Seward Jackpot Halibut Derby

Although this derby is a relative newcomer, it is quickly establishing a reputation of its own for monster fish. Just imagine catching a 267 lb. halibut and find out you only took second place! The winning fish in 1994 was 310 lbs. Or going out on a charter as a group of 14 fishermen and bringing back over 2500 lbs. of halibut on that one trip, with 12 fish over 100 lbs. each and 5 of those over 200 lbs.

As Seward's charter boat fleet expanded and the skippers discovered new fishing grounds, the word spread quickly. With a harbor full of waiting charter boats and their skippers, this seaport community can now handle hundreds of anxious fishermen each day.

The derby is held during the entire month of July and is co-sponsored by the Seward Chamber of Commerce and the Fish House, a local tackle, bait and marine supplies shop which is always ready to give you directions to the hottest spots in the bay or book you on one of the 25 charter boats they make reservations for.

The contest, being a jackpot derby, has cash prizes which are dependent on the number of anglers purchasing tickets. Merchandise prizes donated by many local businesses are also added to the pot. In 1994, approximately 1500 tickets were sold, with 47% of the ticket gross going to the first place winner. That netted the winner $3,696.08 in addition to having to decide what to do with 250 lbs. of prime halibut fillets. Second place took home $1,572.80 and third place garnered a check for $943.68.

Weekly prizes are also awarded for the biggest halibut of the week and for the largest "species of the week" contest. Ling cod, red snapper (yellow-eye rockfish) and black bass are usually featured.

Derby Date: The month of July

Ticket Cost: $5 per day
First Place(largest fish): 47% of gross pot
Second Place: 20% of gross pot
Third Place: 12% of gross pot

For additional information on fishing derbies, lodging, camping, sight-seeing or many of the city's festivities occurring throughout the year, contact:

Seward Chamber of Commerce
Convention and Visitors Bureau
Mile 2, Seward Highway
P.O. Box 749
Seward, Alaska 99664
(907) 224-8051

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