Homer Artist Gary Lyon's 22.5-pound king salmon took the top $1,700 prize during the 13th annual Homer Elks Winter King Salmon Derby.

Eighty-five participants on 34 boats searched for the big one and the big money Oct. 17 and 18.

Traditionally the derby is held during the first weekend in October. Despite being later than usual, this year's derby marked a clear increase in participation over previous years.

Rick Alexander was in charge of the derby and offered up one possible explanation for the record numbers. "Obviously the weather was exceptional and that helped," said Alexander.

Alexander said 126 fish were weighed over the two-day competition.

Lyon's lunker took home the top prize, but Homer's Dave Sanders' catch came in just a hair under Lyon's at 22.3 pounds and was big enough to make second place and a take of $1,275.

Third place was a tie between Mike Bateman from Anchorage and Roy Draves from Homer who both reeled in 20.1-pound chinooks and split the prize, taking home $425 each.

The average king salmon came in weighing 11.4 pounds. Both Lonnie Prichard from Homer and Steve Pollack from Seldovia managed to land fish right at the average and pulled in $425 a piece.

Money raised during the derby will be used to promote youth projects, scholarships and the wounded veterans program.

Participants were responsible for taking home winter kings they had entered into the competition.

Ryan M. Long can be reached at ryan.long.@homernews.com.