Update on Recreation Resource Account Fund Diversion

Last week around this time, the state Senate was sweeping $4.6 million from this account which is dedicated to improving boating infrastructure (mooring buoys, launch ramps, etc).

Now that amount has been reduced to $2.6 million, thanks to boaters flooding their legislators with calls and emails. That $2.6 million remains unacceptable, however.

For more info and access to our action alert, you can visit: http://www.votervoice.net/groups/nmta/advocacy/?issueid=27986

Contact your Legislators today!

The State Senate has drafted a budget that dips into an account that is dedicated to improving boating infrastructure (which included mooring buoys and launch ramps). Please take a few minutes to let them know that this is unacceptable.

More info here: http://www.votervoice.net/groups/nmta/advocacy/?issueid=27791

Never a dull moment

The Legislature veered in a completely different direction yesterday (into last night into this morning) when three Senate Democrats sided with the Republicans on the budget they offered. That through everything into a procedural mess and an eight-hour battle royal. What was left is a Republican budget that has passed in the state senate that is now going to the House where it's assured to not move very far. Here's the link: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017651307_budget03m.html

The Spring Boating Symposium is fast approaching

The Northwest Maritime Center presents the Spring Boating Symposium: Continuing Education
for the Conscientious BoaterMarch 16-18, 2012
$275 for NWMC & WBF
members; $295 non-members

Registration is LIVE! Click here to go to our secure registration
page.

Great news! Cap'n Fatty Goodlander has been added to our lineup of
Symposium presenters. This well-known author, Cruising World editor, and NPR
commentator is always out cruising and rarely available for speaking
engagements-- enjoy a highly entertaining weekend with a cruising
legend!

Over twenty-five top boating experts will gather with two hundred sail and
power boaters in Port Townsend for the second annual Spring Boating Symposium on
March 16-18.

Held at the Northwest Maritime Center campus and Point Hudson
Marina, the symposium will once again be an innovative blend of interactive
lectures, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and opportunities to network
with other boaters and experts. Presentations will be relevant to owners of both
power and sailing vessels of all hull materials, arranged loosely around the
themes of Seamanship, Safety Onboard, How Does It Work?, and Longer
Journeys.


For more information call 360.385.3628 x106 or email symposium@nwmaritime.org

Pilotage Bill continues to roll along

Senate Bill 6171, one of the three priority bills for NMTA this legislative session, continues to make progress.

You may recall it passed the state Senate 48-1 and is now going through the House of Reps committee structure.

On Friday of last week, Peter Schrappen and Capt David Sloate was joined by Lee Reaves of the Puget Sound Pilots to testify in support of this bill which makes it easier for boats to visit our area.

You can catch the testimony here: http://www.tvw.org/index.php?option=com_tvwplayer&eventID=2012021147#start=5527&stop=5732

Even more good news on this bill: It was voted out of this committee later in the day with a 25-0 vote.

As for next steps, the bill moves to the Rules Committee where we hope it will be plucked out of their by a Rules Committee member. If/when this occurs, it will (or will not ) be scheduled for a Floor vote in the House for a vote in front of the entire House of Represenatives.

NW Marina & Boatyard Conference dates and place set for the 2012 event

Mark your calendars for November 14-15 for the 2012 NW Marina & Boatyard Conference. The location is the same (La Conner's Maple Hall), but the agenda will be revamped and ready for prime time in the near future. If you have ideas for topics, send them my way.

--Peter (peter at nmta.net)

Recreational fishing provides data for legislators

If you happened upon yesterday's work session in the Senate's Natural Resources Committee, then you would have seen Congressman Norm Dicks speaking to the importance of recreational fishing in Washington state.

He wasn't alone. NMTA and our allies provided expertise on this important segment to the state's economy during this work session.

Here’s the link to Congressman Dicks testimony (he was preceded
by Director Anderson): http://www.tvw.org/index.php?option=com_tvwplayer&eventID=2012021108#start=799&stop=1326

Recreational panel: http://www.tvw.org/index.php?option=com_tvwplayer&eventID=2012021108#start=3125&stop=5258

Entire work session: http://www.tvw.org/index.php?option=com_tvwplayer&eventID=2012021108#start=4&stop=6972

Pilotage Bill passes the state Senate

If you blinked yesterday, you would have missed NMTA's Pilotage Bill (Senate Bill 6171) passing the Senate 48-1. Currently, any boats more than 500 tons with a foreign flag are required to hire a pilot when they enter Washington state's waters or move their boat within the waters during their stay. Our bill would up that tonnage limit to 750 gross tons that would be eligible to get an exemption through the Pilotage Commission.

Here's how it went down yesterday: http://www.tvw.org/index.php?option=com_tvwplayer&eventID=2012020103B#start=6665&stop=6922

The bill is now headed to the House to move through that chamber before it becomes law.

Boatyard Permitting Bill passes the House

Good news here: The NMTA Bill to exempt boatyards from the Shoreline Management Act (when they install advanced water treatment systems) passed the state House yesterday. It's now onto the Senate for a committee hearing and then hopefully a Senate vote.

It passed 97-0. You can watch the "debate" here: http://tinyurl.com/7bl654m

Marina Rents Bill (SB 5550)

This issue puts us in a unique situation. It's rare that an issue that could affect a signficant segment of our members (marinas) is one where we do not take a position on. This is one of those examples. With winners and losers on both sides, NMTA has not weighed in on Senate Bill 5550, which has to do with how marina rents are calculated.

As for the latest, this bill is back from last year with a bit of new language. It's important to note that it does not impact yacht clubs. While we are not taking a position on this bill, you can count on me to provide you with the latest news on it (either here on the blog or you can email me at peter at nmta.net)

As for the latest iteration, SB 5550 establishes a marina lease pilot project in two markets (San Juans and Tacoma).  According to the lobbyist who is advocating for the change, the pilot allows DNR to reduce the lease rates of those marinas above the 45% average lease rate within their five-mile competitive market radius if the marina or uplands are subject to public access requirements as detailed in the language.

Big Event on Wed, Feb 1 at the Seattle Boat Show

Make plans to join us for a once-a-year opportunity (organized by the WA Boating Alliance which NMTA is a strong supporter of) to come together as a boating community. The purpose of this annual conference is to engage key boating leaders (that’s you); learn more about recreational boating and have some fun. I’ll be there and so should you. "Washington Boating Programs in 2012: Opportunities and Challenges" Location: Seattle Boat Show, Fish Stage (CenturyLink Exhibit Center) Date: Wednesday, February 1 (9:00-1:00) Cost: Free (not only is this event free but it also gets you into the Boat Show for that day for free.) Guest speakers include Rob McKenna (Attorney General and candidate for governor), George Harris (NMTA), Steve Greaves, WBA, Kaleen Cottingham (Recreation and Conservation Office), Joanna Grist (WA Wildlife and Recreation Coalition), Gerry O'Keefe (Puget Sound Partnership), Jim Hebert (Hebert Research) For full schedule of this event's festivities, visit this link: www.nmta.net/wba *Rep. Jay Inslee was invited to speak but due to scheduling issues was unable to accept the invitation. WA Boating Alliance Mission Statement: The mission of the WA Boating Alliance, an all-inclusive alliance of boating related organizations, is to develop, advance and implement consensus and proposals to enhance the recreational boating experience in Washington. Please RSVP to WBA's Chair Steve Greaves (sgreaves@portagebaysystems.com) Parking info: Parking Instructions: The most convenient parking is in the CenturyLink Parking Garage which you enter from Royal Brougham. The cost is $11. Credit cards may be used for parking. Here is a link to parking details and a map: http://www.seattleboatshow.com/parking-details.html Entrance Directions: As the WBA Conference begins before the Boat Show opens, you will need to enter through the “Concourse Entrance of the CenturyLink Field & Event Center”. The Concourse entrance is on the 2nd level of the parking garage at the south end of the building. If you choose to park elsewhere or arrive by transit, you can still enter from the Concourse level by walking to the south end of the building on Royal Brougham and use the stairs to get to the 2nd level. There will be staff at the Concourse entrance to greet WBA Conference attendees and direct them to the Fish Stage. Time: The period between 9:00am and the beginning of the Conference program at 9:30am is for gathering, coffee, networking, obtaining your name badge at the entrance to the Fish Stage, and finding your seat. Please arrive in time to be seated by 9:30am as we have full program and speakers with tight schedules.

Legislative update

By now, I’m hoping you have your Boat Show tickets and have cleared your calendars for the 65^th Annual Seattle Boat Show. While everything is getting in place for the Show, eyes are focused on what’s happening in Olympia, too.

Here’s a brief update on our legislative priorities:

House Committee Action:

HB 2444: Sets up a study of a marine innovation center
Position: OPPOSE

·         While we are not opposed to the concept of marine innovation, we are opposed to taking $150,000 from the Recreation Resource Account to study the benefits of a marine innovation center.

·         Plus, this center seems redundant given the good work already underway at the NW Center of Excellence and CAMPS (Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Puget Sound).

·         Solution: We would like to work with the prime sponsor on finding grants and/or money in the higher education budget as there is a much closer connection there than taking money from the Recreation Resource Account, which is part of the Capital Budget.

·         Status: The bill was heard last week in the Community Development Committee. You can view the testimony here.

HB 2469: Exempts advanced treatment systems for boatyards from the Shoreline Management Act

Position: SUPPORT

·         Background: The new Boatyard Permit pushes boatyards towards purchasing water treatment systems (think giant Brita filters)

·         This bill would allow them to get installed quicker with assurance that key environmental protections are maintained and shorelines are not harmed.

·         Status: Execed out of the Local Government Committee on Friday. You can view the testimony here.

 

Senate Committee Action

SB 6171: Increases the weight that is eligible for a exemption from the Pilotage Commission

Position: SUPPORT

·         Background: Currently, any foreign-flagged vessel needs a pilot unless they can qualify for an exemption, which is available for any vessels under 200 feet and 500 tons.

·         Working with the Puget Sound Pilots, we have reached consensus that the amount of tonnage can be upped to 750 tons.

·         If this bill passes, foreign-flagged vessels would be eligible for an exemption if they under 200 feet and 750 tons.

·         Status: This bill was heard in the Transportation Committee and was voted out of that committee on January 23. Hearing link here and vote to move it out of the committee here.

SB 6264: Add $1.00 to boat registrations to pay for a marine innovation center

Position: OPPOSE

·         While we are not opposed to the concept of marine innovation, we are opposed to taxing boaters an additional dollar to fund a marine innovation center.

·         Plus, this center parallels work already underway at the NW Center of Excellence and CAMPS (Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Puget Sound).

·        Solution: We would like to work with the prime sponsor on finding grants and/or money in the higher education budget as there is a much closer connection than charging the end user for this center.

·         Status: The bill was heard last week in the Marine Waters Committee. You can view the testimony here

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow...

While many stayed at home today, NMTA's legislative team was out in full force in Olympia, advocating for our members. Specifically, NMTA's Director of Government Affairs, testified in opposition to the tapping of the Recreation Resource Account to study the benefits of a marine innovation center. Similar to yesterday's bill (see the previous blog on the subject), this bill, while well-intentioned, goes about the funding in a way that has not sat well with our members.

You can view the testimony here: http://tinyurl.com/8xvxte2

Rep. Morris, the prime sponsor, tees up the bill and then Doug Levy (RBAW) and Peter Schrappen weigh in on why the concept is something that has merit, but the funds should come from some where else. 

What do you think?

Marine Innovation Center?

The most recent idea making the rounds sounds like a good concept. Who's not for creating a Marine Innovation Center like we already have in Anacortes?

Here's a bit of the background: House Bill 2444 takes money from the beloved Recreation Resource Account to study whether a Marine Innovation Center makes sense. The Senate version has a different funding approach (adding $1.00 to boat registrations) for a facility in Skagit County.

To view today's testimony on this $1.00 tax, you can view it here: http://tinyurl.com/862twzl


Let me know your thoughts on this idea. (peter at nmta.net) 

Economic Impact Study takes to the cyber-newstands

Deborah Bach at Three Sheets NW showcased the economic impact study co-funded by NMTA, NYBA and PNYA. It's here: Millions at Stake with New Proposal.

Tent for sale

Canal Boatyard has a great deal on a tent.

Details: New "Portable" Shelter, Steel Pole Tent. 30' wide, 39' high, 60' long.
Includes double ground rails, double backbone, 14" double trusses.
Barn style doors. A 55 ton marine travel lift will fit through the door.

$25K or best offer!

If interested or if you'd like to see pictures of it, please contact Ivaylo Minkov at Canal (minkov@canalboatyard.com)

 

And they're off

Governor Gregoire delivered her State of the State address yesterday to a joint session of the state House and Senate. You can read her speech here (along with the Republican response).  Also, take a look at this session overview in The Seattle Times (here) that does a nice job reviewing the lay of the land and the session priorities. The conventional wisdom is that everything is on the table, which means that we are guarding those things near and dear to us (such as keeping the trade-in allowance in place; protecting the Recreation Resource Account and continuing to think about what a sales-tax hike would mean to member businesses (and boaters)).

NMTA’s agenda is not one of defense alone. Rather, there’s some optimism from the Government Affairs shop that a bill to make it easier for boatyards to install water treatment system as well as loosening up the Pilotage requirements are on a nice trajectory for success in 2012. Also, Sen. Nick Harper, a freshman Democrat from Everett, has collaborated with us to introduce a Senate version of the Marine Tourism Bill, which makes it easier for out-of-state entity-owned vessels to visit Washington state.

Check back here regularly for legislative updates. Things happen very slow in Olympia, that is until they happen very fast. Know that we will have a presence each day (and night) in Olympia on your behalf.

-Peter (peter at nmta.net)

News as America's Cup Approaches

NMTA will be introducing legislation this legislative session, which begins tomorrow,  to make it easier for boats to visit our world-class waters. Currently, any foreign-flagged vessel that is over 500 tons and 200 feet is required to have a pilot on board (if the boat is foreign-flagged, under 200 feet and 500 tons, there is an exemption process that allows them to access our area without a pilot). NMTA's bill would increase the ability to get an exemption by increasing the amount of tonnage eligible for an exemption from 500 to 750 tons. The exemption process would remain. 750 tons is in line with San Francisco, which is hosting the next America's Cup.

Additionally, President Obama signed the America's Cup Act of 2011, which provides an exemption for foreign-flagged boats to move owners and charter guests between ports if they are involved in the America's Cup regatta and related events.

Specifics on the federal legislation: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h112-3321

The America's Cup World Series regatta will begin this summer in Newport from June 23-July 1 and San Francisco this summer.

Boatyard Permit Fee increase is put on hold

Straight from the Governor's office, the move to raise boatyard permit fees from $350 to nearly $4,000 has been put hold.

Here’s a link to the Ecology web page dealing with the rule moratorium: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/laws-rules/suspension_update.html

Was 2011 a record year for crabbing?

Recreational boaters and crabbers enjoyed expanded crabbing seasons throughout the Puget Sound in 2011. The Seattle Times' Mark Yuasa spent time on the water recently with NMTA Director of Fishing Affairs Tony Floor in the south sound to experience first-hand the impact of those expansions.Click here to read about Mark's crabbing adventure online.

Seattle Boat Show's Facebook page gains in popularity

The Seattle Boat Show Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/SeattleBoatShow) is gaining fans quickly as the show approaches, which runs from January 27-February 5.

Currently, the page ranks #3 in the world (and #2 in the U.S.) for Facebook fans among boat shows with 3,400+ people, behind #1 Bahrain Boat Show with 10,795 fans, and #2 Miami Boat Show with 4,235. Take a look and like us on Facebook!

Legislative priorities set for next session

Now that the special session has concluded in Olympia with the legislature finding about $500 million in savings, all eyes are set for the 2012 legislative session. This 60-day session commences on January 9 and is expected that the $1.5 billion hole in the budget will garner the vast majority of attention.

This past week, Three Sheets NW (www.threesheetsnw.com), a blog dedicated to covering recreational boating issues, went in depth on what's on NW Marine Trade Association's agenda.

Complete coverage here: http://tinyurl.com/chsqm5q

Additionally, Ann Avary, who runs the NW Center of Excellence & Marine Technology, spent thirty minutes recently with NMTA's Director of Government Affairs to learn more about the economic impact study and to hear what's in store for their government affairs program. That interview is here: http://tinyurl.com/c8wk4p3

100+ members attend NMTA Annual Meeting

More than 100 members attended NMTA's Annual Meeting in Seattle last night. The business and social event featured a "Year in Review" led by George Harris, detailing the activities and accomplishments of NMTA during 2011. Congressman Jay Inslee also spoke to the audience via Skype from his office in Washington DC.

The night concluded with four industry awards:
Robert Rittenhouse Award (given to an individual from Oregon who has made a significant contribution to the boating industry: Trey Carskadon of BDC Advertising for his longtime work to prommote boating through the region.

Latham Goble Award (given to an individual outside the boating industry who has made a significant contribution to the industry: Michael Campbell, former NMTA president from 1999-2009

Jerry Brant Award (given to an individual in the boating industry who has made a significant contribution to the industry: Dwight Jones, manager of Elliott Bay Marina

Legislator of the Year Award: Rep. Dave Upthegrove (view Rep. Upthegrove's acceptance speech)

Thanks to the NMTA Annual Meeting sponsors: Fisheries Supply, Westmar Insurance, Windworks Sailing Center, Wells Fargo Advisors, Pacific Maritime Title, and Global Marine Insurance.

Member appointed to Fish & Wildlife Commission

Larry Carpenter, owner of NMTA member business Master Marine in Mount Vernon, was appointed to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission by Governor Gregoire this week.

The commission is a nine-member citizen panel that sets policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Members are appointed by the governor to six-year terms. The commission holds public meetings that provide an opportunity for citizens to participate in management of Washington's fish and wildlife. Three members must reside east of the summit of the Cascade mountains, three must reside west of the summit and three may reside anywhere in the state.

To view the full press release, click on http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/dec0711a/

Derby Series wraps up at Resurrection Derby

69 teams of over 200 fishermen descended on Friday Harbor Dec. 1st for the 2011 Resurrection Derby, leaving no doubt that the San Juan Islands are the mecca of winter Chinook fishing in the Northwest. A total of 96 hatchery origin fish were weighed in for the Friday and Saturday event. The first fish to hit the scales was also the biggest at 22.34 lbs, caught by Walt Vanwingerden and his Grandson Tommy of Bellingham. This blackmouth eclipsed last years winner by over 2lb.s. Fair weather and fair fishing saw more fish caught the second day. Angler Steve Grey and skipper Mark Schinman of Everett reeled in a big fish over 20lb.s, shaking up the leader board and landing in 2nd. place. Team Defiance Boats out of Bremerton rounded out the top three. Last year’s winner, Team Big Kahuna, netted total weight honors with 63.52 lbs.

This Puget Sound Anglers event has quickly become one of the most coveted tickets on the Northwest Salmon Derby Series. A true gathering of the elite saltwater fishermen in the Northwest, and a brother and sisterhood of anglers who represent the best of what sportfishing has to offer. ESPN's The Outdoor Line from KIRO 710 broadcast live and fished the derby, adding to a large crowd for the official weigh in at Friday Harbor Seafood. All proceeds from this selective retention tournament will go to Salmon enhancement and hatchery projects.

Link to on-line tickets

The link is now up so don't hesitate to get your Seattle Boat Show tickets.

Here you go: http://www.seattleboatshow.com/buy-tickets.html

Boat Show tickets go on sale this week

Three Sheets NW (www.threesheetsnw.com) has all the details

 Link: http://tinyurl.com/6rvnqvw

Special Session starts next week

If you’ve seen the newspapers today, then you probably saw something about a sales-tax increase. That’s because Governor Gregoire made news yesterday when she proposed an "all-cuts" budget to deal with the $2 billion shortfall that awaits legislators when they return for a special session next week.

The .05% sales-tax increase would be something voters would vote on in March. If we agreed to tax ourselves, then this $500 million in new revenue would allow the legislature to buy back the very services that were cut. This tax would last three years and then be set to expire.

The short of it is that Governor Gregoire is asking the legislature to cut $2 billion and then the voters will approve a $500 million tax to buy back some of the $2 billion in cuts.

There was some speculation that the governor would look to remove the trade-in deduction for boat purchases as well as a place a luxury tax on boat purchases. Thankfully, both of those measures did not make her list. That doesn't mean that we are home free, however, as the governor doesn’t write the budget (although she does have a loud microphone). That’s the legislature’s job. Certainly, it's better to be in a starting point where we find ourselves, but it's important to note that the budget process is a long, windy road, which we will be watching from Olympia every day.


Governor Gregoire’s Press Conference: link


Reactions from key lawmakers, including Rep. Ross Hunter who attended NMTA’s forum in Belleuve last week here: Reactions To Governor's Budget Proposal


Speaker Chopp’s reaction here.


More coverage on the press conference from the Seattle Times and Tacoma News Tribune

Tomorrow's Marina & Boatyard Conference

If you are fortunate enough to have reserved a spot at the sold-out NW Marina & Boatyard Conference, presented by Marine Floats, then you know that it begins tomorrow at 10:00 am with a welcome from NMTA's George Harris.

The location is Maple Hall (104 Commercial/ La Conner WA). If you need specific directions or assistance, you can phone Peter Schrappen at 206.661.7855

Last chance to register for NMEA training

Outstanding training opportunities offered by the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) are coming to Seattle in early November, and Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) members receive a 25 percent discount on course registration.

On November 2, NMTA will host the NMEA Basic Marine Electronics Installer session. On November 3. NMTA hosts NMEA 200 Training. And on November 4, NMTA hosts NMEA Advanced Marine Electronics Installer session. All courses run from 8am – 5pm, with an exam given at the end of the session.

Pre-registration is required. To register, please visit the NMEA website at NMEA.org, or contact the national office at 410-975-9425. Be sure to indicate that you are an NMTA member on your registration to qualify for the 25% discount. Course materials are sent out in advance, please sign up early.

All courses will be held at the NMTA office, located at 1900 N. Northlake Way, #233, Seattle, WA 98103.

NMTA Announces Endorsements of Seattle City Council Races

As voters in Seattle continue to think about their choices for the city council, NMTA has endorsed several candidates. Specifically, NMTA has endorsed:

Position 3: Bruce Harrell

Position 5: Tom Rasmussen

Position 7: Tim Burgess

Position 9: Sally Clark

"We appreciate the public service commitment of all the candidates, but a consensus from our political action committee was formed around our endorsed candidates. These decisions were based on their experience, interviews and candidate viability," said Peter Schrappen, NMTA's Director of Government Affairs. "We look forward to working with them especially as they decide on the updates to the Shoreline Master Program."

NMTA's Political Action Committee, like all of NMTA's committees execpt the boat show committee, are open to all of NMTA's members. Please contact Peter if you would like to join the political action committee (peter at nmta.net)

$60,000 boat awarded to Hoodsport angler following Northwest Salmon Derby Series finale

Randy Aden, the luckiest angler in Hoodsport, Wash. is walking away with keys to a new 22-foot River Hawk fishing boat valued at nearly $60,000 after his name was randomly drawn from more than 7,000 anglers following the conclusion of the 2011 Northwest Salmon Derby Series at the Everett Coho Salmon Derby last Sunday.

The Derby Series, produced by the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA), partners with existing fishing tournaments to help promote their events to a larger audience and increase participation at each event. The grand prize giveaway is the hook for many fishermen and women. It began in 2004, partnering with six tournaments that year and has grown to include 16 events in 2011. In every year since then, the Derby Series has awarded fishing boat packages in raffle drawings among all of the anglers registered in any of the participating derbies. In its eight-year existence, the Northwest Salmon Derby Series has awarded 10 boat packages.

Aden participated in the Hood Canal Salmon Derby in August.

“This job, of giving away big time fishing boat packages is the ultimate Santa Claus job,” said Tony Floor, NMTA’s Director of Fishing Affairs and lead organizer of the Derby Series. “Randy Aden, and his wife Kathy are perfect winners as they have been fishing the derbies in friends’ boats. The Derby Series, through this grand prize boat package is doing exactly what it was intended to do, getting people excited about going boating and salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest.”

The giveaway boat is a 22-foot aluminum fishing machine, built by River Hawk in Medford, Ore. It is powered by a 225 horse 4-stroke Suzuki motor resting on a Karavan galvanized tandem axel trailer. It is outfitted with radar, GPS/depth sounder and vhf, courtesy of Lowrance, along with Scotty electric downriggers and a Dual stereo system.

To help draw more anglers to the derbies, each entrant receives one raffle ticket per derby for the grand prize drawing held in Everett.

Three derby events occur later in 2011, beginning with the four-day Einar Nielsen-Becky Barr Fishing Classic in Roche Harbor beginning on September 29. Any anglers participating in the three remaining 2011 Derby Series events will be entered to win the 2012 fishing boat package.

Last year, Gary Curtis of Edmonds was named the winner of the 2010 Derby Series boat prize in front of almost 2,000 anglers in Everett.

The Northwest Salmon Derby Series is presented by Allstate Boat Insurance and Northwest GMC dealers. For more information about the Derby Series, visit www.NorthwestSalmonDerbySeries.com.