Westport's "Boat Basin Salmon Derby" offers chance to win up to $2,000

Annual fishing contest offers cash and prizes for largest Chinook and Coho salmon caught

WESTPORT - The coastal town of Westport welcomes returning salmon for the annual Boat Basin Salmon Derby scheduled to run from Sept. 15 until Oct. 31.

Anglers are invited to purchase a $5 derby ticket and fish anywhere in the Westport boat basin for Chinook/King and Coho/Silver salmon. Running seven days a week until the end of October, the long-term Boat Basin Derby offers cash prizes totaling more than $2,000 and ranges from more than $300 for the largest Chinook salmon, to $500 for the winning Coho, plus many merchandise prizes. All eligible fish must be caught during daylight hours and validated with a derby ticket at the official weigh station at the marina between 10 AM and 5 PM.

"The Westport Boat Basin Derby is intended for anglers of all ages and skill levels," said Leslie Eichner, Westport/Grayland Chamber of Commerce spokesperson. "The returning Westport salmon were fingerlings reared in pens three years ago and released under the direction of Ocosta High School conservation classes and the Humptulips Hatchery. After their time at sea, the salmon come back into the Marina - with the Coho salmon returning now.

You don't need a boat, just a fishing rod and license to fish from the dock," added Eichner.

Last year's winning Coho weighed in at more than 17.5 lbs., quite large for this type of salmon, according to Jim Jackson, the derby coordinator.

"I was down at the marina last year and you could see salmon schools with literally thousands of fish just off the floats," said Jackson. "This derby promises to be an excellent year for anglers as well. There is a limit of six fish, four adults and two jacks."

Complete Boat Basin Salmon Derby rules and regulations are available on-line at www.angler-charters.net. Derby Tickets can be purchased for five dollars each at local fishing charter offices, the Westport/Grayland Chamber of Commerce, Angler Charters and the Hungry Whale Grocery.

There are other activities in Westport including an historic lighthouse, a maritime museum, the lighthouse trail, fishing charters and outdoor amusements. For more tourist and travel information, click on www.westportcam.com or call the Westport Tourist Information Center at 1-800-345-6223.