Homer Alaska - News

Leaders are changing fast in the 2011 Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby.

Less than two weeks into the all-summer event — it began May 1 and continues through Sept. 30 — a 138.2-pound halibut has knocked last week's leading 120.8-pounder from first to second place.

Dixie Lee Micke of Terra Bella, Calif., moved into the lead spot in the derby Sunday while fishing with Capt. Chuck Hanshaw aboard a private boat, the Real Fun Sr. Not only is Micke the new derby leader; she also has moved into first place in the Lady Angler prize category.

With an increasing number of halibut being brought to the derby's weigh-in station on the Spit, there also is now a fisherman in fourth place. RaeAnn Hebnes of Anchorage caught an 88.4-pound halibut Sunday while fishing with Capt. Gerry Haughey of Tim Berg's Alaskan Adventures, aboard the Tia Rose.

Derby Coordinator Paula Frisinger reminds anglers that Homer has a two-halibut limit per day, per person.

The Homer Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby, with support from Kachemak Gear Shed and McDonald's of Homer. Only tickets-holders are eligible for prizes. Tickets are $10 per day or $75 for a 10-day ticket. They can be purchased at the chamber, as well as from numerous local businesses and charter operators.

Beginning Sunday, derby headquarters on the Spit will be open from 5:30-8:30 a.m. and afternoons 3-7 p.m. For fish weigh-ins, please call Frisinger at 399-2436.

Jamie Olvera of Fairbanks won the 2010 derby. Olvera hooked into a 288.6-pound barndoor while fishing with Capt. Ben Martin of North Country Halibut Charters on the Fringe Benefit. That good day of fishing landed Olvera a first-place prize of $40,610.

For more information on the derby, visit the web at www.homerhalibutderby.com or call 235-7740.

Standings for the month to date are:

• First place, $1,000: 138.2-pound halibut caught Sunday by Dixie Lee Micke of Terra Bella, Calif., while fishing with Capt. Chuck Hanshaw aboard a private boat, the Real Fun Sr.;

nSecond place, $750: 120.8-pound halibut caught May 2 by Shane Brooks of Homer while fishing with Capt. Josh Brooks aboard a private boat, the Huntress;

• Third place, $500: 90.2-pound halibut caught May 1 by Jean Manson of Greenfield, Calif., while fishing with Capt. Pete Weden of Captain Pete's Alaskan Experience, aboard the Julia Lynn.

• Fourth place, $250: 88.4-pound halibut caught Sunday by RaeAnn Hebnes of Anchorage while fishing with Capt. Gerry Haughey of Tim Berg's Alaskan Adventures, aboard the Tia Rose.

• Released fish: 2.