(News Release: From Larry Brown for??Marina Del Rey Anglers, 4230 Del Rey Avenue, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292)

Get ready to start your engines or launch your kayaks. The 33rd Annual Halibut Derby will take place April 21 and 22, 2007.

"Our sponsors are really kicking it up a notch this year," derby co-chair Ken Raymond said. "The prizes, silent auction items and raffle prizes are just incredible. You really can't afford not to show up!"

Marina Del Rey Toyota is providing an opportunity for another lucky angler to drive away with a new Toyota Tundra truck for the largest halibut over 50 pounds. Trucks have been awarded twice in the last four years! The top prizes include awesome fishing vacations donated by Van Wormer's beautiful??Hotel Punta Colorada, The Inn at Mazatlan, El Cid, Las Flores Resort and Las Rocas Resort & Spa.

A huge silent auction and super raffle will mean incredible deals and prizes for fishing vacations at Sitka Point Lodge, Lisianski Inlet Wilderness Lodge, Sitka Seaside Lodge, Rancho Leonero Resort, long range trips on the Vagabond and Intrepid and even high tech fishing kayaks being donated by Malibu Kayaks and Cobra Kayaks.

"This year's entry will pay for itself," claimed co-chair Stan Zisser. There will be over $60,000 worth of prizes, raffle items and silent auction items. Marina Del Rey Toyota is offering a fleet discount for huge savings on a new Toyota to any body bringing in proof of participation in the MDR Halibut Derby.

The Marina Del Rey Courtyard Marriott is also offering a special price to MDR Halibut Derby participants. Be sure to call 800/321-2211 and mention the code name Marina Del Rey Halibut Derby.

Kayaks represent the fastest growing sector of the fishing industry and we are rolling out the red carpet this year for our kayak angling friends. Kayakers will be eligible for all the regular prizes but will be guaranteed bragging rights and a place on the winner's podium because the derby is offering a separate kayak jackpot and beautiful trophies for the top 3 halibut landed by kayakers.

All of our sponsors know the proceeds from the MDR Halibut Derby fund the MDRA Youth Fishing Program, in which about 1,200 kids from at risk environments and special needs facilities are taken fishing each summer. They also go to other charitable and marine conservation activities like the MDR white seabass growout pens where local MDRA volunteers have released nearly 100,000 healthy juvenile white seabass back into the wild.

Signing up is easy. You can print a registration form from www.halibutderby.com and mail it in, sign up at the halibut catching seminar on April 11 at 7PM at Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey, or come to the last minute sign ups desk also at Burton Chace Park between 3PM and 8PM, Monday through Friday, April 16 ??? 20.

Please carefully release the small ones and do your part to protect your fisheries and environment. For more information please visit www.halibutderby.com or call 310/827-4855.