Valdez Halibut Derby Anglers Also Catching Plenty Of Lingcod, Rockfish

The following is courtesy of Valdez Fish Derbies:

VALDEZ, Alaska – Big hauls of halibut, lingcod, and rockfish are being laid out on the docks at the Valdez Harbor. Ling Cod season opened July 1^st and some large fish have been brought to Port Valdez. Incredible weather this past week allowed anglers to get to the fishing grounds past Hinchinbrook Island and the fish were biting. Not just halibut, cod and rockfish, but pink salmon as well. According to fish fileter Pat Olson, anglers have caught a few pink salmon fishing from boats near Allison Point. The majority of the pinks are out past the narrows, and anglers venturing out for pink salmon are coming back to Port with their limit already.

Christine Ives is still leading the Valdez Halibut Derby with the 285.6 pound halibut she caught June 6^th aboard the Nunatak. Christopher Barnes is currently in 2^nd place overall with the 225.6 pounder he caught June 24^th aboard the SeaQuester and Matt Janezic is holding onto 3^rd place overall with the 203.4 pounder he caught June 29^th aboard the Bold Eagle.

While sport anglers are heading to the halibut grounds, the commercial charter fleet was just past the narrows seining for pink salmon. According to Valdez Fisheries Development Association, VFDA achieved 73 percent of its cost recovery goal by June 2^nd. A total harvest of 742,943 pounds was recorded. The percentage of female fish was 31% with an average weight of 3.2 pounds. The anticipated return of pink salmon to Valdez this year is in the neighborhood of 20 million.

The Kids Pink Salmon Derby is July 20^th and the biggest pink salmon brought in during the 10 year history of the event is a 10.12 pounder caught by Alex Plowman in 2017. Six of the top 10 fish caught during 2017 Kids Pink Salmon Derby, made the Top 10 list, including all of the top five spots.  CLICK HERE for more information about the Kids Pink Salmon Derby. It’s a free event for kids 5 to 16 years of age and includes prizes and a free barbeque. Pink salmon fishing is generally very productive at Allison Point and along the shorelines. Pixies, spinners and Vibrax are all good options.

The Silver Salmon Derby will start July 20^th and the Women’s Derby is Saturday, August 10^th with an opening ceremony on Friday, August 10^th. Valdez Fish Derbies dates, prizes, rules, winners, pictures and more can be found at www.valdezfishderbies.com.

Halibut Derby – Overall Leaders

1^st        Christine Ives              Fairbanks, AK            285.6 lbs.         June 6              Nunatak
2^nd       Christopher Barnes     Moorhead, MN           225.6 lbs.         June 24            Sea Quester
3^rd        Matt Janezic                Duluth, MN                 203.4 lbs.         June 28            Bold Eagle

Halibut Derby – Weekly Winners – June 30^th through July 6^th

1^st        Josh Hughes                Big Lake, AK              182.2 lbs.         July 3              The Reflection

2^nd       Loren Kendall             Valdez, AK                 149.2 lbs.         July 3              Victorious

For more information on the Valdez Derbies, visit: www.valdezfishderbies.com