Derby News - Week 6 (June 29 - July 5)

Alaskan Anglers Take Control of the Overall Standings in the Halibut Derby

VALDEZ- Fishing in Port Valdez and the surrounding areas has been interesting this year. With cooler water temperatures during the beginning of the season, many fish were in hibernation mode making it difficult to catch them. In recent weeks however, the water has warmed and report after report of excited anglers demonstrate the wealth of fish emerging from the ocean floor. “It was beautiful, everyone on the boat limited out, and we came home with a large quantity of fish to eat and even some to send back to the family” said one thrilled out-of-town angler after a fishing adventure last Thursday. Lingcod have also made a lively appearance, and since July 1st, anglers are permitted to keep two per person per day. According the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, lingcod frequently grow to over 50 pounds and reach four feet in length.

In week number six of the Valdez Halibut Derby, Kristin Chase of North Pole, Alaska, reeled in a 192.7 pound flatfish aboard the Kiki Marie on July 3rd taking third place in the overall standings, and first place for the week. “It was a long struggle that lasted for about a half hour... I thought I was going overboard a couple times” said the excited angler. When asked where she caught the monster she replied with a laugh, “That’s a secret, but we will just call it the Kristin hole for now.” Taking second place as a weekly winner is Tim Hupp, of Cheyenne, Wyoming with his 160.6 pound halibut he caught on June 29 aboard the No Excuses. Still holding on to second place in the overall standings is David Gatch of Fairbanks with his 207.2 pounder he caught aboard the Faithful on June 9. Lorena Jenkins continues to lead the Derby with her 244.2 pound halibut she landed aboard the No Excuses mid June.

The annual Halibut Hullabaloo is coming this Friday. This three day fish –off coincides with the Valdez Halibut Derby. This tournament starts on Friday July 11th, and runs through Sunday July 13th. The largest halibut pulled in through the weekend will win two round trip tickets anywhere Alaska Airlines flies; this prize is valued at $2,500. You can fish for one day, or you can fish all three days. No additional fees or registration are necessary, and all the regular Valdez Fish Derby rules apply. A daily Halibut Derby Ticket is $10, and a season ticket is $50.

The First ever Kids Pink Salmon Derby is happening on July 19th. There is no entry fee, and all kids between the ages of 5 and 16 can compete. Kids will be divided into age divisions, and each division will produce a 1st 2nd and 3rd place prize winner. To compete, young anglers must fish on Saturday and weigh their catch in at the Valdez Fish Derbies weigh in station between 10 am and 5 pm. The first 125 kids to weigh in will receive a free Kids Pink Salmon Derby t-shirt. All participants will be given a ticket to a free barbeque at Dock Point starting at 5 pm Saturday July 19th. For the latest Valdez Fish Derbies standings of more information on events, visit www.valdezfishderbies.com