Homer Alaska - News

The big day is almost here, and anglers like last year's winner Robert Say are scoping gear, calling for open spots on local boats and getting bets ready for the Winter King Salmon Tournament.

Starting bright and early Saturday with lines in at 9 a.m., each entrant will try for the heaviest king salmon they can reel in before lines come out at 4 p.m. They'll all be fishing with the hope of getting a share in the more than $100,000 in prizes.

Say of Anchorage plans to make a return trip to Homer and have another crack at the top prize at this year's tournament.

"I wouldn't miss it. We start getting psyched up for it on January 1. We make sure we got everything and go through the boat and make sure we're good to go," he said.

Say will be fishing on Waterwheels again this year and he says that he can hardly wait to get to Homer and hit the water.

"We're going to head down a couple of days early just to get some practice in," joked Say.

Entry into the tournament is $100 per person and fishing boundaries for the tournament are the same as last year — from the Coast Guard marker light at Anchor Point on a line at 5946'113" as the northernmost boundary to just south of Point Pogibishi on a line at 5925'00" as the southernmost boundary, and a west boundary at 15200'00".

Tickets and registration can be purchased at Nomar, Ulmer's Drug & Hardware, Redden Marine, the Sport Shed and the Homer Chamber of Commerce up until 6 p.m. today and 8 p.m. Friday. Tickets can be purchased at the Coal Point Trading Company the day of the tournament.

There are still more anglers than boats who want to participate, so those with space on boats are encouraged to call the chamber.

"So far I've got a waiting list now of people looking for a spot so they can get out there and fish. When we have a captain call in and say that they have open space we give the top names on the list those spots," said Paula Frisinger, the chamber organizer of the tournament.

Of course the Winter King Salmon Tournament isn't just for charter operators or the big boats. It's something that anyone with their own craft can get in on.

"I know a lot of captains are keeping an eye on the weather before deciding whether to splash or not. But for anyone out there that wants to get your boats undone, come on down and have a great time with the rest of us," said Frisinger.

Weather is always a variable for the tournament, and with the recent blizzard activity it is tough to say just how this year is going to shape up, but Frisinger remains optimistic.

"It's the first day of spring," she said, noting that the tournament has happened with weather worse than what the area recently has experienced.

While Frisinger may not be able to guarantee sun, she does forecast one certainty for the tournament: "It's going to be a fun time."

Last year's tournament drew 804 anglers, 227 boats, 70 fish caught and $101,381 in total cash payout and 2010 looks to be just as good.

For those looking not to get their lines wet this year, side bets will also be taken on winning vessels and the classic fave bet, Skunk Bet, a bet against your favorite boat getting stuck out in the cold without a king to show for its efforts.

In addition to plenty of fishing on Saturday, there will be a pre-tournament party at Duggan's Waterfront Pub, beginning at 6 p.m. Friday. The awards party will be at 5 p.m. Saturday at Coal Point Seafoods. There will be a side-bet party at 8 p.m. Saturday at Duggan's.

For more information, check out the chamber's Web site at www.homeralaska.org/winterkingsalmonderby/index.htm or call the chamber at 235-7740.