147-Plus-Pounder Takes The Valdez Halibut Events Lead

The following press release is courtesy of Valdez Fish Derbies:

47-POUND FISH TAKES THE LEAD IN THE VALDEZ HALIBUT DERBY

VALDEZ, Alaska – Erin Cruz of Wasilla, Alaska reeled in a 147.2-pound halibut June 2^nd to take the lead in the Valdez Halibut Derby. Michael Simmons of North Pole, Alaska is in 2^nd place overall with a 120.6-pound halibut reeled in on June 1^st and Jason Waller of North Pole is currently in 3^rd place overall with a 101.6-pound halibut he reeled in on June 3^rd. According to Alaska Department of Fish and Game, halibut fishing is off to a slow start, but anglers are producing consistent catches near the entrances into Prince William Sound including Montague Strait, Hinchinbrook Entrance, Strawberry Channel/Orca Inlet and other passages. Additionally, several halibut have been caught this Spring in shallow waters (60 to 90 feet) in various bays throughout Prince William Sound.

Erin Cruz of Wasilla, Alaska was fishing in Valdez with a purpose: to catch a Derby-worthy fish. When asked about her day, she responded: “Oh it was amazing! I was going for a derby fish. I was catching some good size ones, kept throwing them back. I was burned out for the day. I was like okay; this is the last [cast]. I let it hit the bottom, reeled three times, and the fish started running. It only took me 20 minutes to get it in.” That last cast netted her a 147.2-pound halibut, first place for the week, and put her in the lead in the overall standings as well as the Halibut Hullabaloo.

The first two weeks of the Valdez Halibut Derby had anglers vying for the 1^st and 2^nd place weekly prizes, but anglers will soon have the opportunity to win $1,000 in the Valdez Halibut Hullabaloo contest. The popular 10-day Halibut Hullabaloo tournament kicked off June 2^nd and will run through June 11^th. The angler catching the largest halibut during that period, will win $1,000 cash in addition to the regular prizes. Erin Cruz of Wasilla, AK is currently leading the Halibut Hullabaloo with a 147.2-pound halibut caught June 2nd aboard Arctic Spirit. Last year’s Halibut Hullabaloo winner was Kamille Mulcaire of Fairbanks who won $1,000 cash with a 149.8-pound halibut.

Anglers going out for halibut are also catching rockfish. Rockfish limits are three fish per day, six in possession of which only one can be a nonpelagic rockfish. Additionally, yelloweye rockfish may not be retained from May 1 to June 30. With 10-to-30-pound rockfish being brought in this year, three rockfish can provide a fair amount of fish for the freezer. 

While halibut derby anglers are competing hard for the Halibut Hullabaloo prize and an opportunity to get on the overall leader board, salmon anglers are writing dates on their calendar. The Valdez Kids Pink Salmon Derby is scheduled for Saturday, July 22^nd. Silver salmon derby charters are gearing up for a big season in Valdez.

The Valdez Silver Salmon Derby is slated to begin July 22^nd and run through September 3^rd. In addition to daily prizes in the Silver Salmon Derby, salmon anglers can win big money in the Tagged Fish Contest. There will also be a Women’s Silver Salmon Derby on August 12^th. To find out more about events, check weigh-in hours, and find ticket vendor locations, visit www.valdezfishderbies.com.

Halibut Derby – Overall Leaders

1^st        Erin Cruz                     Wasilla, AK                  147.2 lbs.         June 2              Arctic Spirit

2^nd               Michael Simmons         North Pole, AK             120.6 lbs.         June 1              Nunatak           

3^rd        Jason Waller                 Fairbanks, AK              101.6 lbs.         June 3              Bold Eagle

Halibut Derby – Weekly Winners – Week #1

1st        Erin Cruz                     Wasilla, AK                  147.2 lbs.         June 2              Arctic Spirit

2nd      Michael Simmons         North Pole, AK             120.6 lbs.         June 1              Nunatak