Fishing For Kids 2011

August 28th, 2011 "So it Begins"

Hello from the Clubhouse and the 2011 Fishing For Kids Tournament hosted by the West Coast Fishing Club with all proceeds going towards the BC Children's Hospital and the Canucks Autism Network (CAN).

The event kicked off last night at the beautiful Rosewood Hotel Georgia in downtown Vancouver. Here's a shot of the "most livable city" in the world from the hotel's Presidential suite...

...where a reception was held before heading up to the Clubhouse this morning.

After the usual malay of helicopters and planes everyone was on Langara and Terry was giving the welcoming speech to the participants, owners and sponsors in the Clubhouse dining room...

After which was a non-tournament "free fishing" afternoon and everyone took advantage of the opportunity to get out on the water and "warm up"...

The fishing has been excellent this summer and today was no different. Guest and participant Jim Harrison hoists a nice take home Chinook. The tournament itself will be strictly catch and release. There were the usual signs of success on the water...

Perry Domm and Jamie Walker share a moment with guide Matt.

Canucks player Dan Hamhuis bends a rod as he gets initiated to salmon fishing in Haida Gwaii...

There was a monster caught and released this afternoon, a 41 for Darren Francis, guide Bryce revives the giant...

Tomorrow that would be a contender for the $150,000 grand prize.

back at the dock it was smiles in the aslies with Senator Larry Campbell headed to the scale to "weigh in" on a few "things"...

The Champion Child Griffin poses with his father Alex and Dan...an exciting experience for them...

All the heavy hitters are here this weekend, Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis puts on his game face for tomorrows event...

He fished with WCFC owner Brian Legge today and at dinner tonight was encouraged by Larry Campbell to run for the Senate...the crowd went wild.

Dinner tonight was put together by renown Vancouver Chef (and angler) David Hawksworth of the Hawksworth restaurant in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia...

Senator Larry mc'd the proceedings as the Charities were introduced and guide allocation was drawn...

There was some concern over the competency of our aforementioned senate member but other than that the 6th annual Fishing For Kids Tournament is off to a great start.

Stay tuned for daily updates.

Ken Beatty

Reporting for the CH

August 29th, 2011 "Shotgun Start"

At 7:00 am this morning the "gun" went off and the 6th annual Fishing For Kids tournament was underway...

Every boat in the fleet and all 42 particpants raced to the fishing grounds to be the first to get lines in the water...

Most of the fishing effort was focused between Coho and MacPhearson points. There was a great early morning bite and listening to the radio I wasn't sure the weigh boats were going to be able to keep up.

Boat after boat were landing fish and calling in for measurements, Guide Mark, Randy Daggitt and Neil Winkelmann net one while playing a double header...

Although Willie Mitchell (former Canuck and last years big winner) took the early lead with a 25.54 pound fish...it wasn't enough to hold him in first place...and by the end of the day his fish landed him in 8th. He's still got a day to pull something out of the bag and here he is heckled by fishing partner Bruce and guide Kuiama...

Canucks GM Mike Gillis had a contender at 30.01 pounds but by the end of the day he didn't make the final cut for top three and ended up spending part of the day fishing in Bruin Bay (there was some "off radio" talk about that).

Here he is with Guide Brent helping him land one of many...

It was guide Bud and Ian Smith who took the largest fish of the day and first place at 38.76 pounds.

In an "jousting" exchange of nets with Tournament Director Courtney... fish were transfered for measurements...

and almost every fish was successfully released with very few casualities...

Courtney lets this one swim another day.

This years Champion Child Griffin had a fantastic day on the water with his dad Alex and guide Tyler...

Tonight senator Larry MC'd the live auction in benefit of BC Children's Hospital and Canucks Autism Network...

The results of which have been astounding with the largest single item selling for $200,000...which happens to be an all inclusive trip to the WCFC resort in Panama. Watch out Tobey...they're headed your way!

The generosity seen tonight has been beyond compare ensuring the 2011 FFK event will raise its greatest amount in 6 years and do wonders for both organizations.

Thanks to all the participants for making this event such a success...and we've still got 2 days to go.

Ken Beatty

Reporting from the Clubhouse

August 30th, 2011 "Spectacular"

Coming through the pass this morning was the promise of hope, beauty and glory...

I will as in blogs past let the pictures tell the story of this magical day...

Willie Mitchell who fished with Bruce and "assistant guide" Korey displays the smile and spirit of this event felt by guests, WCFC staff and supporting crew...not to mention the record amount of money raised for the two beneficiaries...BC Children's Hospital and the Canucks Autism Network.

The bite was hottest in the morning and the charming Guide Ed Chudder (according to Dyane Legge) releases an early catch before the sun had reached its full height...

The incredibly handsome (and possibly svelte) "in his own words" Guest Mario Emond plays a nice Spring with guide Bryce and guest Bob and ended up winning a package of tickets to the Giants, Whitecaps, Lions and Canucks...

Catching fish and winning tickets...what can be better than that.

Although good in the pre-season Mike Gillis struggled to get back on top today but is a hands-on team player and passes a fish to one of the weigh boats for measurement...

His boss and Vancouver Canucks owner Paolo Aquilini fought to keep in the running...

Since he finished 26th which would leave him out of the playoffs (if there was a post-season tournament) I'm happy he's got a strong team to suport him.

Of course all the fish were released, here Drew sets another one free...

At 5 pm the bell rang and class was over for another year...

The 38lber from day one held its lead to take the tournament and win Ian Smith $200,000.00 which of couse was donated back to the charities.

Nevin, Mike, Dan, Ian, Alex, Griffin, Bud, Bruce, Paolo & Brian hold the cheque.

So far tonight there has been over $800,000 raised...this is unprecedented!

I don't think anyone expected this result and the number is still growing so for now I'll just say "SPECTACULAR"!

Everyone wins...

The 2011 Fishing For Kids comes to and end.

Ken Beatty

Reporting for the Clubhouse