Halibut Fishing in the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby

The 2013 Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby is getting geared up for its May 15 start. Stay tuned for more information, but in the meanwhile, be sure to check out this year's Derby sponsors.

Remember anglers, Homer has a two fish per day per person halibut catch limit!!

The 2012 Derby grand prize has been won by a 323.2 lb Halibut caught on August 31.

What a day of fishing for James "Jimmie" Peeples of Chico, CA. Peeples and friends Dan Alexander of California and Larry Williams of Maui were fishing on a private boat - The Tackle Box, captained by Phil Peeples - Peeples' dad - when Jimmie hooked into his 323.2 lb barn door halibut.  Peeples said that they had not been out very long that day, but that it was the fifth fishing trip of the week. The men were fishing near the green buoy known as the "green can" or the "Archy buoy" in 154 feet of water. Judging by the action on his line, Peeples thought he had hooked a four-foot halibut. He said the rod took a three-foot dip every time the halibut shook its head. Then, all of a sudden it came up real easy like it was going to take a look at what was going on. When the halibut reached the surface, Peeples got a much different picture of what he had hooked. He said "we were all amazed, flipping out - I could not believe it". One of his friends tried to gaff the fish, but a flop of its head broke a brand new $50 gaff, leaving the men holding just the handle. The halibut distanced itself about 10 feet from the boat and dove for the bottom. After working the fish back to the surface, Peeples used a gun to subdue it. Then began the struggle to get the fish onboard. He said "that was an entire new fight". Check out additional pictures of Peeples and his barn door halibut in our photo gallery.

The Derby ended with nine tagged fish caught by individuals who purchased Derby tickets. We also had over 25 tagged fish caught by anglers without Derby tickets. However most of those fish were returned to the waters, hopefully to be caught in the future by another angler who did purchase a Derby Ticket.

We also have our winners of the September released fish drawings - drawings are held on the 16th of the month following the month in which the fish is released. As there was only one released fish for the month, the senior and Veteran/Military prizes will not be awarded.

Overall winner - Kent Christopher of Denver, CO caught/released while fishing with Captain Greg's Charters aboard the Tomahawk with Captain Greg Sutter.

Congratulations to all of you!!

A special thanks goes out to all the business and individuals who sponsored last year's Homer Halibut Jackpot Derby. And thanks to all the fishermen and women who purchased their Derby Ticket!!!

The Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby is an annual event, running from May 15 to September 15 each year. Tickets are $10.

2013 Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby Committee

Mike Peterson - Chairman	Monte Davis	Pat Melone
Lynn Beatty	Ron Hurley	Matt North
Donna Bondioli	Matt Knell	Holly VanPelt
Jana Davis	Nyla Lightcap

The Largest & Longest Running Jackpot Derby in Alaska