Anthony Sandoval of Anchorage took the early lead in the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby's final month with a 186.4-pounder he boated Saturday. Sandoval fished with Keith Kalke, who had brought a succession of big fish to the dock, aboard the Ocean Hunter. Another Kalke client, Dora Orendayn, caught August's biggest fish, a 274-pounder, and he helped Jeff Pardi of San Rafael, Calif., earn $45,475 by winning the derby last year with a 348-pound flatfish.

Another Anchorage angler grabbed second place. Aksel Buholm landed a 118-pounder with captain Josh Brooks aboard the Huntress on Sunday.

Thomas Youngblood's huge 354-pound halibut continues to hold the overall lead. The derby wraps up at the end of the month.