September Jackpot Halibut Derby leaders
Although the 358.8 pounder landed by Chad Aldridge June 19 still holds the lead in the Chamber of Commerce Jackpot Halibut Derby, there are two new place holders in the September line up this week.
Dale Lichty of Miller, S.D. now holds second place with a 173.6 pound halibut landed Sept. 10 while fishing with Capt. Rob Hyslip of Big Bear Halibut Charters aboard Bear Force 1. William Beirne, of Tehachapi, Calif., caught a 91.2 pounder Sept. 7 fishing with Capt. Eric Lehm of North Country Charters aboard the Storm Petrel capturing fourth place.
Light breeze makes for slow sail race Saturday
Breezes ranged from one to three knots Saturday, making for a very leisurely Labor Day weekend race for Homer’s sailors.
Ron Downing, winner of several races this season, was one of three racers stranded at the green can for nearly an hour. “Then we lost all wind 100 feet from the finish and were sucked toward the ferry dock so I had to turn on the motor (thus disqualifying.)”
Downing said that the initial plan for a course was abandoned due to lack of wind and they just “raced” from the Hickory dock around the green can shoal marker a little west of the Spit, 2.8 nautical miles.
New Jackpot Derby winner
John Perez of McCall, Calif. landed a 220.2 pound halibut Aug. 21 to capture second place in the August standings in the Chamber of Commerce’s Jackpot Halibut Derby, according to Paula Frisinger, Derby coordinator.
He was fishing with Captain Brian Nollar aboard the Belle Ille of the Midnght Sun Charters.
Joanne Gitchel of Walker, Minn. still holds first in the August standings with a 271.8 pounder landed Aug. 4 while fishing with Captain George Eischens aboard his boat the Adak Venture. She also retains the title of Lady Angler for the month.
June catch retains first
Two fishermen got lucky last week in the Jackpot Halibut Derby. Coleman King of San Francisco captured second place in the August standings with a 190.4 pounder caught Aug. 9 while fishing with Crystal Sea Charters’ Captain Steve Button aboard the Donna May.
And Dave Weimer of Junction City, Kansas landed a $500 tagged fish sponsored by South Peninsula Hospital.
ADF&G details new fishing regulations and gives advice
The areas upstream of the two-mile regulatory markers on the Anchor and Ninilchik Rivers and Deep and Stariski Creeks opened on August 1 to fishing for Dolly Varden and steelhead/rainbow trout. Salmon may not be targeted or harvested upstream of the 2-mile regulatory markers.
New leaders join Jackpot Halibut Derby August standings
“Where has the summer gone?” Jackpot Halibut Derby coordinator Paula Frisinger asks rhetorically as she submits the mid-August standings.
Although Soldotna’s Chad Aldridge still leads with the 350.8 pounder caught June 19, some new monthly leaders have joined the winners.
Jeanne Gitchenl of Walker, Minnesota holds first place in the August standings with a 271.8 pounder caught August 4 fishing with Captain George Eishens aboard his boat the Adah Venture.
Salmon shark, tagged fish, make for exciting trip
A 400-pound salmon shark added chaos and excitement to a halibut fishing charter last Wednesday aboard Capt. Darren Keeler’s boat, the Mary P II.
Paula Zimmerman of Newville, Pa., landed the 7-foot, 4-inch shark with a little help from captain, crew and fellow fishermen.
Jackpot Derby July winners
The Homer Chamber of Commerce has announced the July finalists with a lady fisherman taking first place. Angela Kline of Anchorage had to chose between first place for July, worth $1000, or being named Lady Angler of the month. Halibut Jackpot Derby coordinator Paula Frisinger said that rules prevent her from taking both prizes. She caught her 310.6 pounder July 28 while fishing with Captain Ben Martin of North Country Halibut Charters aboard the Fringe Benefit.
Halibut plan restructures quota for charters
A new plan to change halibut allocations for Homer-area charter boat customers is up for public comment. A special meeting planned for 7 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, at the Land’s End Resort is to discuss the proposal and draft a plan for action to educate the public about what the new structure would mean.
Elegant sport of fencing
Adventure movies often include scenes of sword battles, looking much like a stylized dance to the uninitiated. Fencing is a one-on-one sport that requires agility, balance and foresight. Figuring out what your opponent is going to do next can save your life. Or your game.
