A young woman showed some grizzled veterans how to catch a big fish in the Blackmouth Derby held Saturday under the sponsorship of the Oak Harbor Chapter of Puget Sound Anglers.

More than 100 anglers purchased $20 tickets in hopes of catching a big fish and netting cash prizes and merchandise awards. Many had decades of experience fishing the waters of Saratoga Passage, but the top prize went to a comparative novice.

Overall winner was Rachel Cichowski, age 17, whose 11 pound, 9 ounce blackmouth took first place. She received the top prize of $1,000 in cash. “She was elated,” said derby manager Bob Malmux.

Second place and $500 went to Bill Hayes who landed a 10 pound, 4 ounce blackmouth, and the third place winner was Chuck Murphy with a 9 pound, 6 ounce fish, good for $200. Murphy was awarded an additional $250 given to the member of Puget Sound Anglers who catches the biggest fish. Another 29 merchandise prizes were donated by area businesses.

Derby weighmaster Milton Olsen placed a total of 36 fish on the scales located at Oak Harbor Marina. It wasn’t a great number of fish compared to past derbies, but Malmux described overall results as “not bad.” The anglers launched their boats early in the morning and were greeted by fair weather and calm seas.