Reel It in and Win: Dana Wharf’s Halibut Derby is Almost Here!

Dana Wharf Sportfishing’s beloved Halibut Derby is back, kicking off on January 1 and running through March 31, 2025. With anglers of all ages participating, the derby offers a fun opportunity to showcase your fishing skills and enjoy some healthy competition. If you join the jackpot when you go out fishing — you’re going to love this. Dana Wharf Sportfishing photo The derby wouldn’t be complete without mentioning its reigning champion, Peggy Stein, who still holds the record with her 43-pound, 10-ounce halibut caught back in 2012. A grandmother of ten and an accomplished fisherwoman, Stein has become a symbol of excellence for the derby (and the ¾-day charters). While her record remains unbeaten, the largest catch of recent years belongs to Brandon Casas, who landed a 19.8-pound halibut in March 2024. With $500 in grand prizes and monthly rewards exceeding $1,000, 2025 could be the year a new champion emerges.   Capt. Brian Woolley, who operates the Sum Fun out of Dana Wharf Sportfishing, provided The Log with some insider tips to help you hook that winning halibut.   “Things to consider when fishing for halibut: don’t be afraid to use a large bait. When you use large bait, you have...