Week 1: Anglers Break 100 Pound Mark To Lead Halibut Derby

Derby News – Week 1, 5/18-5/24

VALDEZ, Alaska – The first week of the Valdez Halibut Derby ended Saturday night and Frank Dickenson of Fairbanks won the 1st place weekly prize with a 111.2 pound halibut he caught May 23rd aboard the Loon-A-C. Larry Bazilwick of Fairbanks won the 2nd place weekly prize in the halibut derby with a 110.2 pound fish he caught May 23rd aboard the Jamie Lynn. These fish won’t win the $15,000 first place prize in the derby, but they are big enough to take home the 1st and 2nd place prizes in the first week of the halibut derby. The first place weekly prize in both the halibut and silver salmon derbies includes an embroidered vest and gift certificates from Valdez Fish Derby Sponsors. The second place weekly winners take home certificates and a vest too.

With the early spring in Valdez, lots of boats were in the water early. Fishing was a bit slow the first week of the derby, but that was because of the wind said Derby Coordinator Thale Steenhoven. “I think all of the Fish Derby Preferred Charters were in the water the first week of the derby”, commented Steenhoven. With the winds down over the Memorial weekend, boats hit the fishing grounds and found success.

According to Alaska Department of Fish and Game, a few anglers reporting catching their limits near Knowles Head and Naked Island. Rockfish Angling has also been quote productive with small jigs near rocky reefs. The ADF&G fishing report for Prince William Sound said, “There have been no reports of hatchery king salmon at Flemming Spit and the Old Town site in Valdez, reports ADF&G, but they should be showing up fairly soon”.

In addition to casting a line, many anglers are dropping a pot to bring home some Prince William Sound Shrimp. Shrimping continues to be productive, but remember you need a shrimp permit.

The Halibut Hullaballoo fishing dates have been set for June 13th through the 22nd, and this year 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 19h.The Silver Salmon Derby in Valdez will run July 19th through August 31st and again boasts a $15,000 first place prize in addition to 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. For more information on the Valdez Derbies, visit: www.valdezfishderbies.com
A complete list of vendors, prize information and dates can be found atwww.valdezfishderbies.com

Valdez Halibut Derby Overall Leaders

 Weekly Winners – Week 1