When we think about why people go fishing, several good reasons come to mind. The first is because it’s fun. Simple as that. Being outdoors in vast and beautiful Alaska with the chance to reel in a monster fish is one of the top reasons that people live here and one of the constant draws for visiting Alaska every summer.

Additionally, fishing offers a food source for many people and it is a form of relaxation for others. Likewise, fishing brings people together.

It could also be the best economic decision you make this year. What if boating a silver salmon around 22 pounds not only feeds your whole family through three meals, but also puts $15,000 in your bank account? That’s what would happen if you ended up winning the Valdez Silver Salmon Derby that runs from July 25 through September 6 this summer. In addition to the overall silver derby, Valdez is home to the first annual Women’s Silver Salmon Derby that I love to fish each year, as well as a Kid’s Pink Derby in July and their season-long halibut derby. If you are heading to Valdez, be sure to fish the derbies and check out valdezfishderbies.com.

You could be visiting Homer on your annual trip fishing for halibut to take home for your winter feasting. Then, lo and behold, a 348-pound barn door gets you over $45,000 in prize money. That’s more than some annual salaries and that’s what you get if you land the largest halibut between Memorial Day and Labor Day each summer while holding a derby ticket you bought to Alaska’s oldest and largest derby. Going on right now off the Spit is the 24th annual Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby and landing the biggest ’but isn’t the only way to earn money. Each year many businesses sponsor a tagged fish that is worth a designated cash value if caught by an angler with a valid derby ticket. When anglers fishing in the derby are lucky enough to catch one of these tagged fish, it could win them $500, $1,000 or even $10,000! You could also win the Released Fish prize, Kids and Lady Angler Prizes, or Lefty prize. For more information about the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby check out homerhalibutderby.com.

Not everyone takes home the grand prize, but the camaraderie and fun make it all worthwhile. Check out the statewide derby calendar on page 18 and pick your fishing trips according to derby dates. And, don’t forget to buy your derby tickets! Everyone has heard stories of the fish that would have won. If you want to be competitive, seek out the best charter captains. Be sure to get your dates reserved and your deposits made. After all, it is just a necessary investment in your budding fishing career.

And the savviest will realize that there’s another week of the Wrangell King Salmon Derby, and the Pelican King Salmon Derby is right around the corner, followed by the Kodiak Spring King Tournament, and in between all of these are the various halibut derbies. So, after you finish reading your new issue, get out your calendar and make your plans.

—Melissa Norris
Publisher