Derby News - Week 6, 6/27-7/2

1st Time Angler Reels in 335.7 lb Fish to Take Lead in the Halibut Derby

VALDEZ, Alaska – Annette Gutierrez of Fairbanks, Alaska has never been fishing in Valdez or any other place. Even though it was her first time out on the water Gutierrez knew that fishing with a halibut derby ticket was a must. With more than a 140 pound advantage Gutierrez's 335.7 pound flat fish leads the halibut derby. Gutierrez brought in her monster size fish July 2 aboard the Reelentless. Not only landing her in 1st place in the overall standings, she is the winner of the 1st place weekly prize in Week #6 of the Halibut Derby.

KVAK Radio's Valdez Fishing Report interviewer Margaret Henry asked Gutierrez about her day on the water she replied, "This is my first time fishing and I really don't know what I was doing." According to Gutierrez, it took them four hours to get to their fishing hole where she landed the big one. She said she hooked her 87 ½ inches long halibut after just an hour of fishing before heading back to Port Valdez. "The weather is great and the fish are big!" Gutierrez said referring to fishing in Valdez, Alaska. While speaking with Henry the captain of the Reelentless mentioned that the trip was a wedding gift from him to Annette and her fiancé.

Currently in 2nd place in the overall standings is Brad Yates with his 193.4 pound halibut he brought in June 15th. Knocked down to 3rd place is Charles D. LaCrosse with is 174 pound flatfish. Taking 2nd place for the week is Bob Dodge, local Valdez resident with his 159.3 pound halibut he reeled in July 2nd aboard Dan Orion.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game reports that large schools of pink salmon are spread throughout the Sound including in the Valdez Arm. Angling at Allison Point remains slow for pink salmon but to expect the fishing to pick up over the weekend. ADF&G reports that fishing for lingcod with large jigs above rocky structures is a good bet.

The Kids Pink Salmon Derby is slated for Saturday, July 16th and the Silver Salmon Derby begins Saturday, July 23rd. The complete list of Valdez Fish Derbies prizes for both the halibut and silver salmon derbies can be found at www.valdezfishderbies.com.