The 33rd Annual Petersburg Chamber of Commerce King Salmon Derby gets underway this Friday at 7 a.m. The derby continues through the Memorial Day Weekend and ends Monday at 5 p.m.
Two tagged fish will hopefully be available for anglers this year. Derby Committee member Doug Welde and volunteers were still seeking two Kings to tag at press time Thursday morning. One tagged fish could bring a derby angler a chance at $5,000 from Hammer and Wikan and the other could garner a $10,000 prize sponsored by Alaska Marine Lines and the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce.
Top prize in the derby is $7,000 cash, a derby hat and jacket, and free fish processing by Tonka Seafoods.
Second prize is $3,500 cash and a derby sweatshirt and hat. Third prize is $2,500 cash and derby sweatshirt and hat. The first and third place cash prizes were reduced by $500 and $250 respectively this year.
Over $38,000 in cash, gifts and prizes will be awarded to derby participants starting with the largest fish and continuing in order of descending weight at the Thursday night award night at the ANB/ANS Hall on Thursday, May 29 at 7 p.m.
The derby definitely has the support of the community, and for that, the committee is very grateful, said committee member Ron Loesch.
Anglers are encouraged to read the regulation booklets, notices, and posted maps provided by ADF&G before fishing the derby.
“We're grateful for ongoing assistance from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game,” Loesch said.
Derby rules allow the use of only one pole per angler.
Anglers should be aware that derby rules prohibit the use of downriggers or similar devices while participating in the derby.
Anglers derby fishing from a commercially licensed vessel, excluding charter boats, are reminded to clip the dorsal fin when bringing it aboard while in waters closed to commercial fishing.
The derby will weigh fish entries in the round, but individuals may enter dressed fish at their discretion. (See sidebar for more weigh-in information.)
Derby tickets and derby booklets with complete rules are available at the weigh-in station at the Harbormaster’s office, at the Hammer and Wikan and Trading Union hardware stores, Harbor Liquor, the Bottle Shop, Tides Inn, and the Scandia House.
The Petersburg Chamber of Commerce sponsors the derby.
Derby Dates:
7 a.m. Friday, May 23 - 5 p.m. Monday, May 26
Derby Ticket Validation:
When? 7 a.m. Friday, May 23
Where? Harbormaster Weigh-in Station
North, Middle, and South Boat Harbor Ramps
Banana Point Launch Ramp
Derby rules specify that fishers must have a validated derby ticket in their possession prior to fishing.
Weigh-in Information:
7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday, May 23
8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25
8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday, May 26
Derby weigh station is located at the Harbormaster’s office.
All fish brought in must be presented with a validated Derby ticket.
Derby History by the Numbers:
Year # of fish Winner Weight
2013 217 Rich Lowell 46.5 lbs
2012 309 Thomas Cumps 45.6 lbs
2011 342 Stan Malcom 49.5 lbs
2010 232 Gerry Whitethorn 45.2 lbs
2009 225 Duane Olson 59.8 lbs*
*All time derby record.
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