About 50 people took part in the free intro to coho fishing seminar hosted by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife at the Westport Marina Saturday.

All participants needed in order to join in was their own gear, a license and salmon catch report card. They were taught basic set-ups for catching coho in the boat basin, focusing on the float and live anchovy rig, and anchovies were provided. After the quick lesson near the derby weigh station, some anglers headed straight for the floats to fish, while others followed a Fish and Wildlife employee to further their education on technique, all wearing life vests supplied by Fish and Wildlife.

Most of the coho that day were seen at the end of the marina near the Islander, off floats 14 and 16, where most of the anglers were sent. About a half hour in, a school of five or six good-sized coho cruised under the float 14 walkway, passing safely through the gauntlet of anchovies and spoons. At least one participant of the Fish and Wildlife seminar caught a coho during the day.

Fish and Wildlife partnered with the Westport Marina, Ray’s Bait Works and the State Parks and Recreation Commission for the event.

The Westport Boat Basin Vern Coverdale Memorial Derby continues through Oct. 15. There is no fee to enter, and fish can be weighed in at Seafood Connection at Float 8, slip G, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.

photos by DAN HAMMOCK | GRAYS HARBOR NEWS GROUP Word spread the coho were spotted in the Westport boat basin off the floats near the Islander Saturday, sending anglers that way early in the afternoon.

A crew from the Department of Fish and Wildlife set up near the Westport Marina derby station Saturday to offer a free crash course on fishing the boat basin for coho salmon. Dozens of anglers watched the presentation before hitting the floats for a crack at a salmon.