Derby News - Week 11, 7/31- 8/6

New leader knocks Ballow off Silver leader Board

Valdez resident Connie Ballow, is a regular name found on the Valdez Silver Salmon Derby leader board until recently. Ballow has held a spot in the overall standings since the start of the Silver Salmon Derby July 23rd until last Friday when her 13.71 pound silver was knocked down to 2nd place by a young gentleman. Michael Adams of Valdez, Alaska reeled in a 15.60 pound silver aboard the Lisa Michelle to take 1st place in the overall standings.

Ballow’s fish didn’t hold on long over the weekend as two sizeable silvers were weighed in completely knocking her off the leader board. Currently in 2nd place is John Casbon of Lake Luzerne, New York with a 15.52 pounder he reeled in aboard the Halibut Grove on August 7th. Taking 3rd place is Gerald Newbert of Fairbanks, Alaska with a 14.28 pound silver salmon he reeled in August 6th aboard the Shadow Fax.

Silvers are being caught throughout Prince William Sound according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Boat anglers looking for silvers in the Valdez area are fishing out towards Galena Bay to pick up their limit of silvers.

Early registration for the 7th Annual Women’s Silver Salmon Derby is open through August 12th at Prospector or those interested can register at the opening ceremony event at the Civic Center Friday night. Late registration will be open at Prospector between from 5:30am and noon, Saturday, August 13th. Prizes will be awarded for the Top 50 largest silver salmon caught during the women’s derby, but it’s the events and camaraderie that will make this weekend fun. The 2011 Women’s Silver Salmon Derby committee has made a few changes to this year’s events. The Women’s Derby Opening and Closing ceremonies will only be open to women with 2011 dog tags. Due to space constraints, admittance to events is not guaranteed. More information can be found at www.valdezfishderbies.com.

In Week 11 of the Valdez Halibut Derby the overall standings remain the same with Annette Gutierrez holding onto 1st place with the 335.7 pound halibut she reeled in early July aboard the Reelentless. James Pohlman remains in 2nd place with a 214.8 pounder he reeled in aboard the Dan Orion, and Brad Yates continues to hold onto 3rd place with a 193.4 pound halibut.

Information on the Silver Salmon Derby, as well as pictures of the weekly halibut winner and past winners of the silver salmon and halibut derby, can be found on the www.valdezfishderbies.com website. The Women’s Silver Salmon Derby is slated for this Saturday, August 13th.