Marina Del Rey Anglers Present the Incredible 2024 Marina del Rey Halibut Derby
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marina Del Rey, California
June 4, 2024 - In Partnership with the Coastal Conservation Association of California, MDRA hosts a prestigious two days of Santa Monica Bay angling competition.
This year marks the 49th anniversary of the spectacular
Marina del Rey Halibut Derby. Anglers look for an organized, well-run event
featuring multiple options. Add camaraderie,
excellent food, fantastic prizes, and a fun environment for the entire family;
you have a prescription for success. Derby Chairman and Marina Del Rey Anglers 2024
President, Myles Blatt precisely accomplished that.
Festivities
were held at Burton Chase Park, Marina del Rey, after the completion of day two
competition.
On June 1st and 2nd MDRA hosted the
longest running saltwater tournament on the West Coast. Anglers competed in 10 divisions:
Halibut/Main Division, Heaviest Fish, Live Bass/5 Alive, Women’s Division, Kids,
White Sea Bass, Rockfish, Ling Cod, Sculpin, and Sanddab.
At the MDRA, we are not just about the thrill of the catch,
but also about the conservation of our
marine life. Separate from the Live Bass Division, supporting ‘Catch and
Release,’ anglers received a 25% weight bonus added to their catch weight for
bringing in a live fish that swims away after being weighed. This unique
approach to fishing was exemplified by Jim Hendricks, who used the ‘Live Fish’ bonus to the advantage of his team Split Decision,
winning the Heaviest Halibut and Heaviest Fish awards. His live Halibut,
weighing 29.9 lbs., was boosted to a total of 37.375 lbs. by the bonus weight,
showcasing our commitment to fisheries management.
Our tournament was a true testament to the diversity of our
waters. 83 anglers, each with their unique skills and strategies, weighed a
total of 27 fish. Every species category, apart from White Seabass, made it to
the scales, showcasing the rich variety of our fishing grounds. The Halibut
Division alone saw 10 entries, with 5 of them swimming away alive! One of the
amazing highlights of the event was Ed Rhee of team Never Enough, who weighed
an incredible, awaiting IGFA final certification, WORLD and STATE RECORD
Sculpin catch, tipping the scales at 5.0 pounds.
Jim
Hendricks with the winning Halibut/Big Fish&
Ed Rhee with his pending World Record Sculpin!
From private vessels to shore angling, kayaks, and even
party boats, there are essentially no limits to how anglers can compete in this
prestigious and inclusive derby. We invite you to be a part of this rich
tradition and join us for the 50th anniversary of the historic Marina del Rey
Halibut Derby, an event that will surely surpass all expectations.
This
tournament is specifically designed to attract participants from private
vessels, open charter boats, and more.
It is with deep appreciation that the MDRA anglers
acknowledge the pivotal role played by everyone in making this year’s event a
resounding success. To our esteemed participants, dedicated support staff, and
generous sponsors, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Your unwavering support and
contributions are the backbone of this event.
“The event was an awesome success with big fish and a potential record
fish that was weighed in on our certified scale!” said Myles Blatt the MDRA
President and this year’s Halibut Derby chairman.
