The 2009 MRS Enhancement Derby was a success. Twenty-eight Guide Boats and fifty-six “Dudes” participated. Comments made by guides and dudes alike were very complimentary. From the breakfast to the weigh in everything went very well. I saw lots of smiles as the “dudes” arrived in the afternoon for the weigh in and couldn’t begin to tell you how many times I heard “great derby, see you next year”.
Twenty-six fish were weighed in this year. The Bradbury Guns and Tackle boat with Jesse Blair at the helm, Dave Bradbury and Brad Carlson on the rods, won 1st place and largest fish (26.10 lbs largest and combined weight of 42.10 lbs). Not only did they win $500 for largest fish and $100 for their guide Jesse, Dave had the Calcutta for his own boat. They were the big money winners for this year’s derby.
2nd Place went to the Blackbird Shopping Center boat guided by Keith Carter with Don Atkinson Sr. and Don Atkinson Jr. on the rods (combined weight 29.60 lbs).
3rd Place was the Wheeler Toyota boat of Gary Meek and Bob Buoey, guided by Jason Cox (combined weight of 29.10 lbs).
Wheeler Toyota had 5 boats in this year’s derby. A big thanks you to our great sponsors, Wheeler Toyota. J D’s Sports Pub and Deli had two boats in this year’s derby. Thank you Jack DiMatteo.
Derrick Stevenson, our new fishing friend, did not catch his salmon this year but the rumor is he plans to catch one before next year’s derby.
We had “our moments” finding and keeping our guides this year, but Jack Jermaine of the Fishing Hole in Shady Cove and guide Mike O’Connor came through for us. Ralph Trigo was awesome in his guide liaison duties.
Our critique after the derby brought out only a few critical “fix-its” but also gave us a couple of great new idea’s for our 2010 Derby.
We noticed one thing this year, the boats stayed out on the river longer than past years. Could the $600 pot have attributed to that? Perhaps a larger pot for largest fish and cash for 1st, 2nd and 3rd may be in the offing. Do you think we could handle 40 boats next year?
I’d like to thank all of the guides and dudes that traveled so far to participate, and made the 2009 derby a success. Please come back next year. We’re going to make it even better.
A big thank you to all of this year’s derby workers that gave so much of their time to make it a huge success. You should all be proud.
To Lou and “Father Hickey” ……….. We couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks for all of your emails and phone calls keeping us on track and on schedule.
Co-Chair Harry |
