2nd Annual Can-American “AAA” Anglers Derby 2010

Shearwater Resort & Marinas’ 2nd Annual Can – American “AAA” Anglers Derby in 2010 was once again a total success. Hosts, Pauline Imamura, Mike Pfortmueller, along with the well experienced Guides and crew at Shearwater hold this derby annually which unites 24 Canadian & American Anglers during the first week of August. Plentiful salmon runs of all species and bottom fish where sought for by returning guests from years past and new visitors as well, and let’s not forget the beautiful landscape with wildlife abounding, and stunning sunsets as well.

The first evening on the day of arrival Monday August 02 showed to be another great start to this annual derby. Anglers where briefed on the Rules and Regs of the derby over a well served prime rib dinner accompanied by complimentary wine and reminded of the current 2009 record holders with many back this year proudly defending their titles.

Brian Clark from Washington held the Angler with The Largest Chinook title with his 42Lb Spring and Mike Walker from California holds the title of Angler with the Largest Coho with an impressive 18.5 pounder. Mike Walker also won the category of Angler with the most pounds of fish caught within the derby and Rob Tavonatti from California as well, was noted as the most honest angler for 2009. Honourable mentions where Sumio Sue from Japan with a 41Lb Spring and Mike Tilton from Idaho with an 18Lb Coho. These where the weights to beat.

Day 1 of the derby found all anglers, well fed, geared up and zooming off to one the HOT SPOT fishing grounds known as Cultas Sound, Milbanke Sound, Seaforth Channel, Return Channel and Spiller Inlet just to name a few, anticipating the Elusive Trophy Chinook, Aerobatic Coho and the Mighty Halibut. Our highly skilled guides, Jolly Roger, Eagle Wind, Ghost Rider, Spoonman, Grasshopper, Top Gun, Headshaker, and Grizz showed off tackle of various varieties new and old and techniques of all sorts where used at different depths all over the fishing grounds producing many record fish for this years derby.

Joe Calko from Vancouver BC, set the bar high bringing in a 44.5Lb Spring with Jim Weiwior also from BC boating a 13.5Lb Coho. Looks like the Canadians where the day’s daily top cash prize winners putting them as the weights to beat for 2010. Fish stories by everyone where a buzzing true or not throughout the sport lounge nightly while enjoying homemade appetizers prior to a flavor filled meal to everyone’s’ liking prepared by Shearwaters Red Seal Chef Jason Brezynskie. Nicely done Chef Jason. The anticipation and excitement to fish had every angler that night itching for the AM BITE.


Day 2 was proven to be another fun filled derby day as well. 3 springs weighed in at 43Lbs leaving everyone wondering what would be brought to the sport dock and weighed in next. Walter Weigelmann from BC showed off his 44Lb Spring as the largest weight of the day, just a half pound behind Joe Calko from Day 1 and Brian Tratt from California weighed in his coho at 21Lbs putting him now as the Coho weight to beat. Brian Tratt also proudly showed off his twin 43Lb springs as well. Wow! Phil Dobson & Bill Werner weighed in 2 Halibut over 50 pounds too. Nicely done.

Final day of the derby kept the sport dock busy once again wondering what this days final fishery would bestow. All eyes were on the fish scale hoping that their fish would be the weight naming themselves the title of “Angler with the Largest Chinook” and “Angler with the Largest Coho” for 2010. Dave Kerr from California weighed in 2 springs over 40Lbs with one being a whopping 48 Pounder. Bill Werner from BC won the days Coho category with his 15.5Lb Coho. Awards night proudly proved Mr. David Kerr with his incredible 48Lb Spring and Brian Tratt with his 21Lb Coho as the well deserved title winners of The 2nd Annual 2010 Can-American “AAA” Anglers Derby. Awesome Job Everyone. Looks like the men from California out fished the Canadians once again this year. All 2009 Can-American Anglers Derby records were broken this year and I can’t wait to see what 2011’s derby has in store for us all.

Most honourable mention goes to Mr. John Wawerna Sr. & Jr. this year. Guided by Ghost Rider, Tom, John Wawerna Sr. showed us all what many years of loyal fishing can produce. Even though they did not participate in our derby, Mr. John Wawerna Sr. boated a 52.5Lb spring and between himself and his son they weighed in their 8 allowable springs all as TYEES over 30lbs. Simply Outstanding!!!!! Pat Hales’ name was drawn lottery style by Maria Pia announcing him as the lucky angler returning in 2011 with A Free All Inclusive Fishing Trip to this year’s Derby. Congratulations Pat! 2010 proved to be another derby filled with many FISH, life lasting memories, true friendships, and FISH of ALL WEIGHTS to be remembered by all. Even with the derby being over Thursday, Friday morning, day of departure from Shearwater found all anglers trolling the fishing grounds with Pat Hale bringing in a 46Lb spring. Extra planes where used to help ship this trips abundant catch back into the lower mainland. Well done everyone!!!

We would like to Thank You all for “ Catching The Shearwater Experience” and look forward to 2011.

"Best Fishes & Tight Lines"

Pauline Imamura Sport Fishing Resort Management

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