SEKIU — The winning flattie weighed in at more than 130 pounds at the Olson’s Resort Halibut Derby held last weekend in marine area 5, the Sekiu and Clallam Bay area.
Port Orchard’s John Gragg landed a 131.7-pound monster to win the halibut portion of the derby and earn $1,000.
The derby, held Friday and Saturday, gave prizes to the top three halibut and the best three bottom fish other than halibut.
There were 157 entries.
Runner-up in the halibut category was Seth Davis of Gig Harbor, who hooked a 113-pound flattie for $500.
Third place went to Rick Freiboth of Port Orchard, who brought in an 85.2-pound fish for $250.
Clallam Bay’s Adam Campbell took first in bottom fish with one 15.1 pounds for the $150 prize while second place went to Josh Harris of Tacoma, who hauled in one 9.3 pounds for $75.
Dom Rippo of Lynnwood also caught a 9.3-pound bottom fish for third place and $40.
Harris was awarded second place because he caught his fish earlier in the derby before Rippo did.
There was a good turnout for the derby and the weather was perfect, Linda Dillard of Olson’s Resort said.
It was mostly sunny with calm seas both days.
All ticket holders were treated to a free lunch at Olson’s Resort on Saturday afternoon.
“Everyone really enjoyed the lunch, and the derby,” Dillard said.
Olson’s Resort was the main sponsor of the two-day event, while other sponsors were Forks Outfitters and Jerry’s Small Engines Rentals, Sales and Services of Forks.
There will be one final halibut derby this year, and that is scheduled in Sekiu on Saturday, which happens to be the final day anyone can fish for halibut in the area.
Van Riper’s Resort, Olson’s Resort and the Sekiu-Clallam Bay Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring the one-day Last Chance Halibut Derby.
Tickets are only $15 and can be bought at any Sekiu resort.
First prize is $10 per pound for the winner, which would be $1,000 for a fish 100 pounds, or $1,500 for a 150-pound monster.
The prize is $400 for second place.
