St. Ignace Salmon Derby Planned for Aug. 27 - 28
By Bob Holzei

The St. Ignace Salmon Derby will be Saturday, August 27, and Sunday, August 28, with anglers hoping to hook and net some of the $ 7,500 in cash and prizes that will lure sportsmen to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This year’s event begins with a 7:30 p.m. captains’ meeting and cookout Friday August 26, at the Hazelton Street Launch Ramp in St. Ignace.

The third annual event began with the desire to help promote the area, and raise money for community events including “the sports programs at St. Ignace Public Schools and the fish cleaning station,” said Jim Miller, salmon derby committee member.

Last year, $4,300 was paid to derby entrants out of a total of $9,300 raised for community activities, Mr. Miller said.

Out of a field of 45 boat entries last year, “Joe Visnaw of St. Ignace caught the winning Chinook salmon, which weighed 18.5 pounds,” said Mr. Miller.

Jim Gahn of Cheboygan took top honors in the boat division with a catch of three Chinooks weighing 39.25 pounds.

The cash prizes available are based upon a minimum of 100 boat entries. Prizes up for grabs includ a Canon Downrigger, a Hummingbird Fish Finder, and an Igloo cooler. More prizes will be announced at the captains’ meeting.

Open waters for the 2005 St. Ignace salmon Derby include all Michigan waters of Lake Huron east of the Mackinac Bridge, according to the registration form.

The Straits Area Sportsman’s Club, Kiwanis Club, The St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce, and Visitors’ Bureau are among those working together to make the annual event a destination for anglers.

For a registration for or additional information, contact St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce at (800) 338-6660. For marina reservations, contact (800) 447-2757.