There’s something about the Juan de Fuca Fishing Tournament that words can’t fully capture. This September, the second restart of the Alpine Juan de Fuca Fishing Tournament brought that magic back once again. From the lively Derby Registration Night at the Langford Legion to the bustling Derby Weigh Station at Pedder Bay Resort and Marina, you could feel the excitement in the air all weekend long.
A Great Turnout!
This year, 490 anglers took part — from seasoned derby veterans to enthusiastic first-timers — each adding their own energy to the event. Together, through registrations, sponsorships, raffles, and donations, we raised over $46,000. These funds will directly support South Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition (SVIAC) Chinook enhancement projects right here on South Vancouver Island.
Fishing, Competition, and Big Prizes
The action kicked off early at Pedder Bay Resort and Marina, derby headquarters. By mid-morning, the leaderboards were filling with strong Chinook up to 20 pounds, and the anticipation only grew as the final weigh-in drew near.
As the last-hour lineup of anglers brought their fish to the scales, the tension was thick among the leaders. When the scales finally closed, the Top 10 leaderboard looked like this:
Every angler on the list earned bragging rights for the year ahead. But the winning fish — a 23.32 lb Chinook caught by Murray Head of Cap It, one of our long-time sponsors — took the crown. Murray’s catch secured him first place and the $20,000 grand prize.
Giving Back: Food, Funds, and Community
The tournament has always been about more than just fishing — it’s about giving back. This year was no exception:
- 50/50 Draw: On Registration Night, we raised $1,540, donated directly to the Sooke Food Bank, which continues to provide vital support for local families.
- Fresh Chinook Donations: Derby participants generously donated their catch to the Sooke Food Bank. A cooler full of salmon fillets turned into over 120 fresh meals for families in need — a community effort we can all be proud of.
A Word of Thanks
None of this would be possible without our volunteers, the incredible support of our sponsors — led by Alpine Group and GFL Environmental — and, of course, the anglers themselves. The camaraderie, sportsmanship, and love for fishing made this another unforgettable year.
The Local Pub, Zapco, Victoria Tug and Barge, Maxxam Insurance, Champ Promotions, Mill Bay Marine Group, Action Truck Parts, Cap-it, My Chosen Café, Temp Tech Mechanical, Williams Scrap Metal, The Harbour Chandler, Cherish, Trotac Marine, Island Outfitters, Keycorp, Pewarchuk, Pedder Bay RV Resort and Marina, Island Fisherman Magazine, Rugged Coast, Langford Legion, Scotty, Jenkins Marine, Peetz, Olympic View Golf Club, Fountain Diner, Sherwood Marine, My Chosen Pizza, The Rose Pub, Cheanuh Marina, Highland Pacific Golf, Spitfire Lures, Luhr Jensen, Wicked Lures, Buzz Bomb, Hot Spot / Apex, Islander Reels, Princess Auto, Disco Tackleworks, West Coast Thumpers, Mustang Survival, Black Beaver Wood Works, Reel Westcoast, BC Outdoors, Kirby Source for Sports, Colwood Pizza.
Looking Ahead
With nearly 4.5 million smolts already released through SVIAC’s Sooke Chinook Enhancement Initiative, the funds raised this year will help ensure future generations can experience the same thrill of hooking a Chinook in our local waters.
The 2025 Alpine Juan de Fuca Fishing Tournament wasn’t just a competition — it was a celebration of community, conservation, and our shared passion for fishing.
See you in 2026 — lines tight and coolers ready!
Read the article by Island Fisherman Magazine here: 2025 Alpine Juan de Fuca Salmon Derby a Success – Island Fisherman Magazine