Alaska News

Photos: 335-pounder seizes lead in Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby

A good scout is always prepared, so before heading out of Homer to go halibut fishing Tuesday, Eagle Scout Jackson Hobbs of Franklin, Idaho, made sure to buy a $10 Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby ticket. Hobbs' devotion to preparedness could make him the youngest winner in derby history.

Fishing aboard the Venturess with skipper Travis Larson of Alaska Premier Sportfishing, Hobbs, 16, hauled in a monster 335-pound fish that bested the previous leader by more than 57 pounds.

Homer Chamber of Commerce director Jim Lavrakas said official derby records don't list the age of previous champions, but nobody he's spoken with can remember a younger angler winning the derby, which began in 1986.

"We believe this is the youngest possible derby winner in derby history," Lavrakas said Wednesday from Homer.

Read more: Teen's massive 335-pound halibut seizes lead in Homer derby

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