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FISHING COMPETITIONS

2007

Simms wins $10K in fishing derby; Holman $5K

A couple of firsts for Einar-Barr Fishing Classic

2006

Lawson lands derby winner in 'nasty' conditions

A couple of firsts for Einar-Barr Fishing Classic

2005

Angler wins Nielsen/Barr by 1 ounce - 21th Annual Einar Nielsen/Becky Barr Memorial Fishing Classic

Bellingham man hooks $10,000 anniversary, birthday gift- second Annual Salmon Classic Invitational

Russ Lett leads Roche Harbor derby

2004

Anglers vying for $10K prize - Roche Harbor Village first Annual Salmon Classic Invitational

Einar's kin wins derby
20th Annual Einar Nielsen/Becky Barr Memorial Fishing Classic

2003

19th Annual Einar Nielsen-Becky Barr Memorial Fishing Derby

Einar's kin wins derby

updated 09/27/04 posted 09/26/04
Charli Schmidt's 38.15-pound king salmon landed the top prize in the 20th Annual Becky Barr/Einar Nielsen Memorial Fishing Classic. The 16-year-old step-granddaughter of Einar Nielsen, hooked the winning fish yesterday, Saturday, Sept. 25.

As the derby winner, Schmidt was the first to choose one of the more than 120 prizes donated by local and regional businesses and individuals. She picked a ski vacation -- donated by adventure filmmaker Warren Miller -- that is valued at $2000.

Anglers weighed in more than 160 fish, including six that tipped the scales over 30 pounds. The top 10 anglers and the weight of their fish are:

1. Charli Schmidt 38.15
2. Mike Traub 33.40
3. Dean Kayler 32.20
4. Jim Lawson 31.20
5. Ernie Downsworth 31.10
6. Jay Fjellman 30.8
7. Ed Bertz 27.10
8. Chris Ogle 26.13
9. Chuck Payne 26.12
10. Steve Eastwood 25.14

"I'm proud to be the one who got it," Charli said of landing the 38.15-pound chinook.

"Grandpa Einar would be proud," said Brenda Schmidt, Charli's mother.

Nielsen died of a heart attack after hauling in a massive king. Islanders established the derby, which has provided thousands and thousands of dollars in scholarships to island high school students.

Charli's salmon, caught about 6 p.m., weighed in six pounds heavier than the previous heaviest fish.

"It was a rush," Charli said of reeling in the chinook. "It didn't take long at all (to land it). It didn't put up a fight."

Fishing in Open Bay off Henry Island, Charli and the rest of the crew on Brenda's Ring were about to quit for the day but kept fishing while finalizing dinner plans with friends on land. That cell call delay led to enough fish for the boat's crew and many more.

The derby also was extra special for the Barr family. Becky Barr's granddaughter, 5-month-old Becky Barr, was on the water with her dad Barry.

Little Becky's grandmother was one of the primary organizers of the derby for many years. In honor of the elder Becky's dedication and contributions, her name was added to the derby after her death.

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