Silva Bay Fishing Derby is a friendly, two-day community derby on Gabriola that brings boaters, anglers, and good vibes to the marina. This year it runs Sept 6-7, 2025 at Silva Bay Marina tickets are $50 per person and there are over $20,000 in prizes with dockside weigh-ins and a prize ceremony.
Key Dates & Times For Silva Bay Fishing Derby
- Saturday, Sept 6: Derby starts at dawn – weigh station open 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.
- Sunday, Sept 7: Final morning fishing – weigh station open 12:00 PM; prize ceremony around 12:30 PM.
Tickets & Entry
- Entry fee: $50 per person.
- Where to buy: Tickets have been available at Silva Bay Marina and local outlets including Arbutus Home Building Centre, Page’s Resort, Harbour Chandler, and Gone Fishin.
What to Expect
- A lively marina atmosphere: music on the deck, food vendors, and the Silva Bay Yacht Club hosting post-derby social activities.
- Weigh-in is public and festive: spectators are welcome to watch the dockside tally and prize announcements.
Pro tips
- Arrive early on Saturday to claim a good launch window and avoid the last-minute ticket line.
- Wear non-marking shoes for boarding, pack a brimmed hat, and stash a reusable water bottle – Gabriola sun is friendly until it isn’t.
- If you’re checking rules (species, size limits, or boundary updates), confirm with the derby organizers the week before – local regs and derby boundaries can change.
- Bring cash for small vendors and bring a small pouch for your phone (salt spray + dock edges = avoidable heartbreak).
Check before you go
Schedules, ticket locations, prize lists and any last-minute rule updates are posted on the derby’s official social channels and Silva Bay Marina announcements – check the Silva Bay Marina site and the Silva Bay Fishing Derby Facebook/Instagram pages before heading out.
