PORT ANGELES — Father/son fishing duo Robin and Ken Kirkman hold down the top spots in the Port Angeles Salmon Club’s 16th annual Halibut Derby after Saturday’s first day of fishing.
Father Robin Kirkman’s 67.6-pound halibut is at the top of a packed leaderboard in the chase for a $5,000 first prize.
Ken Kirkman, meanwhile, brought in a 66.3-pound halibut and sits in second place.
Port Angeles Salmon Club president Bryan Bukovnik said the Kirkmans were tight-lipped on the location of their haul.
“They wouldn’t say where, but you know fishermen, if they tell you something the opposite is probably true,” Bukovnik said.
Bukovnik said the 30-place leaderboard is full after the first day of fishing.
“All 30 spots are filled, and the bottom fish is 38.7 pounds,” Bukovnik said.
“A lot of nice fish were brought in. The water was flat, and it was really a beautiful day for halibut fishing.”
The Kirkmans, both of Port Angeles, top a prize ladder dominated by North Olympic Peninsula anglers.
Nine of the top-10 halibut on the leaderboard caught by Peninsula residents.
Ticket sales were up for the event as well, according to Bukovnik.
“We have 677 fishermen, which is a darn good number,” Bukovnik said.
“We’ve broke even financially already, and it’s been a few years since we were able to say that, so we are really pleased with the turnout.”
Fishing continues today from sunrise to 2 p.m.
The final weigh-in and prize ceremony is set for just after 2 p.m. at the Port Angeles Boat Haven’s West Ramp, next door to derby headquarters at the Port Angels Yacht Club.
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-452-2345, ext. 57050 or at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.