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.
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 to make sure you have hooks of suitable size for the larger bait,” said Woolley. “Big sardines would require a 2/0 hook. Some anglers use a treble hook as a stinger hook in the tail of the bait. This can be a good advantage, but it’s a matter of preference.
“Halibut have large mouths, and using a large bait like a smaller mackerel can be very productive at times. Also, you don’t always need a large sinker for your halibut rig. You want just enough weight to keep your bait at or near the bottom. If it sees bait close to the ocean floor, a halibut will very easily come off the bottom to pursue the bait.
Successful halibut anglers understand that sometimes they’re fishing all day for that one bite. Having confidence in your knots, bait size, and drag settings will ensure you’re ready to capitalize on that bite.”
The tournament prizes are impressive, thanks to sponsors like Costa Sunglasses, Daiwa Fishing Tackle, Fishworks Clothing, Hogan Bait and Tackle, Turner’s Outdoorsman, and CCA CAL. The grand prize includes $500 in cash, while other awards feature a Daiwa rod-and-reel combo, a Turner’s gift card, Costa sunglasses, a CCA CAL membership, and a Hogan’s Bait and Tackle gift bag.
Fishing in the derby also supports a meaningful cause. A portion of every entry fee is donated to the Coastal Conservation Association of California (CCA CAL), a statewide organization dedicated to marine conservation and protecting anglers’ rights. CCA CAL advocates for sustainable fisheries, habitat restoration, and responsible fishing practices, making participation in the derby not just fun but impactful.
California halibut are a prized catch year-round along the coast. Known for their size and fight, these flatfish typically measure 20 to 30 inches and weigh between 5 to 30 pounds, though trophy fish exceeding 40 pounds are possible. Anglers are reminded to adhere to size limits, bag limits, and gear regulations to ensure sustainable fishing throughout the competition.
How to Join the Fun
- Join one of Dana Wharf Sportfishing’s halibut-drift day trips on Fridays, departing at 6 a.m.
- Sign up for any local open party half- or three-quarter day trip.
For each trip, it’s only $5 to enter. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time angler, this derby is your chance to test your skills, enjoy friendly competition, and contribute to marine conservation.
For more information on rules and regulations, visit danawharf.com or call 949-496-5794, ext. 7. Get your gear ready, hit the water, and see if you have what it takes to become the next Halibut Derby legend!
