Supporting military personnel through fishing

Armed Services combat fishing derby takes to the water May 21 in Seward Alaska.

By MIKE CAMPBELL

There’s nothing like a hog of a halibut to signal the start of the fishing season, and Homer angler Tom Barkman has obliged.

Barkman shot to the top of Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby this week with a 170-pound flatfish. He had a good fishing adviser. Barkman, according to derby officials, dropped lines with Chugiak angler Jerry Saunders, who won the 2007 derby with the third largest fish in derby history, a 358-pounder.

Neither man could be reached Wednesday. Both were fishing.

Hundreds of military men and women will join them next week when the Armed Services Combat Fishing Tournament celebrates its third year in Seward on Thursday, May 21.

The idea of Saltwater Safari owner Bob Candopolous and buddy Keith Manternach, president of Specialty Truck and Auto Inc. in Anchorage, the combat fishing derby has been embraced by most charter operators on Resurrection Bay and garnered support from businesses outside the area.

After the economy began to sour last year, Candopolous and Manternach worried about pulling off this year’s derby, but they say community support has been overwhelming.

"The phones began to ring, and one by one the Seward charter fleet stepped up … despite the fact that their futures are so uncertain in the present economy," the derby’s Web site notes. "(It) is a tremendous testament to the extreme patriotism of all Alaskans. Our Armed Service members would never turn their backs on us, and Alaskans won’t turn their backs on them."

Nearly 400 servicemen are expected to fish this year on more than 30 fishing boats that have donated their services for the day.

Top prize is a $20,000 credit for a new vehicle from a Lithia dealership in Anchorage. Secondary prizes include an all-terrain-vehicle and a $5,000 credit from Anchorage Suzuki Arctic Cat.

"I worked myself right out of a fishing trip by making it too big," Manternach joked on Wednesday. "But I get to do plenty of fishing during the year."

The tournament historically began small with 66 military anglers aboard Candopolous’ two boats. Now it’s one of the largest military appreciation fishing tournaments in the country.

"The Seward fishing charter fleet, they’ve really stepped up without asking for anything in return," Manternach said. "I think after last year it became obvious we’re going to stick with this thing."

Fishing from one of Candopolous’ boats last year, Staff Sgt. Mike Hester bagged a 121.4 pound halibut to claim the derby’s top prize.

While he was the biggest winner, there were no losers.

To a man, the servicemen invited said it was good to feel appreciated with a free halibut charter.

"The only return we have is a nice warm fuzzy feeling," Manternach said. "But that’s a lot."

Dreams of big halibut now dominate one end of the mid-May fishing agenda for the region, but there are plenty of Alaskans gearing up to chase the smallest sport fish of the year. Hooligan are now headed into Twentymile River near Portage to spawn.

The oily fish were traditionally dried for use as candles as well as eaten. They are now mainly eaten fresh, frozen, dried or smoked.

Only Alaska residents carrying a valid fishing license or Fish and Game ID card can net them in this personal-use fishery. Watch for eagles and seagulls on sandbars off the river mouth to pinpoint hooligan on the move.

Elsewhere:

• Anchorage Area — King salmon fishing at Ship Creek remains very cool despite the warm days. Lake fishing for trout, grayling or arctic char is picking up.

For a twist, put down your rod and pick up a bow to test your accuracy by trying to nail some northern pike with a fish-point arrow. Toothy pike are spawning now, and Sand and Lower Fire lakes are good spots.

• Resurrection Bay — Improving weather is luring halibut and rockfish into shallower water, with most flatfish under 30 pounds.

• Kenai Peninsula — Salmon anglers are counting the days until Saturday’s Anchor River opening at 12:01 a.m.. Fishing continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday. Don’t expect much, but bait is legal. Offshore, trollers working areas near Anchor Point, Whiskey Gulch and Deep Creek are, however, picking up some kings.

• Mat-Su — Tons of excellent lake fishing can be found throughout Mat-Su, including rainbow trout at Kepler-Bradley, grayling at Canoe Lake and pike in the Nancy Lake Recreation Area lakes. Rumors of the first king caught in the Deshka River have surfaced. But remember, no bait is permitted and kings can only be kept on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.