By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff
Two more days are left in the 67th annual salmon derby, and a 40.2-pound king is the fish to beat.
The large Chinook salmon caught last weekend by Savanah Plank is at the top of the leader board.
John McCrehin, derby chairman and president of the Sitka Sportsman’s Association, said it’s not too late to get in on the action.
“We start again at 7 a.m.,” McCrehin said today. “It’s a family event: be safe and have fun!”
The forecast calls for rain Saturday and partly cloudy skies Sunday.
The Sitka Sportsman’s Association is the sponsor of the decades-old popular event.
Last weekend’s three days of fishing attracted 108 participants who turned in a total of 197 kings. The average catch weighed 15.1 pounds, derby organizers said.
Those wishing to enter a fish must do so at the Crescent Harbor weigh in barge by 7 p.m. Sunday.
Besides Plank, other top contenders from last weekend were Riley Bernhardt, in second with a 33.5 pounder, and Caleb Gray, in third place with a 31-pound king.
Bernhardt is also the leader in the total pounds category, with four fish weighing a total of 94.5 pounds.
Tickets for participation can be purchased at the weigh-in barge, Orion Sporting Goods, and LFS Marine Supplies.
The top prize for the biggest fish is $5,000 and round trip tickets on Alaska Airlines. Second place takes home $2,000, and third place winner gets an inflatable. Scores of other prizes are available from the sportsman’s association and local sponsors.
Results are unofficial until the awards ceremony 7 p.m. June 16.
