Derby News
Wasilla Anglers Breaks Into Derby Standings With 157.9 Pound Halibut
VALDEZ – John Conant of Wasilla and Aaron Shewman of Anchorage took top honors for week #3 in the Valdez Halibut Derby. The 157.9 pound halibut Conant caught aboard the Dan Orion June 15th won him the first place weekly prize in the derby, and catapults him into 2nd place in the overall standings. Shewman reeled in a 117.9 pound flatfish aboard No Excuses June 12th to win the 2nd place prize for the week.
Donald Pearson of Emery South Dakota is currently leading the Valdez Halibut Derby with the 162.7 pound halibut he caught aboard the Faithful May 27th.
Beautiful weather allowed halibut anglers to get out this week and fair catches were reported by Bligh Reef and Galena Bay. Most charters are finding productive fishing grounds by Hinchinbrook Island and Montague Island. Charter captains are reporting good catches of rockfish along with halibut.
The Valdez Silver Salmon Derby is slated to begin July 28th and run through September 2nd at noon. The first Big Prize Friday is August 3rd and the person catching the largest silver salmon on that day will win an inflatable raft in addition to the daily prizes.
The Valdez Fish Derbies truck is now on display by the Highway turnoff for Eagles Rest RV Park. Each ticket purchased for the Halibut or Silver Salmon Derbies is an entry to win the Valdez Fish Derbies truck. A Season ticket for either species gives the purchaser five entries for the drawing to be held at the Spawn ‘til Dawn Party Labor Day weekend. Anglers should keep their derby tickets as entry to the popular awards party is free with a derby ticket.
The weigh-in station for the Valdez Fish Derbies is open 3pm to 9pm. For more information on the Valdez Halibut Derby or upcoming silver salmon and women’s derby, go to www.valdezfishderbies.com.
Halibut Derby - Overall Leaders |
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| 1st | 162.7 on 5/27 | Donald Pearson of Emery, SD (Faithful) |
| 2nd | 157.9 on 6/15 | John Conant of Wasilla, AK (Dan Orion) |
| 3rd | 135.7 on 6/9 | Robert Peca of Valdez, AK (Private) |
Halibut Derby - Week 3 (June 10th - June 16th) |
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| 1st | 157.9 on 6/15 | John Conant of Wasilla, AK (Dan Orion) |
| 2nd | 117.9 on 6/12 | Aaron Shewman of Anchorage, AK (No Excuses) |
