There's really nothing much better than fishing in Homer. Unless, of course, that fish winds up worth some prize or hundreds or thousands of dollars. That's the idea behind a bunch of fishing derbies around the Homer area. Remember to get a ticket before you head out to the water. It just might turn a good day fishing into a great day winning.
Photo by Michael Armstrong
It's a big un
A crowd watches Jerry Sanders' derby-winner halibut get cleaned at the Homer Harbor . Sanders, in the green cap by the pickup truck, caught a new derby-winning halibut weighing 358.4 pounds and measuring 90 inches.
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The Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby, sponsored by the Homer Chamber of Commerce, is the big one that keeps getting bigger. This year's derby, the 23rd annual, runs May 1 through Sept. 30. More than $180,000 in prizes will be offered this year, including a jackpot for the largest fish. Last year, Chugiak's Jerry Saunders won $37,243 for his 358.4-pound fish.
Other prizes slated for this year include $125 to $1,000 for the five largest halibut caught each month. More than 100 tagged fish landed anytime during the summer pay $500 to $1,000 each. In addition, several $10,000 fish also are tagged and there is a separate prize for the largest fish caught by a woman.
Daily tickets are available at most charter offices and the derby headquarters on the Spit. Contact the chamber of commerce at 235-7740, or visit the Web at www.homerhalibutderby.com for more information.
The Fourth of July Halibut Tournament, now in its fourth year, is a one-day fund-raiser for the Friends of the Fishing Hole who raise money to stock salmon at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. Call 235-7740 for more information.
Homer Silver Salmon Spitacular, now in its third year, is a one-week silver salmon tournament in Kachemak Bay and the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon in August. Call 235-7740 for more information
The Anchor Point National Kids Derby, hosted by the Anchor Point Chamber of Commerce, will be held June 7, to commemorate National Fishing Week. The one-day event is free, with events for children up to age 16. The winner goes on to state and national competition. Check with the Anchor Point Chamber of Commerce for registration information, at 235-2600.
Winter King Salmon Derby, also sponsored by the Homer Chamber of Commerce, is a one-day event March 22 that costs $100 per person, with the top 20 fish winning cash prizes. In 2007 more than $100,000 was given away in cash and prizes making it the largest winter king tournament in Alaska. The winner in 2007, Colt Belmonte of Homer, won $17,892 for his 33.86-pound fish. A banquet follows the fishing. Visit www.homeralaska.org/kingsalmon/king-salmon.htm for more information.
The Ninilchik King Salmon Derby
Anglers leaving Deep Creek and Ninilchik for kings can try their luck by buying a one- or four-day ticket ($10 and $20) for a chance to win a weekly prize of $100 in the Ninilchik King Salmon Derby which is held April 29-June 4. Contact the Ninilchik Chamber of Commerce at (907) 567-3571 for more infor-mation.
The Ninilchik Halibut Derby
While not as big as its lower peninsula neighbor derby, the Ninilchik Halibut Derby still offers a $5,000 grand prize to the largest fish taken on boats leaving Ninilchik and Deep Creek. The derby runs April 29-Sept. 4. One-day tickets cost $10 and four- day tickets cost $20. Contact the Ninilchik Chamber of Commerce at (907) 567-3571 for more infor-mation.
Homer Elks Salmon Derby
The last chance to get some cash for fish occurs in early October, when the Homer Elks Lodge No. 2127 holds its annual salmon derby. For more information, contact the Elks at 235-2127.
