Week 5: Wasilla Man Breaks 200 Pound Mark, Wins Halibut Hullabaloo and Leads Halibut Derby

Derby News – Week 5, 6/15-6/21

VALDEZ, Alaska – In addition to netting him the weekly prizes, Scott Hebig’s 203.6 pound halibut won him $1,000 cash in the 10-day Valdez Halibut Hullabaloo tournament. His fish also won the 1st place weekly prize and put him firmly in 1st place in the halibut derby standings. Hebig’s halibut is the first weighing more than 200 pounds to be brought in during the 2014 derby. Hebig was fishing June 20th aboard the Amanda Rose. The Valdez Halibut Derby runs through Sunday, August 31st and the grand prize for the person catching the largest fish is $15,000 in cash.

Matthew West of Morris Plains, New Jersey is currently 2nd in the overall standings. West caught a 152.8 pound halibut June 2nd aboard the Dan Orion. Currently in 3rd place overall is Nicholas Baker of Gatesville, Texas with the 145.6 pound halibut he caught Mary 26th aboard the Jaime Lynn. The 2nd place prize is $5,000 cash and the 3rd place prize is $3,000.

Sunshine and calm seas seemed to be the perfect recipe for wildlife viewing in Valdez as many anglers reported seeing multiple whales and other wildlife. Tour boats on the sound have reported seeing orcas and humpbacks nearly every day.

With Ling cod opening July 1st and a big celebration on the 4th of July, Valdez should be hopping while the pink salmon make their way into Port Valdez. The 4th of July celebration will feature a block party, community bonfire and fireworks. On Saturday, July 5th, Valdez will put on the Pink Salmon Festival with a pink salmon cook-off, community fish fry and other events.

The Kids Pink Salmon Derby is set for Saturday, July 19th. The Kids Derby is open to children age 5 to 16 and there is no fee to enter. Kids just need to weigh-in a pink salmon at the Valdez Fish Derbies weigh-in station Saturday, July 19th to get a t-shirt and have a chance of winning one of the top three spots in their age division. A free family barbeque and awards will follow the day of fishing. The first 300 kids to stop by the weigh-in will get a free t-shirt courtesy of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and the Valdez Fish Derbies. The Silver Salmon Derby will start July 19th and the Women’s Derby is August 8th and 9th.

Valdez Halibut Derby Overall Leaders

 Weekly Winners – Week 5