News & Events

That is a wrap for the 25th Annual Just for the Halibut Fishing Derby! Over the weekend we had some great Halibut weighed in and some healthy competition. Thank you to all of the participants in this year’s derby; we hope that you had a great time on the water this weekend. We are able to have some awesome prizes as well as raise money, thanks to our volunteers and sponsors. We are lucky to be a part of such a great community and appreciate all your support. Without you there would be no derby and we appreciate you making this event a reality.

Thank you to:

• Gibbs Delta
• Shimano 
• Deep Blue Sales
• Mustang
• Attsea
• Blue Dog Sales
• Mustang
• Backroad Mapbooks
• Bushnell
• Defense Aerosols 
• Pure Fishing 
• Millbay Marine Group
• Oak Bay Marine Group
• Finest at Sea
• Luhr Jensen
• Polar Bear Wall Tents
• Osprey Cabins 
• Calcutta Coolers
• Scotty
• Seapro 
• Reef Reels (Salty Outdoors)
• Normark

We love hosting this derby each year because it allows us to raise money for some amazing organizations. The proceeds from this year are going to the TLC Fund for Kids as well as the South Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition. Please read below to learn more about each group.

TLC Fund for Kids:

Established in October 1998, The T.L.C. Fund for Kids raises funds to aid in the wellness and quality of life for all children in the Capital Regional District.

Since its inception, The T.L.C. Fund for Kids distributed almost $300,000 in support of children’s needs in our community. Money is raised through contributions, fundraising campaigns and community events.

From educational programs, to grief counseling, to special care, The T.L.C. Fund for Kids supports the needs of children in the Capital Region. 

Any not-for-profit organization dedicated to the health, happiness and betterment of life for children in Greater Victoria is eligible to benefit from funds raised by The T.L.C. Fund for Kids!

We have proudly supported Camosun College ChildCare Services, Young Parents Support Network, YM/YWCA of Greater Victoria, Scouts Canada, Youth programs at the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Society and Dance Victoria, to name just a few.

The T.L.C. Fund for Kids!

. . . because every child needs a little T.L.C.

https://tlcfund.ca/about-t-l-c

South Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition

South Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition (SVIAC) is an independent, not-for-profit angling advocacy society. Our efforts and initiatives are dedicated exclusively to ensure there will be abundant fish, healthy productive habitat and thriving public fisheries in our region for generations to come. We will ensure the public fisheries are recognized for what they are; a healthy sustainable activity and undeniably the wisest use of Canada’s valuable resource.

Our Vision: For the people of Southern Vancouver Island to enjoy and benefit from a range of thriving year-round angling opportunities and healthy fish populations needed to sustain those fisheries now and for future generations.

Our Mission: South Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition (SVIAC) is an independent, not-for-profit angling advocacy society. Our efforts and initiatives are dedicated exclusively to ensure there will be abundant fish, healthy productive habitat and thriving public fisheries in our region for generations to come. We will ensure the public fisheries are recognized for what they are; a healthy sustainable activity and undeniably the wisest use of Canada’s valuable resource.

https://www.anglerscoalition.com/

Overall the fishing was great this year and coming out on top was Jeff Monyard with a 63.8 pound Halibut. In second place with a 59.4 pound catch was Brad Alexander and a close third place went to Don McLarren with a 59.3 pounder. The top three fish were awarded with a cash prize of $7500, $2500, and $1000, respectively. On top of the top three cash prizes, there were also awards for the top ten fish.

There was a total of 105 Halibut weighed in over the weekend, with an average weight of 25.7 pounds. The closest halibut weighed to the average weight was 25.4 pounds. Winning a Simrad Go9 was Eric Rondeau.

As always we have hidden weights, this year the two hidden weights were 43.6 pounds and 27.8 pounds. Brad Alexander weighed in an exact hidden weight at 43.6 pounds and Sean Price was an oz off with his 27.7 pound catch. The prizes for hiddens weights this year were a two night stay at Osprey Cabins in Port Renfrew as well as a two night stay in a Bunkie at Pedder Bay RV Resort and Marina. 

To celebrate the 25th anniversary, we had a grand draw prize for a Polar Bear Wall Tent. 

Congratulations to everyone who took home a prize this weekend and again thank you to all who came out. We hope you enjoyed your time as much as we did and are looking forward to next year!