The MDRA Board of Directors announces a new format for its 2011 MDR Halibut Derby. "We have re-invented our MDR Halibut Derby," said Bob Kissling, MDRA's President. The 2011 MDR Halibut Derby will be a one day event held on Saturday, May 14. The geographical boundaries allowed to fish will be expanded. Other fish species will also be eligible for prizes and a special 20% weight credit for live halibut releases will be given to anglers to encourage a new catch and release ethic.

"We were looking for ways to make our traditional derby more inclusive to more anglers and at the same time put less pressure of our very local halibut stocks," said Ken Raymond, Director of this year's MDR Halibut Derby. Making it a one day event and lowering the entry cost to only $30 makes it simple for anybody to participate. Expanding the area allowed to fish outside the Santa Monica Bay, including other species and giving a weight credit for released halibut will also put much less pressure on local halibut stocks and allow all anglers a really good chance at catching an eligible fish. Sand Bass, Rock Fish, White Seabass and of course halibut will be eligible for trophies. "Changing it from a 2 day event to a one day event makes it much less expensive and much more accessible to all anglers. Small private boaters and kayakers will especially appreciate the shorter time on the water," said Raymond.

So mark your calendars and be sure to join the 2011 MDR Halibut Derby on Saturday, May 15. This will be a great event and derby veterans and first timers are encouraged to join the fun.


MDRA is making it very simple to register for this year's 2011 MDR Halibut Derby. All you have to do is sign up at the fishing seminar May 4th starting at 7:00PM or Thursday May 12, and Friday May 13 from 4:00 to 7 P.M at Burton Chase Park. The entry will be only $30.

Marina del Rey Anglers is a fishing and conservation group and a non profit 501(c)3 organization. Proceeds from the MDR Halibut Derbies have traditionally funded the club's well known and respected MDRA Youth Fishing Program, its White Seabass Pens in Marina Del Rey and various other critical marine environmental and conservation programs. It hosts over 500 children from at risk environments and future anglers to fishing trips each summer and has released nearly 100,000 white seabass from its WSB grow out pens in Marina Del Rey. MDRA welcomes new members and all donations. Please send any donations or raffle items and checks to MDRA, c/o Bob Godfrey, 13082 Mindanao Way, # 25, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292. For more information visit www.halibutderby.com or call Bob Kissling at 818/991-3122.