Derby News - 2012 Season Opener
Halibut Derby Gets Underway in Valdez this Saturday
Halibut can be caught in shallower water this time of year, especially near herring spawning sites according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. 
Halibut angling was fair inside the Sound last week and anglers are reporting the best catches near the ocean entrances and Middle Ground Shoal. Charter Captains in Valdez are preparing for a busy season as anglers have high hopes of being the winner of the $15,000 first place prize in the ValdezHalibut Derby. A ticket costs $10 for the day or $50 for the season and must be purchased before heading out on the water. Ticket sale locations can be found at www.valdezfishderbies.com. The limit for halibut in Prince William Sound is still two per person and weigh-in for the derby is open until 8pm at the derby shack located kitty corner from the Harbormasters office.
In addition to the grand prize of $15,000, 2nd place prize of $5,000 and 3rd place of $2,000 for catching the largest three fish, anglers can also win weekly 1st and 2nd place prizes in the halibut derby. Again, this year the Valdez Fish Derbies will award a 4x4 truck to one lucky participant of the derby. Every $10 spent on a ticket is an entry to win the truck regardless of whether anglers catch a fish or not (season ticket is five entries). This year will be extra special as Seekins Ford in Fairbanks and the Valdez Fish Derbies will be giving away a 2012 F-150 truck.
In addition to fishing for halibut, rockfish angling has been quite productive with herring jigs and bait near herring spawning sites. At this time of year, anglers also take to the waters in search of winter kings. ADF&G recommends trolling near shallow rocky reefs and headlands for the best bet. Shrimping is off to a great start with shrimpers reporting good catches near Valdez.
The Halibut Hullaballoo fishing dates have been set for June15th through the 24th, and this year the angler catching the largest halibut during that time period will win $1,000 cash in addition to the weekly prizes and any overall prizes they might qualify for.
The Kids Pink Salmon Derby has been set for July 14th and the event has gotten bigger each year. The Silver Salmon Derby in Valdez will again boast a $15,000 first place prize and daily prizes. The Annual Valdez Women's Derby is slated for Saturday, August 11th with an opening ceremony Friday, August 10th and the closing ceremony Saturday night.
There will be a $500 prize for the vendor and operator selling the winning derby ticket in both derbies. Every derby ticket purchased for either the halibut or silver salmon derbies is entered for a chance to win a truck from Seekins Ford that will be on display in Valdez.
Picture is of Annette Gutierrez of Albuguerque, NM - 2011 Halibut Derby Winner ($15,000).
Quick Links
Contact VFD
Derby Office: (907) 835-5680
Derby Clerk: (907) 255-4727
Weigh In: (907) 255-5680
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1053
Valdez, Alaska 99686
