DERBY DELIGHT:
The Fish Alaska Statewide Guide to Fishing that Pays
by Melissa NorrisFishing and
Alaska, the two certainly seem to go together. Hundreds of thousands of
anglers flock to Alaskan waters each year for the opportunity to catch the
ultimate king salmon, drag in their own barn-door halibut, or land the elusive
trophy rainbow. These fish and more are all there, and everyone has an equal
chance, only some of these anglers are getting paid to participate in their
favorite pastime. They are winning derby tournaments statewide.
There are lots of chances to enter derbies in Alaska,
especially in our peak season, summertime. Derbies range from the Homer
Jackpot Halibut Derby to the Seward Silver Salmon Derby and many more, so when
planning your Alaskan adventure, you may want to consider planning around the
dates of these exciting events. It may even pay for your trip!
Halibut |
Silvers | Kings |
Winter Kings | Pinks | For Kids
Halibut
Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby
Over 17,000 tickets were purchased for the
2001 Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby, which boasts the largest cash jackpot
annually in the state of Alaska. The derby paid out a total of $153,300 in
2001. Each month prizes are awarded to the five largest halibut caught.
Winners receive $1,000 for first, $750 for second, $500 for third, $250
for fourth, and $125 for fifth. The jackpot prize is given to the largest
halibut caught during the May 1 to Labor Day tournament. There are also
100-plus tagged fish worth $500, $1000, $5000, and $10,000.
This year’s derby winner was Tom Barkman of
Homer, Alaska, who caught a 322.8-pound halibut on July 1, 2001. The hard
part for Barkman was waiting the 2 months for the derby to end to confirm
that he was the winner. He received over $34,000, which is the largest
jackpot the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby has ever awarded. For the winning
halibut, Barkman was fishing on the Brazen with Captain Mike Swan of
Silver Fox Charters.
In 1996 the largest halibut eligible for the Homer
Halibut Derby was caught, a 379-pound halibut landed by Jerry Meindeers
who fished with Sea Nile Charters.
There is a new prize this year for releasing larger
fish. Thirty-seven anglers released halibut over 80 pounds and were
entered into a drawing for $5,000.
Derby fees are $7 and must be purchased for each day of
fishing. With the lack of any boundary limits for the derby, the only criteria
remains that the boat must leave the Homer harbor to be eligible to win.
For more information on the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby,
visit www.homerhalibutderby.com or call Linda Winters, Derby Coordinator,
Homer Chamber of Commerce at (907) 235-7740.
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Seward Jackpot Halibut Derby
Cash prizes totaling $875 are awarded to three winners each
week for the 14-week tournament. Prizes are awarded based on random target
weights ranging from 60 to 120 pounds. A grand prize jackpot winner is
determined at the end of the tournament. There are also special prizes,
tagged fish, merchandise prizes, and more!
The western boundary for the Seward Jackpot Halibut
Derby lies at Hoof Point, 150 degrees 18 minutes, and the eastern boundary
at Cape Cleare, 147 degrees 50 minutes west longitude. The derby’s
southern boundary is a point at 59 degrees 12 minutes north latitude.
The new format of the Seward Halibut Derby where anglers
target a certain weight is deemed to be excellent for the conservation of
feeder fish. A computer generates a new target weight each week.
The three-month tournament is scheduled to begin May 1,
2002. The entry fees for the tournament are $35 for anglers over age 6 for
the entire derby or $5 each day. For information on rules and regulations
for the tournament, visit www.sewardak.org.
Unalaska/Dutch Harbor Halibut Derby
The Unalaska/Dutch Harbor Halibut Derby boasts some of
the largest halibut caught in the world, with four out of the six
derby-winning halibut weighing in at over 300 pounds.
The winner for the 2001 derby was Derald Monroe, a
former Alaska resident now living in Washington state, who caught a
279-pound halibut. The current record holder, Jack Tragis, is a Fairbanks,
Alaska, resident. His world record halibut weighed in at 459 pounds and
was caught while fishing with Captain Henry Olson. According to Mya Renken,
Executive Director of the Unalaska/Dutch Harbor Convention and Visitor’s
Bureau, Tragis brings his friends to the derby every year with hopes of
catching the new world record and winning the $100,000 prize.
The 2002 Unalaska/Dutch Harbor Halibut Derby is
scheduled for June 3 through August 31. Tickets are $10 daily, $50 weekly,
$100 monthly, or $200 seasonally. Prizes range from the $1,000 monthly
prize to the $6,000 overall derby prize.
The derby is sponsored cooperatively by the
Unalaska/Dutch Harbor Chamber of Commerce, the Unalaksa/Dutch Harbor
Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and the City of Unalaska’s harbor office.
Proceeds from ticket sales are donated to area high school students for
college scholarships. Roughly $12,000 was raised in 2001.
Contact the Unalaska/Dutch Harbor Chamber of Commerce at
(907) 581-4242 for more information.
Valdez Halibut Derby
With a top prize of $10,000 the Valdez Halibut Derby ran
from May 6 until September 5 in 2001. The winning fish is not the largest
halibut caught during the tournament, but the fish that is closest to the
random target weight instead. This method is used as an effort to conserve
the large feeder fish.
At the end of the derby, the grand prizewinners are
drawn from everyone who has entered the derby. Tickets are $6 each day,
$15 for three days, and $35 for the length of the derby.
Contact the Valdez Chamber of Commerce for more
information about the Valdez Halibut Derby at (907) 835-2330.
Ninilchik Halibut Derby
The grand prize for this annual halibut derby is $2,500
and a halibut tail mount donated by Ninilchik Fish Mounts. Sponsored by
the Ninilchik Chamber of Commerce, the Ninilchik Halibut Derby runs from
Father’s Day to Labor Day annually.
Tickets are $5 each day or $20 per week. For more
information about the Ninilchik Halibut Derby, call the Ninilchik Chamber
of Commerce at (907) 567-3571
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Silver Salmon
Seward Silver Salmon Derby
The Seward Silver Salmon Derby offers prizes totaling
over $150,000. The annual event, coordinated by the Seward Chamber of
Commerce, includes daily prizes, mystery fish drawings, tagged fish worth
up to $50,000, and prizes for the 50 heaviest silvers. Julie Taurianen,
Executive Director of the Seward Chamber of Commerce, affirmed the derby’s
popularity, saying, "The Seward Silver Salmon Derby is the largest derby
on the West Coast—all the way down to Cabo".
John Westlund of Anchorage, Alaska caught the 2001
derby-winning coho, with his hefty 20.59-pound silver. Since 1956, only
two non-residents of Alaska have won the derby.
The Seward Silver Salmon Derby runs around the clock.
The 2001 event took place in Resurrection Bay and began at 6 a.m. on
Saturday, August 11, and ran until Sunday, August 19, at noon. The 2002
derby is scheduled for August 10-18. The derby boundary limits are an
imaginary line from Cape Resurrection to Aialik Cape.
A $10,000 tagged fish was caught midway through the 1999
derby by Mike Kukowski. Amazingly, Kukowski reeled in the silver around 9
a.m., but he and his fellow anglers failed to notice the small pink tag
dangling from its dorsal fin. The small coho, weighing a measly 8.14 pounds,
wasn’t found to be the winning tagged fish until the anglers came in for the
day and began to clean their fish. Kukowski fished with Captain Bill Colson of
the Snow Yacht. When they were asked if they were coming back the following
year, Mike and his fishing partners replied, "Is this some kind of trick
question?"
The tagged fish are sponsored by a variety of companies that
award money and prizes for catching them. Simrad Marine Electronics is a major
sponsor of the Seward Silver Salmon Derby. They award $500 to the first three
anglers who bring in silvers over 17.5 pounds and give away some of their
equipment to winners. Simrad also will award $10,000 if a new derby record is
set and if the angler who set it has official Simrad equipment on board, they
will give another $10,000.
The Seward Chamber of Commerce donates some proceeds from
the derby to the restocking of Resurrection Bay. In 2001, $15,000 was raised,
while in 2000 the Chamber donated $25,000. Any fish caught during the derby
are the property of the Seward Chamber of Commerce. Anglers can purchase their
fish for $3. The remaining fish are sold to Seward Fisheries, a subsidiary of
Icicle Seafoods, creating the funds that are donated for restocking. The
Chamber holds a special permit for this process.
Fees for the Seward Silver Salmon Derby are $35 for the
entire derby or $10 per day. Contact the Seward Chamber of Commerce for more
information at (907) 224-8051.
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Ship Creek Silver Salmon Derby
Ship Creek hosts an annual derby for silver salmon that
begins on the first Friday in August and lasts for 10 days. The boundaries for
the derby extend from the Chugiak Power Plant (marked by a cable crossing Ship
Creek) 100 feet down to the mouth of Ship Creek.
Tim Rardin, Anchorage Salmon Derby Coordinator, says, "A lot
of the derby’s participants are Anchorage-area residents, but airline pilots
and tourists tend to fish for a day or so." Matt Baxter of Anchorage caught
the 14.4-pound silver that took the 2001 crown.
Entry fees for the derby are $7 each day or $30 for the
entire derby. Anglers also have the option of upgrading tickets to the "pro
class" for $5 and the chance to win a bigger prize. The grand prize for the
Ship Creek Silver Salmon Derby is $3,000, plus there is a chance to catch
$5,000, $7,500 and $10,000 tagged fish.
Proceeds from the derby are donated to the Foster
Grandparents and Senior Companion Program. The Ship Creek Silver Salmon Derby
is completely manned by a staff of volunteers. For more information on how to
volunteer, contact Tim Rardin, Anchorage Salmon Derby Coordinator, at (907)
274-6472.
Valdez Silver Salmon Derby
The Valdez Silver Salmon Derby, sponsored by the Valdez
Chamber of Commerce, awards $10,000 to the angler who catches the largest
silver salmon during the August to September derby.
Last year’s derby-winning silver weighed 19.48 pounds. Tickets are $6 each
day, $15 for three days and $35 for the length of the derby.
Contact the Valdez Chamber of Commerce for more information about the Valdez
Silver Salmon Derby at (907) 835-2330.
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King Salmon
Ship Creek King Salmon Derby
The king salmon derby at Ship Creek begins on the first
Friday of June and lasts for 10 days. The boundaries for the derby extend from
the Chugiak Power Plant (marked by a cable crossing Ship Creek) 100 feet down
to the mouth of Ship Creek, like the boundaries for the silver salmon derby.
The entry fees are the same as the silver derby, but the
prizes are larger, including $5,000 for the largest king salmon. The Ship
Creek King Salmon Derby also benefits the Foster Grandparents and Senior
Companion Program.
For more information on the Ship Creek King Salmon Derby,
e-mail Tim Rardin at salmon-derbies@alaska.com.
Ketchikan King Salmon Derby
The Ketchikan King Salmon Derby is sponsored by CHARR, the
Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant, & Retailers Association of Ketchikan. The popular
community event has been an important fundraiser for 50 years and has paid for
the original Welcome Arch and even supported the Deer Mountain Hatchery at one
point. In the last fifteen years, while sponsored by the Ketchikan Chamber of
commerce, the derby has funded survival training and search and rescue
organizations. It will continue to sponsor community organizations now that
CHARR has taken over the sponsorship reins.
The derby runs for three weekends. In 2002 the derby will be
held from May 25-27, June 1-2, and June 8-9, with the awards banquet to be
held on June 15.
Boundary limits are the waters of Western Behm Canal,
Clarence Strait, Revilla Channel, and Felice Strait. They are bounded by a
line from Escape Point to Point Francis in Western Behm Canal. The western
boundary is a line from Ship Island to Lyman Point. The southern boundary is
line from Rip Point south of Moira Sound through Percy Point in the Percy
Islands to Point White on Duke Island. The eastern boundary is a line from
Grave Point on Duke Island to the tip of Edge Point on Mary Island, then by a
line from Giant Point on Mary Island to Point Alava, including the bays and
inlets within these bounds. Fishing is strictly prohibited within 3,000 feet
of Annette Island (see map).
Derby tickets cost $30 for individuals and $50 for families
(family tickets include spouses and children under 16). Prizes range from over
$10,000 for the first-place winner to a Holland America Cruise and cash for
second place. Prizes are awarded in the form of cash, merchandise, and gift
certificates all the way up to 35th place, making the Ketchikan King Salmon
Derby a very lucrative derby to enter. There is even a $100,000 tagged fish.
Contact CHARR at (907) 225-2077 or visit
www.ketchikancharr.com for more information about the Ketchikan King Salmon
Derby.
King of Kings Salmon Tournament
This annual contest is hosted by Waterfall Resort Alaska in
Ketchikan. Fishing for king salmon, the prizes awarded include a variety of
merchandise. The Waterfall Grand Prize Drawing was a 2001 Ford F-10 Pickup
Explorer this past year. The 13th annual King of Kings Salmon Tournament will
kick off in 2002 and is open to Waterfall Resort guests only.
There are 21 total prizes, plus the grand prize drawing and
the King of Kings Award. Seven prizes are awarded monthly in the three-month
tournament, ranging in value and in the form of merchandise. Weekly prizes of
three nights and four days at Waterfall Resort are awarded for the largest
king salmon caught.
Additionally, there are prizes given for the largest silver
salmon caught, as well as three monthly coho prizes.
Tickets are $50 and are valid for the length of the season.
Please contact Waterfall Resort at (800) 544-5125 for more information or
visit www.waterfallresort.com.
Golden North Salmon Derby
The Golden North Salmon Derby in Juneau, Alaska, is a summer
fishing event that began in 1947. People from the community participate to
support the purpose of the derby and spend the weekend in pursuit of king
salmon and silver salmon. They compete for prizes donated by local businesses
and individuals. People who are not competing for the top fish prize sell
their fish to benefit Juneau’s high school students. The proceeds from the
sale of these fish minus the expenses of cleaning and handling are given to
the Territorial Sportsmen Scholarship Foundation.
Since 1953 the Territorial Sportsmen Scholarship Foundation
has awarded 201 scholarships totaling over one million dollars to deserving
young people. Four-year scholarships for high school graduating seniors are
available as well as scholarships for graduate study. Scholarships for
vocational training are also available.
The first 100 entrants who catch the largest salmon have
their choice of any one of the prizes except that first prize goes to the
largest fish, the 55th prize goes to the 55th top weight, and prize number 100
is reserved for the person catching the 100th top weight. The first place
winner receives merchandise prizes and $15,000 cash. The 55th prize is $750
cash and a $100 flower arrangement. The 100th prize is $1,000 cash.
Anglers over age 13 must purchase a $35 ticket for the
duration of the derby. Entrants 12 and under pay $10 for derby tickets. The
2002 derby is schedule for August 23-25.
Derby boundaries are those waters north and east of a line
from Pt. Couverden on the Chilkat Peninsula to the point of land known locally
as Pt. Lizard Head, which is located on the west shore of Admiralty Island,
approximately four nautical miles south of Clear Point at Funter Bay. Pt.
Lizard Head is located at 58 degrees 14 minutes north latitude and 134 degrees
54 minutes west longitude. The waters south of a line from Point Bridget on
the mainland to Point Whidbey on the Chilkat Peninsula and St. James Bay are
part of the derby grounds. The southern boundaries are those waters south and
west of a line from the shore marker at Cooper Point to the marker at Greeley
Point in Taku Inlet, and those waters north of a line from Point Styleman to
Twin Point on the Glass Peninsula.
Please visit www.salmonderby.org for more information about
the Golden North Salmon Derby.
Wrangell King Salmon Derby
2002 will mark the 50th annual King Salmon Derby in
Wrangell. Boundaries start at Babbler Point to Point Highfield, then to the
eastern entrance of Bligh Slough on Mitkof Island, then to Point Alexander,
then to Point Colpoys following the Prince of Wales shoreline to Narrow Point,
then across to Watkins Point and following the mainland back to Babbler Point.
The angler who catches the largest king salmon will be
awarded $6,000. Second place receives $4,000 and third place receives $2,000.
There is also an opportunity to catch one of the two tagged kings worth
$10,000.
In addition to the big awards, there are a lot of other
prizes in the derby, from the $250 awarded to the largest king caught by a
person who is 65 or older to the Super Bonus prize of $500 for the first king
over 50 pounds.
Individual tickets are $25 for the derby. Contact the
Wrangell Chamber of Commerce at (907) 874-3901 for more information on the
Wrangell King Salmon Derby.
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Mat-Su Valley King Salmon Derby
The Matanuska-Susitna Valley King Salmon Derby runs from the
end of May to the beginning of July each year. The derby boundaries include
the Susitna Drainages and the Little Susitna River, Units 1-6 (as identified
on page 42 of the 2001 Alaska Department of Fish & Game’s Regulations
Summary).
Prizes vary each year in the form of merchandise. The overall derby grand
prize in 2001 was a Jayco Qwest 8U camper from A&M RV Center won by Jeff Lapp
for a 53-pound king salmon.
Tickets are $20 for an adult for the entire derby, $5 for an
adult for one day and $5 for a youth for the entire derby.
Contact the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce for more information
at (907) 376-1299 or visit their web site at www.wasillachamber.org.
Calcutta Auction and Saltwater King Salmon Derby
The May 10-11, 2002, event begins on a Friday night with
dinner and an auction held at the Anchor River Inn in Anchor Point. During the
auction, participants bid for the boat they think will bring in the largest
king salmon in Anchor Point. Boats are entered into the derby for $20. The
boundaries are from Dimond Creek to Stariski Point.
The highest bidder at the auction receives half of all
proceeds, while the angler who catches the largest king receives one quarter
of the proceeds and the remaining quarter goes to the South Peninsula
Sportfishing Association.
The event is sponsored by the South Peninsula Sportfishing
Association and the Anchor Point Chamber of Commerce. Call the Anchor Point
Chamber of Commerce at (907) 235-2600 or visit www.xyz.net/~apoc for more
information about the Calcutta Auction and Saltwater King Salmon Derby.
Ninilchik King Salmon Derby
Sponsored by the Deep Creek Charterboat Association, the
Ninilchik King Salmon Derby runs from May 1 to June 15 annually. The derby
boundaries are the saltwater fishery between Deep Creek and Stariski Creek.
Tickets cost $3 each day with the opportunity to win $1,000
plus a king salmon mount donated by Ninilchik Fish Mounts. There are other
second and third place prizes, plus a weekly smallest and largest fish prize.
Contact the Ninilchik Chamber of Commerce for more
information at (907) 567-3571.
Winter Kings
Annual Winter King Salmon Tournament
Homer is home to the Annual Winter King Salmon Tournament, a
one-day event to be held in 2002 on March 24. Boundaries are limited to
Kachemak Bay. The Homer Chamber of Commerce shares a map with participants for
the event.
Entry fees are $100 with the prizes for individual winners
based on a percentage of those fees. Homer resident John Bolbos won over
$7,000 for his 40.89-pound feeder king salmon in 2001.
Contact the Homer Chamber of Commerce for more information
at (907) 235-7740 or visit www.homeralaska.org.
Pink Salmon
Valdez Pink Salmon Derby
The Valdez Pink Salmon Derby, sponsored by the Valdez
Chamber of Commerce, awards $750 to the angler who catches the largest pink
salmon during the derby from late June until the end of July.
Last year’s derby-winning pink weighed 8.57 pounds.
Tickets are $6 each day, $15 for three days, and $35 for the
length of the derby. Contact the Valdez Chamber of Commerce for more
information about the Valdez Pink Salmon Derby at (907) 835-2330.
For Kids
Kid’s All-American Fishing Derby
The annual Kid’s All-American Fishing Derby takes place on
the Saturday of National Fishing Week (the first full week of June each year)
on the Anchor River. It is an event of Hooked on Fishing International.
Only children are allowed to participate in this event where
they try to catch the largest king salmon, in hopes of proceeding on to state
and national competitions. Kids also can enter casting contests. Prizes are
won locally for the largest king salmon and for casting expertise. Fishing
takes place from 6 a.m. until noon in the only open water for king salmon on
that river this time of year.
The event in Anchor Point, is free and for kids under age
16. Families and contestants are invited to a complimentary picnic at the
Anchor Angler Tackle Shop during this event.
The Kid’s All-American Fishing Derby is locally sponsored by
the Anchor Point Chamber of Commerce and the Anchor Angler Tackle Shop.
Contact the Anchor Point Chamber of Commerce at (907) 235-2600 for more
information.
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