Olvera grabbed the overall lead in the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby by landing a 277.6-pound halibut Saturday, knocking out previous leader Mark Hilts of Grand Rapids, Minn., and his 273.2-pound fish.
Though the derby doesn't end until Sept. 30, Olvera could cash in as early as Tuesday. If no one tops her fish by the end of the day, she'll collect $1,000 for catching August's biggest fish and $500 for winning the monthly Lady Angler prize.
Then she'll have to hold her breath for all of September and hope no one comes along with a bigger fish. The grand prize depends on the number of derby tickets sold, but it's always in five figures; last year's overall winner was worth $40,440.
Olvera caught her fish aboard the Fringe Benefit while fishing with Capt. Ben Martin of North Country Halibut Charters.
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