2009 MDR Halibut Derby - 1st Place Photos Page

A hearty "Well Done" to the crew of Camp Muro!

Noah and Jim Muro

  James Muro of Woodland Hills won top honors with his 41.1 pound halibut

James selected as his prize the fishing vacation for two at the gorgeous Rivers Inlet Sportsman’s Club in British Columbia.  Rivers Inlet is world famous for the huge salmon and world record for the largest Chinook salmon ever caught, 126 pounds!  Anglers flock from around the world just to experience world class salmon fishing at its very best. James and his guest will be pampered for 4 days and 3 nights at Rivers Inlet Sportsman’s Club and will be treated to 3 days of fishing, gourmet meals and stunning scenery.  He also received a check for $800 to help pay for airfare between LAX and Vancouver.  

James has recently relocated from Oxnard/Channel Islands area.  This is his second time to be entered into the MDR Halibut Derby.  And he recalled someone from that event telling him about fishing 80 feet of water near Topanga.  So that is the area he planned to fish over the weekend.  This big lunker surprised everyone on board his boat "Camp Muro" when it came up on the first drift at 9 am on Saturday.  They happened to be in approx 60 feet of water near the N/W end of the Santa Monica Reef at the time.  Jim says "It never saw the boat as it came up with the White Side up looking downward when we gaffed it."  Paul did the gaffing duties.  He fondly recalled how everyone was whooping it up for a while after the fish was on the deck, then after the gaff was removed it was the fishes turn to dance about the boat.  The three men and two boys on board each having their own worried thoughts about it jumping out of the boat as they watched the display of power.

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Barry on the Left knows he has been beat.
Jim on the right is ear to ear Grin!

The happy crew of the Camp Muro

The 35th Annual Marina Del Rey Halibut Derby held April 4^th and 5^th 2009 was an outstanding success because of the participants and the fine fish above.  The participants show dedication and commitment for the causes of Youth Fishing and Fish Restoration.

At the Weds April 8th MDRA club meeting Jim was presented with the
Perpetual Trophy and had an opportunity to tell the gathering about his
incredible catch of the winning 41 pound halibut.

Jim and his family were all happy and shared the jubilation with an enrapt audience.  His name will be inscribed on the perpetual trophy.  This trophy has been displayed in several prominent display cases around the marina.  Most recently it is in the reception area at the DRYC. 

We say Thank You

Thanks to all derby participants and to the many dedicated volunteers from MDR Anglers, Hubbs Seaworld and the California DFG for a great event. MDRA President Ken Raymond noted the incredible support and generosity of all of the sponsors who make this event possible. Derby Chairmen Stan Zisser, Ken Raymond and Josh Gerson want to remind all participants that our generous sponsors are in business to sell products, and the best and most appropriate way to show our appreciation is to review the list of donors from your derby brochure or from www.halibutderby.com , and to use this list as a guide when planning your Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthday and Christmas shopping.

Please tell those business owners (our sponsors) how much we all appreciate their support of the Halibut Derby.

And from all of the volunteers and members of MDRA, Thanks again to all the participants.  You all helped to support the future of fishing.

All who Fished in the derby are invited to post
your Fishing Story on MDRAnglers Message Board

Download the Press Release in .doc format

Join Marina Del Rey Anglers - Membership Form

This Halibut Derby is produced by a bunch of
volunteers from the MDRA fishing club.

Note: photos from the derby are (c) MDRAnglers and shot by professional fishing photographer, Anna Diaz.

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