Derby News – Opening Weekend
VALDEZ, Alaska – Warm weather and an early spring made for a delightful kickoff for the Valdez Halibut Derby in Valdez. Glen Sax was fishing aboard Go Get Her this Sunday when he hooked into a 81.2 pound halibut to take an early lead in the derby. Sax is currently leading the derby and in line to win the weekly first place prize in the Halibut Derby if their fish stays atop the leaderboard until the derby week closes Saturday.
Charter Captains in Valdez are preparing for a busy season as anglers have high hopes of being the winner of the $15,000 first place prize in the Valdez Halibut Derby. A ticket costs $10 for the day or $50 for the season and must be purchased before heading out on the water. Ticket sale locations can be found at www.valdezfishderbies.com. The limit for halibut in Prince William Sound is still two per person, but one of those fish can be no longer than 28 inches in length. The derby shack is located kitty corner from the Harbormasters office.
In addition to the grand prize of $15,000, 2nd place prize of $5,000 and 3rd place of $2,000 for catching the largest three fish, halibut derby anglers can also win weekly 1st and 2nd place prizes in the derby. Again, this year the Valdez Fish Derbies will award a 4×4 F-150 truck to one lucky participant of the derby. Every $10 spent on a ticket is an entry to win the truck regardless of whether anglers catch a fish or not (season ticket is five entries).
The Halibut Hullaballoo fishing dates have been set for June 13th through the 22nd and the angler catching the largest halibut during that time period will win $1,000 cash in addition to the weekly prizes and any overall prizes they might qualify for.
The Kids Pink Salmon Derby has been set for July 19th and the event has gotten bigger each year. The Silver Salmon Derby in Valdez will again boast a $15,000 first place prize and daily prizes. The Annual Valdez Women’s Derby is slated for Saturday, August 9th with an opening ceremony Friday, August 8th and the closing ceremony Saturday night.
There will be a $500 prize for the vendor and operator selling the winning derby ticket in both derbies. Every derby ticket purchased for either the halibut or silver salmon derbies is entered for a chance to win a truck from Seekins Ford that will be on display in Valdez.
Valdez Halibut Derby Overall Leaders
Glen Sax
Valdez, AK
81.2 lbs on May 18
Go Get Her