The 2026 Silva Bay Fishing Derby delivered two unforgettable days of saltwater camaraderie on September 6 and 7, proving once again why this Labour Day weekend tradition remains the sentimental favourite of the Southern Gulf Islands.
Based out of the scenic docks at Silva Bay Marina on Gabriola Island, 250 registered anglers took to the water under crisp late-summer skies. The fishing was nothing short of extraordinary: for the first time in the tournament’s storied history, every single Chinook salmon on the top-10 leaderboard topped 20 pounds.
“This derby has a very special feel to it. Many of our generous sponsors fish in it. It is intimate, friendly, and very social. For me, it is a treasured friends’ weekend. The annual t-shirt giveaway and eating Slow Rise pizzas together just adds to the atmosphere.”
— Bob Meyer, Tournament Organizer & Outdoor Writer
Taking top spot on the podium was Tristan Harwood of Nanaimo, who boated a magnificent 26.36-pound Chinook to secure 1st place and take home a brand-new 9.9 HP Yamaha outboard motor generously donated by Parker Marine. Harwood edged out Nyah Bennett, who claimed 2nd place with an impressive 25.67-pound Chinook to win a Raymarine fish finder from Harbour Chandler.
The Derby Dividend: Powering the Nanaimo River Hatchery
As part of our ongoing Derby Dividend series, we look past the weigh scale to measure the lasting conservation footprint left by Vancouver Island’s grassroots derbies. Following on the heels of the $80,000 raised at the Juan de Fuca tournament, Silva Bay proved that tight-knit island communities punch well above their weight.
Between $12,500 generated in ticket sales, a $1,000 contribution from Joe and Jess Wallace of Fisherman’s Life Charters (who donated an entire six-hour charter), and $437 raised through the 50/50 draw, the derby generated nearly $14,000 in gross revenue. After covering core operational essentials—including $2,000 for delicious local Slow Rise pizzas, $1,000 for official tournament shirts, $250 for a new marina cleaning station washdown pump, $300 in promotional outreach, and holding back a modest $2,000 seed fund to lock in early downrigger prizes and shirts for 2027—organizers project a final donation of approximately $8,500 for the Nanaimo River Salmonid Enhancement Society.
While the final tally is being confirmed with derby organizer Dallas Smith, this vital contribution will directly support juvenile Chinook rearing, stream incubation, and watershed maintenance on the Nanaimo River system.
2026 Silva Bay Leaderboard & Prize Highlights
The quality of fish weighed in at Silva Bay Marina showcased the peak health of late-summer migrating salmon in the Strait of Georgia. Tied for 3rd and 4th place were Dave Kerr and Jennifer Lynch, both checking in clean 24.00-pound Chinooks. Kerr took home an electric Scotty downrigger, while Lynch was awarded a 6 HP Suzuki outboard motor donated by Parksville Boathouse.
- 1st Place Chinook: Tristan Harwood (Nanaimo) – 26.36 lbs (Won 9.9 HP Yamaha Outboard from Parker Marine)
- 2nd Place Chinook: Nyah Bennett – 25.67 lbs (Won Raymarine Fish Finder from Harbour Chandler)
- 3rd Place Chinook: Dave Kerr – 24.00 lbs (Won Scotty Downrigger from Scotty Fishing Products)
- 4th Place Chinook: Jennifer Lynch – 24.00 lbs (Won 6 HP Suzuki Outboard from Parksville Boathouse)
- 5th Place Chinook: Reece Maddison – 23.06 lbs (Won Ace Line Hauler Brutus Pacific Pro Prawn Puller)
- 6th Place Chinook: Harry Kartar – 22.50 lbs (Won Scotty Electric Downrigger from Pacific Rim Marine)
- 7th Place Chinook: Chris Wallace – 22.28 lbs (Won a 3-Day Stay at Critter Cove for dad Joe Wallace)
- Largest Coho Salmon: Paul Kucera (Won an Amundson Reel donated by Island Fisherman Magazine)
- Mystery Weight Lingcod (Closest to 15 lbs): Eli Bender (Won $500 Cash donated by Fisherman’s Life Charters)
The Soul of the Derby: Music, Mentorship & Island Hospitality
What makes Silva Bay truly special is its unmistakable atmosphere. Established in 1991, the event feels less like a cutthroat commercial tournament and more like a treasured annual reunion among lifelong friends. You can explore its full history in our feature on the history of the Silva Bay Fishing Derby.
Many of the generous local sponsors don’t just supply prizes—they enter the derby and fish alongside everyone else. After weighing in, anglers gathered on the marina boardwalk to share fresh slices of Slow Rise pizza and trade dockside stories.
This year also brought an expanded emphasis on angling mentorship. Mike Lawrence of “Fishing For Fun” traveled across from Nanaimo to host hands-on spin-fishing clinics, handing out free rods and reels to young attendees. On the marina deck, Saburo Murata shared fly-casting tips before treating the crowd to smooth live jazz saxophone in the afternoon sun—a wildly popular addition that organizers confirmed will return in 2027.
An event of this scale runs on passionate volunteer horsepower. Immense gratitude goes to Silva Bay Marina for hosting, along with the tireless weigh station crew of Neil Culbard, Jo Fath, and Brian Dekker, who kept scales calibrated and fish moving smoothly all weekend long.
When targeting salmon throughout Area 17 and around the Flat Top Islands, stay up-to-date on regional size limits, finfish closures, and rockfish conservation areas (RCAs) via the DFO BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Guide.
During early September around Gabriola Reefs and Thrasher Rock, mature migrating Chinook often cruise deep structure following schools of mature herring. Troll a 4.0-inch green-glow spoon at the bottom on a 42-inch fluorocarbon leader right off the reef drops on the ebb tide.
TRACK COASTAL DERBIES & COMMUNITY RESULTS
Stay connected to tournament standings, upcoming fall events, and grassroots salmon enhancement projects across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
Reporting contributed by veteran outdoor writer and former Island Fisherman area reporter Bob Meyer, with editorial curation by the Island Fisherman Magazine team. We are dedicated to celebrating West Coast angling heritage, sharing frontline tactics, and supporting volunteer salmon conservation. Subscribe to our print and digital editions at Island Fisherman Magazine.
