ALASKA HALIBUT DERBIES

The month of May opens the beginning of some of the best halibut fishing out of the towns of Seward, Homer, and Valez in Alaska.  I have fished out of all 3 of these fabulous destinations numerous times.  My largest halibut to date was a massive 300lbs caught out of Valdez.  We also caught a 298lbs and 8 more over 150lbs which made for great eating to say the least!  Each of these towns have so called Halibut Derby's where you win large amounts of money for the largest halibut of the season plus weekly and tagged fish prizes.   Homer starts their derby on May 15 ending Sept 15.  The JackPot Halibut Derby pays $10,000  + $0.50 tickets sold to the largest halibut entered.  To enter you need to buy a derby ticket for $10.  The derby in Valdez starts May 21 ending Sept 4.  Top prize is $15,000 for 1st prize, $5.000 for 2nd prize, and $2,000 for 3rd prize.  So far a monster 253 lbs halibut caught by David Jamison is leading.  In Seward the derby only last the month of June.  So far the leader is a halibut weighing 179.8lbs.  Halibut can exceed weights of 400lbs if your lucky.  So make sure to buy a derby ticket on your next visit to Alaska in a chance to win thousands!