170-pound catch leads halibut derby </MCC HEAD>

Story last updated at 12:00 AM on Wednesday, May 20, 2009

170-pound catch leads halibut derby

Staff report

Less than one month into the summer-long Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby and ticket-holding fishermen are keeping derby headquarters hopping on the Spit.

"Derby headquarters opened officially Fridayand it was a great weekend start to the derby," said Paula Frisinger, derby coordinator. "We had over 12 halibut come in to be weighed over this weekend."

Derby leader and $1,000 first place for the month of May is Tom Barkman with his 170-pound halibut, caught on a private boat, the Nadine II, with Capt. Jerry Saunders.

In $750 second place for May: Stephan Christensen of Wasilla with a 130-pound halibut caught on Bob's Trophy Charters with Capt. Josh Brooks aboard the Huntress;

Photo provided

Tom Barkman, left, of Homer leads the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby with a 170-pound fish Barkman hooked while fishing with Capt. Jerry Saunders aboard the Nadine II. Barkman also takes the $1,000 prize for biggest fish caught during the month of May. James McGinty of Philadelphia, Penn., is second for the month, with a 47-pound fish caught while McGinty was fishing with Capt. Peter Karwowski aboard Magic Water Charters.

In $500 third place for May: Eric Aldana of Anchorage with a 126.6-pound halibut caught on Manns Charter Service with Capt. Mike Manns aboard the Arctic Addiction;

In $250 fourth place for May: Joe Pagliero Jr. of Anchorage with a 124.8-pound halibut caught on Tall Tales Charters with Capt. Ron Kandis aboard the Red Ryder.

Leading $500 lady angler is Sandra McCalister of Somerset, Texas, with a 117-pound halibut caught on Bob's Trophy Charters with Capt. Josh Brooks aboard the Huntress.

Catching tagged halibut during May were:

* Nathan Redfield of Brandon, Miss., fishing with Capt. Peter Karwowski aboard the Magic Waters Charters, a $500 tag sponsored by Mariner Gifts;

* Krystal McDonald of Homer, fishing with Capt. Bruce Elkins of Sea Flight Charters aboard Sea Flight, a $500 tag sponsored by Back to Action Chiropractic.

"Don't forget to buy your derby tickets and we will see you at the weigh station, "Frisinger said. "Congratulations to everyone."

For more information on the derby or to contact Frisinger, call the chamber at 235-7740 or Frisinger at 399-2436.