The Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby, now in its 23rd year, begins today and runs through Sept. 30, and offers up a bunch of ways to cash in on catching fish.
The big prize given out to the biggest fish of the season has been worth, on average, more than $45,000 over the last five years, making it the biggest halibut derby in the world. Last year, Jerry Saunders of Chugiak won $37,243 for his 358.4-pound flatfish. The largest fish ever entered in the derby weighed 376 pounds and was caught in 1996 by Jerry Meinders of Willmar, Minn.
The largest prize ever handed out went to Don Hanks of Sparks, Nev., in 2004. His 352.6-pound halibut was worth $51,298.
The prize money is determined by how many tickets are sold each year, so the final award for this year is uncertain.
What is certain, however, is you can't win without buying a $10 derby ticket.
To make that easier especially for locals a multi-day ticket is available for $75 at the chamber that is good for 10 days of derby fishing. The 10 days do not have to be consecutive. Anglers can choose when they fish and will be eligible for prizes as long as they check in or call derby headquarters before they go fishing.
This multi-day ticket serves that need and gives multi-day anglers a discount from the daily $10 ticket. They are only available at the derby headquarters on the Homer Spit or at the chamber visitor center and are non-refundable, said derby coordinator Paula Frisinger.
Also, there is a monthly $500 lady angler prize that will be given to the woman who catches the largest fish each month.
The kids' prizes got a shot in the arm this year, as there will be several end-of-the-season prizes from $500 on down. There is also a monthly $1,000 drawing for released fish, 60 pounds and under.
Despite somewhat inclement weather, area charters went out last week and tagged 100 fish, said Frisinger, including six worth $10,000 if caught again.
Monthly prizes, ranging from $1,000 down to $250, will be awarded to the top four fish each month.
Frisinger said there are several new sponsors for the derby this year as the chamber has been working to make the biggest fish derby in Alaska even bigger. The response, she said, has been terrific.
"We've been asking people who've never been asked," she said. "It's nice to get new people involved."
For more information, call the chamber at 235-7740 or visit the derby Web site at www.homerhalibutderby.com.
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Homer Alaska - News -
Story last updated at
8:47 PM on
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Halibut derby gets under way
By Ben Stuart
Staff Writer
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