Derby News - Week 3 (June 8 - June 14)

Valdez Woman Reels in 244.2 Pound Halibut, Takes Lead in Derby

The top two spots in the Valdez Halibut Derby are now held by people who caught fish weighing in at more than 200 pounds. David Gatch of Fairbanks moved to 2nd place with the 207.2 pounder he caught aboard the Faithful June 9th. Bob Allen of Fairbanks, Alaska broke into the standings at 3rd place with a 177.5 pound halibut he caught June 11th aboard No Excuses.

The first place spot was overtaken Saturday evening when Lorena Jenkins landed a 244.2 pound halibut aboard the No Excuses. Accompanied by her children and a group of seasoned and energetic fisherwomen, Jenkins had plenty of moral support while pulling the massive fish aboard. When asked how she managed to wrangle the monster, a humble Jenkins, from Valdez replied “Its luck I guess, that’s all I can say”. Jenkins will take home the weekly prize package and stands to win $15,000 if she holds on to 1st place through the end of the derby August 31st.

With warmer water and fairer weather in Prince William Sound, Valdez charter captain’s are optimistic about good halibut fishing continuing through the summer. Dave Wiley, captain of the Orion said, “The fairer weather has allowed us to get to the fishing grounds, anchor up and stay in the good spots without being bumped around”. Captain Dan Ames said, “The water actually heated up two degrees in one day last week and that seems to get the fish moving around and more active”.

Just in time for some hot halibut fishing, the Valdez Fish Derbies has announced a 3-day halibut tournament July 11th, 12th and 13th. The person catching the largest halibut during those three days will win two round-trip tickets anywhere Alaska Airlines flies. “The fish doesn’t even have to make the overall standings”, said Derby Committee Chairman Joe Prax. “It just has to be the largest halibut caught those three days. People can fish one day or fish all three days and there is no entry fee or additional costs. Just buy a one-day Halibut Derby ticket for ten dollars or use your $50 season ticket”. The winner of the 3-day halibut tournament will be awarded their prize when the weigh-in station closes Sunday night at 9pm.

The Valdez Kids Pink Salmon Derby is set for Saturday, July 19th. Valdez Fish Derbies Committee member Laura Saxe has been working on getting prizes for all the age divisions and said the following about the Kids Derby. “There is no entry fee, no derby ticket to buy, and a free barbeque. We just want to get kids interested in fishing. Pinks are easy and fun to catch and since they can be caught easily from shore, anyone can participate in the derby”. There will be 4 age divisions: 5 to 7; 8 to 10; 11 to 13 and 14 to 16 with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes for each division. The first 125 kids who weigh in a fish will receive a free Kid's Pink Salmon Derby T-Shirt. When kids weigh in a fish, they will get a ticket to a free barbecue at Dock Point. Weigh-in will be 10am to 5pm at the Valdez Fish Derbies weigh-in station.