Homer Jackpot
Halibut Derby

When an Alaska town claims to be "The Halibut Fishing Capital of the World," visitors and fishermen should take this boast seriously. Entering its sixteenth year running in 2000, the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby could be considered the grand prize of Kenai Peninsula derbies. By far it is the most financially rewarding contest of the summer.

The Homer Chamber of Commerce is the sponsor of this longest running derby and they are experts at generating a lot of prize money.

1994 - $18,734 - 307 lbs.
1995 - $32,000 - 347 lbs.
1996 - $25,984 - 379 lbs.
1997 - $28,810 - 359 lbs.
1999 - $30,300 - 295 lbs.

Win Without Fishing
The most unique thing about this fishing derby is you could be a big winner without even wetting your line or catching a single fish. All ticket purchasers are eligible for $250 and $500 monthly cash drawings.

Lucky fishermen stand to gain the most from the experience. Each month of the contest, the FIVE largest halibut caught will receive $1000, $750, $500, $250 and $125 respectively and the derby is over four months long. The grand prize cash award is presented at the end of the season to the fisherman with the largest fish in the derby.

Tagged fish are also swimming in these deep cold waters. Two fish carry $10,000 tags while 31 additional fish carry $1000 tags and 41 fish carry $500 tags. Adding up all the potential prizes, one arrives at a sum well over $103,000 for the 1997 derby with each year getting larger.

In 1999, over 15,000 anglers participated in the derby and the total cash prize money awarded exceeded $47,000.

Homer is well prepared for handling large volumes of saltwater fishermen. Their halibut charter fleet is extensive and very experienced at locating this highly prized delicacy. It is not uncommon for the larger boats to run 40 miles or more to prime fishing grounds when the action cannot be found closer to port. Most charter boat offices can sell you a derby ticket at the same time you check in for the trip. The derby headquarters located on the Homer Spit also sells tickets and provides updates on current leaders for the monthly and grand prize awards.

Derby Date: May 1 through Labor Day
Ticket Cost: $7 per day
Monthly Prizes: 5 Biggest fish: $1000, $750, $500, $250 & $125 plus cash drawing $500 & $250
Derby Jackpot (biggest fish): $30,300 (1999)

For additional information on the derby, lodging, camping, sight-seeing and other things to do while in Homer contact:

Homer Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 541
Homer, Alaska 99603
Visitor Center (907) 235-5300

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Homer JackpotHalibut Derby

Homer Jackpot
Halibut Derby