FAIRBANKS MAN LEADS VALDEZ HALIBUT DERBY WITH 103.6-POUND FISH
Nathan Kennedy of Fairbanks, AK, Currently 1st Place in the
Valdez Halibut Derby
VALDEZ, Alaska – Nathan Kennedy of Fairbanks reeled in a 103.6-pound halibut on the first day of the halibut derby May 24th aboard the Chugach Girl. After a full week of fishing and many weigh-ins, his fish is still in the lead. When asked for his reaction to the size of the fish, he said, “Well, to be honest, I was just more focused on just trying to get it in the boat. I didn’t realize how big it was. I just knew that it was a lot of work to even get it to the side of the boat. Once we got it onto the deck, kind of the fact that the fish is the same size as me was put a little bit into perspective”.
Several anglers brought in fish close to 100 pounds, but Kennedy is the only one who has broken the 100-pound mark in the Valdez Halibut Derby. David Brody of Valdez reeled in a 94.4-pound halibut aboard the Chugach Girl and is currently 2nd place overall and Jake Henry of Silex, Missouri is currently in 3rd place with a 90.4-pound halibut he caught aboard the Hofstorm.
The grand prize for catching the largest fish in the Valdez Halibut Derby is $10,000 cash. The 2nd place prize is $3,000 and 3rd place is $1,500. Halibut derby anglers can also win weekly 1st and 2nd place prizes in the derby. The Halibut Hullabaloo is slated for June 12th through 21st. The angler catching the largest halibut during this period will win $1,000 in addition to the daily prizes. Weekly prizes include tours, accommodations and retail gift certificates, fishing charters, and Valdez Fish Derbies apparel. In 2025, a fish weighing only 98.4-pounds won Grant Klemp of Iola, Wisconsin the $1,000 tournament prize so it is smart to get a ticket and weigh in fish, even if they’re not over 100-pounds. There is no additional cost to participate in the Halibut Hullabaloo. Anglers just need to purchase a regular derby ticket and catch the largest fish June 12th through 21st to win a bonus of $1,000 cash.
The Valdez Silver Salmon derby begins Saturday, July 25th and features prizes for the two biggest fish caught each day as well as prizes for the three biggest fish overall. The grand prize for catching the largest fish in the Valdez Silver Salmon Derby is $10,000 cash. The 2nd place prize is $3,000 and 3rd place is $1,500. Big Prize Fridays are scheduled for July 31st and September 4th. The angler catching the biggest fish on Big Prize Friday will win $500 cash in addition to the regular daily prizes.
Valdez Fish Derbies will also hold a “Silver Salmon Slam” contest August 28th through September 6th. The angler catching the largest silver salmon during that period will win $1,000 cash in addition to the derby prizes. There is no additional cost to participate in the Silver Salmon Slam. Anglers just need to buy a daily or season Silver Salmon Derby ticket before going fishing.
The Valdez Women’s Silver Salmon Derby is Saturday, August 8th and the Valdez Kid’s Pink Salmon Derby is Saturday, July 25th. For weigh-in hours, ticket vendor locations, and more at www.valdezfishderbies.com. Media inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
Halibut Derby – Overall Leaders
1st Nathan Kennedy | Fairbanks, AK | 103.6 lbs. | May 23 | Chugach Girl
2nd David Brody | Valdez, AK | 94.4 lbs. | May 30 | Chugach Girl
3rd Jake Henry | Silex, MO | 90.4 lbs. | May 29 | Hofstorm
Halibut Derby – Weekly Leaders – Week #1
1st Nathan Kennedy | Fairbanks, AK | 103.6 lbs. | May 23 | Chugach Girl
2nd David Brody | Valdez, AK | 94.4 lbs. | May 30 | Chugach Girl