Small Town News

A different kind of derby

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Morgan's Musings

One of the oldest salmon derbies in the Pacific Northwest is the Tengu salmon derby, whose rules specify that fishing is confined inside Elliot Bay.

"The derby is named after a fabled Japanese character," says Mark Yuasa, Seattle Times outdoor writer. "Tengu was known for not telling the truth and like the American classic Pinoc-chio, "Tengu's, nose grew with every lie he told."

The derby was started before WW II by Japanese-Americans within the boundaries of Elliott Bay in Seattle. During the war, they were moved away to inland internment camps a long distance from salt water.

The only method of fishing allowed from its beginning to the present is mooching (drift-fishing, using a banana-shaped sinker with swivels at both ends and a hook and leader. The only bait allowed is herring (cut plug, whole or spinners). Initially the only propulsion allowed was oars.

Fishing tackle was very simple. The long poles were made of bamboo, with at least one ferrell. Reels were single-action "knuckle busters" as they are called today. The drag was provided by the palm of the hand not holding the rod.

"There were a few plugs and spoons used in those days but most fishermen used herring. Although fishing progressed through the ages, the rules still remain basic as when the derby began. No artificial lures, flashers, hoochies (plastic squids) or down-riggers are allowed.

This is a late fall and early winter derby, held every Sunday from 7 to 11 a.m. with an entry fee of $15 for adults and $5 for kids under 12.

During this time of year, there are no large salmon to be caught in the bay. The largest caught since the inception of the derby was a few ounces over 25 pounds. A winning fish is usually in the 10-15 pound class.

Syndicated columnist Kathleen Parker in the Spokesman-Review: "Guys like to play ball with other guys, just as women prefer to form book clubs with other women. That's not that women don't like men (and vice versa) but because when relaxing, mostly women want to drink wine together, talk about men (and go to Christmas bazaars). I don't know what men do on the basketball court that is so compelling, but they apparently need it and I don't."

It's probably too late for this fall but next year when you pull your garden, save the too-large beans. We let them dry inside and then shell them like peas. The next step is bean soup.

Delicious.

01' In-n-Out went out and came right back in the other morning, appearing like she had been through a ! buzz-saw. Whether it was a cat, dog, coyote or a bird of prey, we still don't know, but she sure was a mess. Tufts of hair hanging on her body made her a sight to behold.

Since then she has really been pussy-footing when she first goes out. Sometimes she pretty much swaps ends as soon as she is outdoors and heads right back in.



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© 2010 The Star Grand Coulee, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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