Premier fishing derbys are on the bucket list of many a serious fisherman: to Costa Rica for sailfish and tuna, to Prince William Sound to salmon shark, and to Homer or Southeast Alaska for halibut.
Ketchikan has its own halibut derby sponsored by the Southeast Alaska Building Industry Association (proceeds go to youth scholarships.) While historically fish caught in other derbys in Alaska are larger, Ketchikan has a great number of halibut. Fishing is in more protected waters where you can multi-species fish for halibut or salmon.
If you’re in Ketchikan during July, buy a derby ticket and then hire one of over 40 charter captains to take you out – or charter your own boat. There’s no way to lose. First, you help support local youth. Second, you get out on the waters of Alaska for premier fishing. And third… though it’s a long shot – you may just land the largest halibut of the year. In that case, you’re in the running for up to $2,500 – enough to manage the next item on your bucket list.
