Derby News Archives - Week 7, July 8t - 14th, 2007

Top Three Leaders in Valdez Halibut Derby Over 200 Pounds

At the end of Week 7 in the Valdez Halibut Derby Valdez resident, Bonnie Woods, continues to hold onto the top spot in the derby. For the past 3 weeks Woods’ 274.6 pound halibut has not had any threatening competition to steal her first place standing in the derby. “I don’t think it’s going to win the derby,” says Woods, “so I’m just going to enjoy the moment.” The “moment” has lasted Bonnie Woods three strong weeks in the halibut derby and continues to stay on the leader board.

In 2nd place in the overall standings is Tiffany Williams of Slana, AK, with her 266 pound flat fish she hooked aboard the No Excuses June 20th. Ralph Dunkle, of Rosemount, MN, remains on the leader board holding onto 3rd place with his 235 pounder he reeled in June 27th aboard the Orion.

With nearly two months left in the Valdez Halibut Derby, halibut fishing remains strong
but it’s the pinks that have been occupying the cleaning tables down at the small boat harbor. Pink salmon anglers are fishing right off shore catching their daily limit of 12 with ease right off of Allison Point. The Valdez Silver Salmon Derby begins Friday July 28th.

Lingcod fishing has been excellent according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. It is suggested to use jigs baited with pink salmon tail fins to catch lingcod. Lingcod like medium depths of 80 feet or so and rocky habitats with good currents.

The first place weekly winner for week number seven in the derby was Marilyn Fehrenbacher with the  165.8 pound flat fish she caught aboard the No Excuses. Taking second for the week is Thomas Wadsworth of Boise, ID with his 155.9 pound halibut he reeled in aboard the Orion.

Derby tickets for both the salmon and halibut derbies are $10 each and are good for one day of fishing in the derby. A season ticket for either species is $50. Participants of the derby will also get their names put into a drawing for a truck from Seekins Ford.

 

 

Halibut Derby - Overall Leaders
1st	274.5 on 6/25	Bonnie Woods of Valdez, AK (No Excuses)
2nd	266.0 on 6/20	Tiffany Williams of Slana, AK (No Excuses)
3rd	235.0 on 6/27	Ralph Dunkle of Rosemont, MN (Orion)

Halibut Derby - Week 7 (July 8th- July 14th)
1st	165.8 on 7/12	Marily Fehrenbacher of Connell, WA (No Excuses)
2nd	155.9 on 7/12	Thomas Wadsworth of Boise, ID (Orion)

See more 2007 Valdez Fish Derby news here > > >