In the world of halibut fishing, last week’s fishing activity has underscored an important reminder to anyone wanting to fish in the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby: Before you go fishing, buy your $10 ticket.
In other words, no ticket, no prize.
“We had a report of a 210-pounder caught by an angler fishing with North Country Charters, but alas, that angler did not possess a Jackpot Halibut Derby Ticket,” said Meldonna Cody, event coordinator for the Homer Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.
“Another angler, Tony Trior, a fireman from Kenai, caught a tagged fish, but had no derby ticket. That tag was valued at $1,000. Tony plans to return, and next time will purchase a derby ticket,” she said.
Tickets can be purchased at the chamber and visitor center, derby headquarters on the Spit and at many local businesses.
Molly Malthby from Cheboygan, Mich., still holds the lead with her 196.8-pound halibut caught June 6. Malthby hooked into the flat fish while fishing with Capt. Ben Martin aboard the Fringe Benefit for North Country Charters.
Maintaining second place for another week is Michael Martini of Sunman, Ind., with a 141.80-pound halibut caught June 5. Martini also was fishing with Martin.
However, there are some new names on this week’s leader board. With Malthby in first and Martini in second, the remaining top 10 spots include:
Third place: 139-pound halibut caught June 26 by Mike Leno while fishing with Capt. Rob Hyslip of Big Bear Halibut Charters aboard the Bear Force I;
Fourth place: 134.40-pound halibut caught June 22 by Sean Hoffbeck while fishing with Capt. Gabe Linegar of Drift Alaska Charters aboard the Casino;
Fifth place: 110.60-pound halibut caught June 22 by Weldon Creech of Houston, Texas, while fishing with Capt. Ethan Harders of Big Bear Halibut Charters aboard the Bear Force II;
Sixth place: 108.80-pound halibut caught June 4 by David Longacre of Orrstown, Pa., while fishing with Capt. Willie Beachey of Reel Fun Charters;
Seventh place: 99.60-pound halibut caught June 26 by Troy Winters of Dayville, Ore., while fishing with Capt. Rob Hyslip of Big Bear Halibut Charters aboard the Bear Force I;
Eighth place: 92.40-pound halibut caught June 30 by Michael Hanes of Caro, Mich., while fishing with Capt. Rob Hyslip of Big Bear Halibut Charters aboard the Bear Force I;
Ninth place: 91.20-pound halibut caught June 3 by Gordon Muir of Fort Benton, Mont., while fishing with Capt. Pete Wedin of Captain Pete’s Charters aboard the Julia Lynn;
Tenth place: 82.40-pound halibut caught May 25 by Shawn Agnew of Erie, Ill., while fishing with Sea Flight Sportfishing Charters aboard the Seaflight.
Only one halibut wearing a 2014 tag has been caught since the derby began May 15. That fish was brought in June 1 by Mark Mehalko of Grand Blanc, Mich., while fishing with Capt. Tom Bunnell of Halibut Hunter Charters aboard the Halibut Hunter. The 10-pound halibut’s tag was worth $250.
For more information, call 235-7740 or visit
homeralaska.org.
McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky@homernews.com.
