Marina Del Rey Anglers is pleased to announce Brandon Hayward, noted saltwater fishing authority and author, will be the guest speaker at the Halibut Fishing Seminar to help anglers prepare for the popular annual MDR Halibut Derby.  The seminar will start promptly at 7:00 PM, March 11, 2009, at the recreation room at Burton Chace Park at the end of Mindanao Way in Marina Del Rey.  Arrive at 6:30 for social networking and a good seat.

Brandon Hayward is the saltwater editor for Western Outdoor News and the assistant editor for Western Outdoors. He holds a 100-ton Master's License from the United States Coast Guard, and spent over 1,000 days working on San Diego sportboats like the Excel, Pacific Queen, First String and Producer before starting his career as an outdoor writer/editor.

Hayward is currently working on his first book. Titled The Southern Angler, it is a how-to guide on Southern California sportfishing.

"It's great to share information with anglers that helps them catch more fish and enjoy their time on the water more," notes Hayward.

Brandon will provide a complete "how to" class for catching trophy halibut, so all anglers and halibut derby participants are encouraged to attend.  Information is power.  Knowledge or secrets learned at the March 11 seminar could be the competitive edge factor for victory on derby day.

Be sure to also mark your calendars for April 4 & 5, 2009, for the 35th Annual Marina Del Rey Halibut Derby.  Expect hundreds of happy anglers to compete for over $65,000 in cash and prizes. Win spectacular prizes and raffle items including deluxe fishing vacations to Sitka Point Lodge and River's Inlet Sportsman's Club, Hotel Punta Colorada, fishing trips on the Vagabond and other boats, as well as a shot at a brand new Toyota Tundra Truck from Marina Del Rey Toyota.  The derby dates have even been selected to take advantage of the best tide and moon cycle, so plan on coming out and being one of the big winners.

MDRA's President Kenneth Raymond said, "this 35th Anniversary of the MDR Halibut Derby is going to be very special.  I've been involved with this halibut derby for over 10 years, and it just keeps on getting better and better.  You've got to get out here and experience it.  Plus, it gives you a great feeling knowing 100% of the proceeds go to youth fishing programs and critical marine conservation projects."

There will be many ways to compete, and you certainly do not need to own your own boat.  Sportfishing boats, including the Betty-O out of Marina del Rey Sportfishing will dedicate the weekend to the halibut derby.  Kayakers and float tubers are consistently catching big halibut and we expect an even bigger contingent of kayak anglers out this year. 

The MDR Halibut Derby is one of the largest fishing tournaments on the west coast, boasts one of the largest assembly of cash and non cash prizes and is a ton of fun.  Two full days of fishing are followed by a huge awards dinner and prize ceremony.  All proceeds go to fund MDRA's youth fishing program and the White Seabass Ocean Enhancement Program.  So private boaters, party boaters and kayakers, mark your 2009 calendars for April 4 & 5 for the MDR Halibut Derby, and March 11 for the halibut fishing seminar.  Please visit www.halibutderby.com for more details.