Few activities are more fun than fishing in Alaska. Like fishing in Alaska and competing for money if you catch the largest fish. All around the Greatland derbies are in full swing and there's still time to run down to the local tackle dealer, grab your derby ticket, get out on the water and get the big one.

In the month of July alone we have the Baranof Island Salmon Derby, Homer Independence Day Halibut Tournament, Kodiak Peace Cup King Salmon Sportfishing Tournament, Mat-Su King Salmon Derby, Ninilchik Halibut Derby, Valdez Halibut Derby, Valdez Silver Salmon Derby, Whittier Halibut Derby and the new Valdez Kid's Pink Salmon Derby.

Derbies are a great way to get everyone involved. The new Valdez Kid's Pink Salmon Derby is a one-day-only event on July 19. There are four age divisions from 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, and 14-16, each with their own top three prizes. And, there is a commemorative t-shirt for the first 125 kids that weigh in their fish. A free barbecue for ticket holders that weigh in fish followed by an awards ceremony for the kids is a fun outdoor activity to culminate the day.

Fishing in the bay in Valdez is a blast as I am reminded each year when I attend my "pet derby" the Women's Silver Salmon Sisterhood Derby in Valdez on August 9th this year. I take an annual trip with my friend Pudge, owner of Women's Flyfishing and we fish the derby and help present at the opening and closing ceremonies, two of the most fun evenings of the year.

Pudge auctions off a filleting bachelor at the opening event.

We pack a room full of lady anglers who laugh and have too much fun. For many it is an annual "girls weekend." Pudge and Lori Praxe, owner of the local radio station, auction off a handful of bachelors to fillet fish for the top bidding ladies the next day during the derby. Thousands of dollars are then donated to breast cancer research.

The following evening involves more laughter and fun while the Valdez Fish Derbies gives away an absurd amount of prizes followed by the crowning of the winner. Last year's winner, Sonya Simon of Tok, Alaska, shares a special story of losing her rod to the ocean during the derby the year before and having it returned by her father at the closing ceremony of the 2007 Valdez Women's Silver Salmon Derby after he had fished it off the bottom of the ocean in Valdez only days before. Sonya won the derby with her 18.32 pound silver salmon.

For more information about any of the derbies in Alaska, visit the derby page at fishalaskamagazine.com and also check out our new Valdez web pages online at our site where you can learn more about the Valdez Fish Derbies and the community of Valdez. See you at the Women's Derby next month.

-Melissa Norris
Publisher, Fish Alaska