A teenage angler picked up the top prize at Port AlberniB次元官网网址檚 salmon derby this year.

Justin McKay of Port Alberni, 14 years old, picked up the $10,000 first prize with his 27.1 pound fish, caught in the harbour on the second day of the derby. According to Carolyn Jasken of the Alberni Valley Tyee Club, he is the all-time youngest winner of the derby.

B次元官网网址淚 canB次元官网网址檛 believe it,B次元官网网址� said McKay on Monday, Sept. 5. B次元官网网址淚t feels like IB次元官网网址檓 in a dream.B次元官网网址�

McKay said he and his mother have been taking part in the salmon derby since he was very young, but this was his first time winning.

B次元官网网址淚 was on my phone playing a game, then I looked up and our top rod went off,B次元官网网址� he explained.

He and his mom had to chase the fish under multiple boats before they finally reeled it in and netted it. The process took about five minutes in all, said McKay.

But the effort was worth it, as McKay had the largest fish caught all weekend. He already has plans to buy a dirt bike with his prize winnings.

B次元官网网址淎nd IB次元官网网址檒l take my mom and stepdad out for dinner,B次元官网网址� he added. B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 a lot of money for a 14-year-old.B次元官网网址�

The Alberni Valley Tyee Club announced earlier this year that they would be taking on the Labour Day salmon derby this year. The club would focus on the derby, with hopes that a festival would re-grow around it. Jasken said there were approximately 1,500 fishers in all at this yearB次元官网网址檚 derby.

Despite some concern that the B次元官网网址渇estivalB次元官网网址� portion of Salmon Fest would be cancelled this year, volunteers and sponsors managed to put together a B次元官网网址渕ini festB次元官网网址� for the weekend.

The Sugar Shak put on a fireworks show from Centennial Pier on Friday, with sponsorship from the Folkfest Multicultural Society, Paper Excellence and San Group. A few local musicians donated their music for the weekend, and Alberni Teens Can Rock hosted a karaoke competition on Sunday afternoon. The Little and Robinson families put on a salmon dinner for the weekend, and the Community Arts Council offered an art project for kids with help from Art Rave, the Alberni Valley Enhancement Association and San Group.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 been phenomenal,B次元官网网址� said Jasken. B次元官网网址淎 giant seed has been planted for next year.B次元官网网址�

Salmon Derby Winners:

厂补迟耻谤诲补测B次元官网网址�

1. Scott Clydesdale (26.2)

2. Bob Leyland (23.6)

3. Roger Kattai (22.5)

厂耻苍诲补测B次元官网网址�

1. Justin McKay (27.1)

2. Clark Reed (23.1)

3. Barrie Cozens (22.6)

惭辞苍诲补测B次元官网网址�

1. Bob Matlock (21.6)

2. Dawn Stevenson (20.6)

3. Dave Williams (18.9)

Gone FishinB次元官网网址� in Port Alberni is keeping track of winning hidden weights, and prizes were available at the shop (4985 Johnston Road).