The 34rd Annual Petersburg Chamber of Commerce King Salmon Derby gets underway this Friday at 7 a.m. The derby continues through the Memorial Day Weekend and ends Monday at 5 p.m.

Two tagged fish have been released at Frederick Point. The $10,000 fish is about a 15 lb. King, while the $5,000 King is a 28-30 lb. fish, according to Derby committee member Doug Welde who trolled for the Kings for two mornings this week.

The $10,000 tagged fish prize is sponsored by Alaska Marine Lines and the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and the $5,000 tagged fish prize is sponsored by Hammer and Wikan.

It is reported in the print edition that there would only be a single tagged fish this year. Fortunately, the second fish was tagged on Thursday morning as the paper was coming off the press.

Top prize in the derby is $7,000 cash, a derby hat and jacket, and free fish processing by Tonka Seafoods.

Second prize is $3,500 cash and a derby sweatshirt and hat. Third prize is $2,500 cash and derby sweatshirt and hat.

Over $35,000 in cash, gifts and prizes will be awarded to derby participants starting with the largest fish and continuing in order of descending weight at the Thursday night award night at the ANB/ANS Hall on Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m.

Prize donations from businesses and individuals exceed $35,000, according to derby committee member Ron Loesch. The derby definitely has the support of the community, and for that, the committee is very grateful, he added.

Anglers are encouraged to read the regulation booklets, notices, and posted maps provided by ADF&G before fishing the derby.

“We’re grateful for ongoing assistance from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game,” Loesch said. “Patrick Fowler helped us to secure the required permit to hold the derby, assisted in tagging the fish, as well as posting maps and copies of fishing regulations for the benefit of derby anglers.”

“We appreciate his work on our behalf,” Loesch added.

ADF&G rules allow the use of two poles per angler in District 8 waters, but derby rules allow the use of only a single pole per angler for derby participants.

Anglers should be aware that derby rules prohibit the use of downriggers or similar devices while participating in the derby.

Anglers derby fishing from a commercially licensed vessel, excluding charter boats, are reminded to clip the dorsal fin when bringing it aboard while in waters closed to commercial fishing.

The derby will weigh fish entries in the round, but individuals may enter dressed fish at their discretion. (See sidebar for more weigh-in information.)

Derby tickets and derby booklets with complete rules are available at the weigh-in station at the Harbormaster’s office, at the Hammer and Wikan and Trading Union hardware stores, Harbor Liquor, the Bottle Shop, Tides Inn, and the Scandia House.

The Petersburg Chamber of Commerce sponsors the derby.

Derby Dates:

7 a.m. Friday, May 22 - 5 p.m. Monday, May 25

Derby Ticket Validation:

When? 7 a.m. Friday, May 22

Where? Harbormaster Weigh-in Station

North, Middle, and South Boat Harbor Ramps

Banana Point Launch Ramp (7a.m. – 8 a.m.)

Derby rules specify that fishers must have a validated derby ticket in their possession prior to fishing.

Weigh-in Information:

7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday, May 22

8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday,

May 23 and Sunday, May 24

8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday,

May 25

Derby weigh station is located at the Harbormaster’s office. All fish brought in must be presented with a validated Derby ticket.

Derby History by the Numbers:

Year # of fish Winner Weight

2014 325 Karen Malcom 46.4 lbs

2013 217 Rich Lowell 46.5 lbs

2012 309 Thomas Cumps 45.6 lbs

2011 342 Stan Malcom 49.5 lbs

2010 232 Gerry Whitethorn 45.2 lbs

2009 225 Duane Olson 59.8 lbs*

*All time derby record.