In spite of some shuffling in the ranks for Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby's month of July lead fish, Tom Youngblood of Homer has maintained overall first place with his 354.6-pound whopper caught June 26 while fishing aboard the Sweet T with Capt. Ron Hurley of In-2-Fishin Charters.

However, as Youngblood is only too aware, there are plenty of fishing days left before the derby comes to a close Sept. 30. And with Homer fishermen allowed two halibut per day per person, anything could happen. As July comes to a close, the following fish may mean prizes for the fishermen who were fishing with a derby ticket when they hooked them:

First place: 275.2-pound halibut caught by Kevin Gilge of University Place, Wash., July 19, on Spirit Charters with Capt. Mike Swan aboard the Beausoleil;

Second place: 207.2-pound halibut caught by Keith Velzke of Morristown, Minn., July 20, on Bob's Trophy Charters with Capt. Dave Morris aboard the Nauti Lady;

Third place: 199.8-pound halibut caught by Neldon Gardner of Soldotna, July 24, on a private boat with Capt. Kim Gardner aboard the Cloudy Bay;

Fourth place: 173.4-pound halibut caught by Jeff Sydnor of Dry Ridge, Ken., July 9, on Magic Waters Charters with Capt. Peter Karwowski aboard the Sorceress.

Pamela Yutzy of Sarasota, Fla., moved into first place among the lady anglers with a 150.6-pound halibut she caught July 9 on Reel Fun Charters with Capt. Tyler Shortz aboard the Daze Off.

Tagged fish during July were caught by:

Mark Barnhill of Anchorage on July 1 on a private boat with Capt. Mark Barnhill aboard the Djagitany; tag sponsored by Fresh Catch Cafe worth $1,000;

Jericho Tadlock of Idabel, Okla., on July 23 on Arctic Envy Charters with Capt. Rick Zielinski aboard the Arctic Envy; tag sponsored by Homer Spit Campground worth $500.

Twenty-four halibut have been released.

Derby tickets must be purchased in advance of fishing.

For more information on the derby, contact Paula Frisinger, derby coordinator, at 235-7740 or 399-2436.