BREAKING NEWS :

Bye bye detours; temporary I-5 span over Skagit River to open Wednesday

James lands 22-plus pounder, snags derby lead

Geno James scales the Frank Wilson fishing derby leader board with a 22.57-pounder, tops so far for the derby and for Week 7. - Scott Rasmussen
Scott Rasmussen
Geno James scales the Frank Wilson fishing derby leader board with a 22.57-pounder, tops so far for the derby and for Week 7.

March 27, 2012 · Updated 1:10 PM 

Not only did Geno James land a 22.57-pounder to take the top prize in Week 7 of the Frank Wilson Memorial Fishing Derby, a $50 gift card, but with that behemoth he also grabbed the lead in the annual fishing extravaganza with just three weeks left to go.

In Week 7, James bumped Marty Chevalier, who held the top spot for five weeks, from the lead by landing the biggest fish seen so far in the tournament. A total of 17 fish were weighed in the last week of competition.

Founded in honor of former EMS Chief Frank Wilson, the derby runs Feb. 1 through April 15, more than two months of tight lines and competitive fishing, and for a good cause. Proceeds from the competitive fishing event serve as an annual fundraiser for San Juan Island Emergency Medical Services.

Weekly prizes are awarded for the biggest fish of the week, and grand prizes await the participants who turn in the top three fish over the course of the derby’s 10-week run:1st Place — $1,000, 2nd Place — $500, 3rd Place — $250. A cash prize is also awarded for the derby’s “Mystery Fish”.Entry fee is $50.

For info: 378-4593 or e-mail King’s Marine at kingsmarine@rockisland.com.

— Scott Rasmussen

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.