Hi Eric,
Lots of fun actually. We didn't do too well though, lots of smaller fish but couldn't find one that would put us close to competing. My buddy did pick one up about 5 lbs on Saturday night though. The algae was a lot thicker than last year and after talking with a few guys it appeared to be a couple of weeks early this year. we worked it fairly hard and threw just about everything in the box at them from top water stuff to jigs and rubber. Wasn't a total loss though as we learned a few more bits of info about the lake over the course of the week. The derby itself was a sell out this year and the boats on the water had a lot more power attached to them than last years derby. All in all though, a good time and we'll be back next year. I also found out that the Legion in Shawnigan was holding a trout / bass derby on the Saturday so next year we just may do both and see what happens.
Wouldn't mind getting out with you some day if you're ever looking for someone to fish with. I could definately use a little instruction on the presentation of jigs and rubber stuff as this was a first time for me (I'm usually a top water guy for bass) and I wasn't even sure whether I was fishing this right or not, lol. I could make Shawnigan or any of the Victoria lakes for an evening after work easily and pretty much anywhere else on a weekend day.
PS. Saw your phot essay on a website last week too, interesting site with some good info.
George