fish of each species caught, that did not win the grand prize. New this year is the addition of Rock Cod as a target specie. This should allow more opportunities to participate in the derby. We have dropped tuna because it is usually too early in the season to get out that far .

In addition, the winner of the heaviest cumulative weight over three days wins a 4- day, 3-night stay at the Hotel Buena Vista, in Baja California, (meals and accommodations, airfare not included) with one day of fishing for two. A combination of any of the five species qualifies, but only one fish a day can be turned in per ticket. See the 2006 rules for complete details. The Grand Prize for the raffle will be a vacation package in Palm Springs or Hotel Buena Vista. Tickets again can be purchased for $20.00 per day. A three day ticket will cost $50.00. Raffle tickets are $5.00 apiece. Please check the rules on line or pick up a copy at where you purchase your tickets.

There has been a major rule change with the elimination of spear fishermen from the main competition. We are currently trying to set up a special division just for spear fishermen. We are changing the rules because of verity of problems and the fact that the new fishing restrictions and reserves affect both groups differently. You can buy your tickets at Bay Side Marine, at the new MTM business at the fuel dock in the Santa Cruz Harbor (formerly Shamrock), at Outdoor World, and Ernies Casting Pond in Soquel.

In Salinas, check out The Tackle Box and in Hollister, the new Tackle Box. In Monterey, Chris & Randy’s Fishing Trips will be selling tickets & Outdoor World. In Moss Landing tickets will be available at Woodard’s Marine and Tom’s Sport Fishing. In Capitola, try Angler's Choice or the Pier. Tickets will also be on sale at the launch ramps in Monterey, Moss Landing, Capitola Pier and Santa Cruz Upper and Lower harbor and at the Santa Cruz Pier on Derby days.

We are still looking for prizes and volunteers. The Derby is the Hatchery’s major fund raiser. Shirts, sweatshirts and hats will also be on sale. This is a very important time to support the only organization in our area that releases King Salmon into the Monterey Bay as well as Coho Salmon and Steelhead from our Hatchery on Big Creek in Davenport. Good luck and I hope to see you there.

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