Ready to trade the jobsite for the open water? Enter in the RCAW Salmon Derby on July 31st and join roofing contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, industry partners, families and friends for one of RCAW’s most anticipated annual events. The 13th Annual Salmon Derby Competition will begin at dawn at Point Defiance Marina in Tacoma, with fishing, live music, lunch, raffle prizes and thousands of dollars in cash and prizes available throughout the day.
The event offers more than a chance to land the biggest salmon. It is a full day of friendly competition, relaxed networking and community building among Washington’s roofing professionals.
RCAW Salmon Derby Event Details
- Date: Friday, July 31, 2026
- Location: Point Defiance Marina, 5912 North Waterfront Drive, Tacoma, WA 98407
- Fishing begins at dawn, and every competing salmon must be weighed by 2 p.m.
- Registration costs $90 for RCAW members and $100 for non-members
- Fishing may take place in approved portions of Marine Areas 10, 11 and 13
- Participants must check in at the RCAW Registration Table before weighing a fish
- Registration includes lunch, live music, event entry and access to raffle opportunities
Why Join the 13th Annual RCAW Salmon Derby?
RCAW’s annual derby brings the roofing community together in a setting that feels completely different from a conference, webinar or formal business event.
Instead of exchanging business cards across a crowded exhibit hall, participants can talk while preparing boats, comparing fishing stories, enjoying lunch or waiting for the official weigh-in. These natural conversations make it easier to form genuine professional relationships.
The event is open to RCAW members and non-members, making it a valuable opportunity for anyone connected to Washington’s roofing industry. Contractors, consultants, manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, service providers and other professionals are encouraged to join.
Friendly competition with serious bragging rights
The goal of the derby competition is simple: catch the biggest eligible salmon and get it to the official scale before the deadline.
The first-place angler will receive:
- $1,000 in cash
- A place on the famous RCAW Salmon Derby Trophy
- A full year of roofing industry bragging rights
Additional awards include:
- $750 for second place
- $500 for third place
- $300 All Weighed Fish Drawing
- $100 Best Photo of the Day
The All Weighed Fish Drawing gives participants another reason to bring their qualifying catch to the scale. Even when your salmon is not the heaviest, weighing it may still put you in the running for a cash prize.
Last year’s winning salmon weighed 16.44 pounds, while second and third place were secured with catches weighing 14.61 and 13.44 pounds. Those results show that a few pounds can separate the trophy winner from the rest of the field.
What Happens at Point Defiance Marina?
The Salmon Derby begins at dawn, giving sport fishermen the early morning hours to search for their best catch. All competing fish must be returned to Point Defiance Marina and weighed no later than 2 p.m.
Do not wait until the final few minutes to head back. Boat traffic, docking time and the registration process can take longer than expected. A fish that reaches the marina after the deadline cannot compete, regardless of its size.
Check in before weighing your salmon
Every participant must visit the RCAW Registration Table before taking a fish to the weigh-in station.
At check-in, you will receive:
- An official Salmon Derby wristband
- A free salmon raffle ticket
- Access to the official weigh-in process
- Event information and instructions
The wristband is required before your fish can be weighed. Build enough time into your return schedule to dock, secure your equipment, complete check-in and reach the scale before 2 p.m.
Fishing areas and current regulations
Participants may fish in approved portions of Marine Areas 10, 11 and 13. However, fishing seasons, retention rules and area openings can change.
RCAW strongly encourages participants to check current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before the event. Confirm that your planned area is open and review the rules for legal salmon species, catch limits, barbless hooks, licensing and retention.
Do not rely on regulations from a past trip, an old outdoors column or a saved screenshot. Check the latest official information close to the event date.
Can You Participate Without Owning a Boat?
Yes. You do not need to own a boat to take part in the Salmon Derby.
Participants have several options:
| Fishing option | What to know |
|---|---|
| Bring your own boat | Fish in an approved open area and return to the marina before weigh-in closes |
| Rent a marina boat | Call Point Defiance Marina at (253) 404-3960 at least two weeks ahead |
| Fish from the dock | Cast directly from the Point Defiance Marina Dock |
| Rent fishing equipment | Rod and reel setups may be available from the marina |
Point Defiance Marina has a limited number of small 14-foot motorboats available for daily rental. Event information indicates that approximately 25 boats may be available for under $200 per day, while rod and reel setups may cost about $15 per day.
Availability and current rates should be confirmed directly with the marina. Because derby participants may be competing for the same rentals, waiting until the final week could leave you without a boat.
What should you bring?
Conditions on Puget Sound can change quickly, even during a warm summer wildlife season. Prepare for a cool morning, wind, sun and possible spray.
A practical packing list includes:
- Valid fishing license and identification
- Weather-appropriate layered clothing
- Personal flotation devices for everyone aboard
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Fishing equipment and legal tackle
- Cooler and ice for your catch
- Water and light snacks
- Charged phone or marine communication equipment
- Camera for the Best Photo of the Day competition
- Registration confirmation
- Boat rental or launch information
Check your boat, fuel, safety equipment and fishing gear before event morning. Dawn is not the ideal time to discover a dead battery, missing net or damaged reel.
More Than a Day of Fishing
The event continues after participants return from the water.
Starvin’ Marvin’s Hotdog Food Truck will serve lunch, which is included with Salmon Derby registration. The Billy Shew Band will provide live music on the Point Defiance Marina Dock, creating a relaxed setting for participants to reconnect, meet new people and enjoy the awards ceremony.
RCAW Board Director and Salmon Derby Chair Matthew Wallace, Executive Director Amanda Fields and other RCAW board members also plan to continue the tradition of taking an ocean plunge after the event. Participants who are ready to cool off after a long day are welcome to join the fun.
Build relationships beyond the usual business setting
Roofing professionals often meet through active projects, supplier visits, training programs, podcasts, webinars or formal member club events. The Salmon Derby creates a different kind of connection.
A contractor may spend the morning fishing beside a manufacturer representative, meet a future business partner over lunch or learn about a useful resource while watching the weigh-in. These conversations do not feel forced, but they can still create meaningful opportunities.
That is why RCAW’s events are about more than attendance. They help members build the relationships, knowledge and support systems that strengthen the entire roofing community.
Sponsorship Opportunities for Roofing Businesses
Companies can also support the annual event through several sponsorship levels. Opportunities range from banner visibility to presenting-level recognition.
Depending on the selected package, sponsors may receive:
- Recognition through RCAW social media and digital marketing
- Company banners displayed at the marina
- Newsletter mentions
- Complimentary Salmon Derby entries
- Event press release recognition
- Onsite tables or tents
- Awards ceremony recognition
- Opportunities to speak directly to attendees
Major sponsorship categories include Banner Sponsor, Charity Donation Sponsor, Raffle Prize Sponsor, Major Prize Sponsor, Entertainment Sponsor, Luncheon Sponsor, Weigh-In Sponsor and Anchor Sponsor.
Several industry organizations have already stepped forward as sponsors, helping RCAW deliver prizes, entertainment and a memorable experience. Businesses interested in available sponsorship positions should contact RCAW promptly, as premium packages and onsite spaces are limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 RCAW Salmon Derby?
The 13th Annual RCAW Salmon Derby will take place Friday, July 31, 2026, at Point Defiance Marina in Tacoma. Fishing begins at dawn, and all competing salmon must be weighed by 2 p.m.
How much does Salmon Derby registration cost?
Registration costs $90 for an RCAW member and $100 for a non-member. Entry includes derby participation, lunch from Starvin’ Marvin’s Hotdog Food Truck, live entertainment and access to raffle prize opportunities.
Do I need my own boat to enter?
No. You may bring your own boat, rent a small motorboat from Point Defiance Marina or fish from the marina dock. Call the marina at (253) 404-3960 at least two weeks ahead to ask about rentals.
Where can participants fish during the derby?
Participants may fish in approved portions of Marine Areas 10, 11 and 13. Every angler should verify current openings, legal catch requirements and retention regulations before fishing.
What must I do before weighing my salmon?
You must check in at the RCAW Registration Table and receive an official Salmon Derby wristband before taking your catch to the weigh-in station. All fish must be weighed by 2 p.m.
Can non-members attend the event?
Yes. RCAW welcomes non-members, friends and roofing industry professionals. Non-member registration is $100, and the event is a great way to meet the RCAW community before deciding whether to become a member.
Register for the RCAW Salmon Derby Today
Bring your crew, prepare your fishing gear and join RCAW for a summer day filled with competition, live entertainment and valuable roofing industry connections. Register now to enter the 13th Annual RCAW Salmon Derby on July 31, 2026, at Point Defiance Marina.
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