DERBY DAYS IN VALDEZ

‘IT’S GOING TO BE INSANE’

VALDEZ DERBIES EXPECT EVEN MORE PARTICIPATION DURING SUMMER EVENTS

BY CHRIS COCOLES

Even in Covid-a ected 2020 and 2021, the shows went on in Valdez, home of summers full of popular halibut and salmon derbies.

From having the Valdez Kid’s Pink Salmon Derby be virtual only, to limiting large groups at weigh-in sites for the silver salmon and halibut derbies, to installing hand-washing stations, the last two years were a challenge that the nonprofit organization that runs these multiple events passed with flying colors.

“The big thing that we do is that we have (derbies) from mid-May through Labor Day weekend and people can win prizes for that long of a period, and those people get really excited for the events,” says Laurie Prax, Valdez Fish Derbies marketing coordinator and one of seven local volunteer residents who run the derbies. “Everyone thought, ‘Oh no; what’s going to happen?’”

“The kid’s derby in that first year (2020), we just put together a form and the kids could upload their photos. And I want to think we had 700 entries. We had an overwhelming interest in that. (That convinced us) that the derbies could go on. And for a lot of people, that was a chance to put a little normal (into their lives). There’s a lot of room out there in the ocean, and (it could work) if we just tried to limit the number of people and limit the crowds at the weigh-in. So we put some of our events online. And it all worked out.”

And even as the pandemic remains something to be monitored closely, the 2022 series of derbies and special

Anglers will flock to Valdez again this summer for multiple fishing events, including the Valdez Halibut Derby. The community has weathered Covid restrictions to continue putting on these tournaments. (VALDEZ FISH DERBIES)

events will resemble 2021’s, with a few new twists included. And the excitement is palpable in this little Southcentral Alaska port community on Prince William Sound.

Prax, who also runs local radio station KVAK – six of the seven derby committee members have other full-time jobs – said there was some pressure during the heavier Covid restriction years to put on the derbies in some form and help local businesses get through what was a di cult time for tourism.

“It was rough right in the middle of it, but coming out on the other side, I’m glad we did – not just because it helped us get through a tough time, but because we’re in a better position for it,” she says. “More people have become exposed to our community. And it’s still pretty home-grown. So I think people really enjoy it and they’re bringing family that might be coming to visit. I think this has become a destination. In terms of what the hotels and RV parks are preparing for, it’s going to be a little busy; it’s going to be a lot busy.”

And Valdez is excited about the possibility of locals and even more outof-state visitors flocking into town for the marquee events. Those are the Valdez Halibut Derby, which kicked o May 21, and the Valdez Silver Salmon Derby, beginning July 23. Both conclude Sept. 4.

“It’s going to be insane. The indication is that people are so excited. We had a lot of (instate) people (last year) come anyway, because Fairbanks is becoming our friend. And I think a lot of people in Anchorage and Mat-Su couldn’t leave

VALDEZ FISH DERBIES SCHEDULE

• Halibut Derby: May 21-Sept. 4 • Halibut Hullabaloo: June 3-12 • Kids’ Pink Salmon Derby: July 23 • Silver Salmon Derby:

July 23-Sept. 4 • Big Prize Fridays: July 29 and

Sept. 2 • Tagged Fish Contest:

Aug. 12-Sept. 4 • Women’s Silver Salmon Derby:

Aug. 13

The Kid’s Pink Salmon Derby, scheduled for July 23, has become a successful virtual event, with participants taking photos of their catches.

(VALDEZ FISH DERBIES)

the state, so they were trying to find somewhere to go,” Prax says. “And they found us, which was great for our in-state (crowd). So we can’t thank (Alaskans) enough. For our little town, we have to have summer and have commerce. The fish derbies are a big part of that.”

SELFIES AND SCAVENGER HUNTS Caution during this summer’s activities remains the goal, meaning there won’t be any organized large gatherings compared to pre-Covid functions. But with some creative ideas, there will be no shortage of fun events available for those who purchase derby tickets or just plan to visit Valdez this summer.

An example is the Women’s Silver Salmon Derby, set for Saturday, Aug. 13. The festivities begin on Friday night, Aug. 12 with a bit of a scavenger hunt. Participants who sign up and get their dog tags necklace can visit various businesses that are sponsoring the derby and look for their tag numbers posted to win instant prizes. You can also take selfies and also qualify for prizes as part of what’s called “The Coho Cruise.” There will also be a costume contest. Go to valdezfishderbies.com/coho-cruisingevent-silver-scales for more information.

“What we’re trying to do is that this is designed to get people into the (Valdez) businesses (and sponsors), so the idea is that people are getting around town. And people really responded well to this. We picked up some new sponsors,” Prax says.

“Last year we had door prizes and gave them to 10 people. Now there's going to be more prizes, and if you look for your number you can win instantly, or you can go snap these photos and have a chance to win. … We’ll have a prize crew, so when people are visiting our businesses we’ll do a live show and give hints to where we are. We’re just trying to make it fun. If they see people with the dog tags around town, we’re going to hand out prizes.”

HALIBUT, SILVER SALMON DERBY TICKETS A BARGAIN The lengthy silver salmon and halibut derbies remain the big draw for anglers hoping to catch one of the fish Valdez is famous for and compete for the biggest fish of the summer ($10,000 for first, $3,000 for second and $1,500 for third). Tickets cost just $10 per day or $50 for a season-long pass for either the silver salmon or halibut tournaments.

Prax is grateful for local businesses that sell tickets and the port’s halibut charters, where customers can also enter and head

out for the opportunity to catch a very valuable flatfish.

And silver salmon ticket sales have increased in recent years as more instate anglers have traveled to Valdez for a chance to catch the plentiful coho in and around Valdez.

“Sometimes people just don’t buy a silver derby ticket, and they really should because your odds increase. Anyone can catch a 20-pound salmon,” Prax says. “And the sizes haven’t been crazy, so you really don’t know what’s going to win it. And (the fish) haven’t been coming in any special time of the year.”

“It’s also pretty easy to fish for silvers here. You can do it from shore if it’s the right time. It’s a little less expensive.”

COMMUNITY PRIDE SHINES With the Canadian border open again, Prax expects more Lower 48ers to drive north through British Columbia and into Alaska this summer. RV parks are already excited about the possibility of campers

In addition to the fishing on Aug. 13, the Women’s Silver Salmon Derby features a bit of a scavenger hunt and selfie contest at local businesses the Friday night before

the event. (VALDEZ FISH DERBIES) During this summer’s extended Valdez Silver Salmon and Halibut Derbies, participants can also pick up some bonus prizes for special “tournaments within the tournaments.”

During the halibut derby, the Halibut Hullabaloo will be from June 3-12 and features an extra $1,000 prize for the biggest fish caught during that time, in addition to the weekly and annual prizes. Just make sure to purchase your Valdez Halibut Derby ticket during that time period to be eligible.

“Halibut Hullabaloo is really just a fishing tournament within the tournament. It’s simple and you don’t have to do anything (new),” Valdez Fish Derbies marketing coordinator Laurie Prax says. “We’re finding that a lot of people come and fish that time specifically for that extra (prize). It’s $1,000 cash in addition to the regular prizes.”

For the Silver Salmon Derby, there are two special fishing days known as Big Prize Friday (July 29 and Sept. 2). The derby participant who catches the biggest coho gets an additional $500.

“With the Big Prize Friday, we wanted to see people more than just Saturday and Sunday. So we’re trying to incentivize the idea of coming down on a Friday,” Prax says. “Again, you don’t have to buy anything but your regular derby ticket and you can win extra cash the first Friday and the last Friday of the silver derby.”

Also returning this year is the Tagged Fish Contest, featuring 21 tagged salmon that represent various prizes, including valuable fish worth $5,000, $3,000 and $1,000, respectively, for lucky ticket holders fishing between Aug. 12 and Sept. 4. CC

These events are a huge part of tourism for Valdez and a chance for the community and the state to get involved. “We can’t thank (Alaskans) enough,” marketing coordinator Laurie Prax says. “For our little town, we have to have summer and have commerce. The fish derbies are a big part of that.” (VALDEZ FISH DERBIES) spending plenty of time in Valdez and buying halibut and silver salmon tickets.

“There are regular visitors who will stay at the parks for a month. And they couldn’t get through (the last couple years). And I think you have two years of pent-up (demand),” Prax says.

Locals who also have endured Covid lockdowns in 2020 and into 2021 are excited about the chance to get outside and fish – not to mention maybe capture the big cash prizes for the biggest halibut or salmon.

“I just think there are a lot of participants who live here and they are serious (anglers). They play to win. But I think overall what it does is just makes it more fun for them. I think it gives you that reason to go,” Prax says.

“But it’s not just to go out and win and not about the cash; it gives you a reason to get outside, and – good lord – don’t we need that right now?” ASJ

Editor’s note: For more on the Valdez Kid’s Pink Salmon Derby, see page 9. And go to valdezfishderbies.com for more information on this summer’s events.

Author Paul Atkins and son Eli shared many fishing and hunting adventures when they lived in Alaska. Eli is now a college student in Oklahoma, where Paul has moved back to, but the father-son bond is alive and well. (LEW PAGEL)

WE ARE FAMILY

FROM ALASKA TO OKLAHOMA, OUTDOOR ADVENTURES ARE SPECIAL FOR FATHERS AND SONS

BY PAUL D. ATKINS

Standing behind that tree, I remember thinking about how perfect things were. A perfect moment in time, when the world was right and there was nothing that really mattered. And even though the deer that was feeding towards me at 20 yards had no clue I even existed, it wasn’t really about the deer.

That is my life now – quite di erent than it used to be. I traded Alaskan tundra for hardwoods, and below-zero winter weather for Heartland of America hot, humid days. Was it a good trade? I don’t know yet; the jury is still out.

MY INTENTION WAS TO write a father-son story for Father’s Day, which is on June 19 this year. But what would I write about? Should it be about me and my son Eli’s adventures up north? I’ve done that many times and our relationship even fills a couple chapters in my book Atkins’ Alaska.

There is a rabbit story that has always been my favorite and one I’ve written about many times. Eli was 7 then and

we were up at Paul’s Slough (not mine personally, but I wish it was) in the middle of spring when we ran into a husk of snowshoe hares – big and white and camouflaged in the frozen willows.

Eli took his first and I was able to get it on camera. It was a special day and one of my fondest memories.

Then there was the Kobuk River caribou saga with my buddy Lew Pagel, which was also exciting. Those big bulls were tired from their epic journey south and without a hint of care just laid down right there on the bank watching us as we ate our MREs. We didn’t fire a shot, but the sheer surprise and awe was palpable on both sides. There are a hundred more stories I could choose from. I could also write a lot about my father Jack, who is actually responsible for all this hunting craziness in my life. Without him and his shared adventures I probably wouldn’t have taken the path that I have. I’m thankful for it. Now that I’m back in Oklahoma and close to him, I get to share it with him personally. I’m truly thankful for that, especially being back on the farm.

It’s everywhere, though, if you really look or watch or read. A father’s guidance is normal when it comes to the outdoors, especially if you live in places where things are still wild. It’s natural, but something that maybe isn’t quite as popular as it once was in some places.

Taking your son or daughter to the woods for an outing or adventure is an everyday occurrence and the true essence of family life. I see it here in Oklahoma, just as I saw it in the Arctic.

YOU WOULD THINK THAT it might be di erent here, but it isn’t. I see fathers and, in most cases, mothers too taking their kids fishing or hunting, just like in the Arctic, where loading up in a boat or on a sled and heading out on the lake or upriver is still a very familiar sight. I like seeing that so much; for some reason it makes me feel comfortable.

Just like my dad when I was young, I’m glad I was able to take Eli – along with Lew – and find those perfect days afield in Alaska.

I learned and experienced it from him, but in di erent surroundings. I got my education in the woods. And now that I’m back in the hills and hollers of my youth, they’re familiar again, and I spend a lot of time in them. I even get to spend time with my nephew Tyler, who grew into a fine young man while I was away on my Alaska quest. Like me, Tyler is a hunting addict and now that I’m home I get to share in the stories of our whitetail season. Better late than never, I guess,

Eli once joined his dad for a memorable Kobuk River caribou quest. The elder Atkins called this hunt “one of our greatest moments,” and it was shared with his good buddy Lew Pagel. (PAUL D. ATKINS)

NEW, FIRST IF IT’S KIND, COMBO ADVENTURE FISHING PACKAGE FOR THE 2023SEASON.

PLEASE MAKE YOUR 2023 RESERVATIONS FOR THIS EXCITING PACKAGE BY AUGUST 31ST 2022.

We are very pleased to introduce you to our one of a kind, Combo Adventure Fishing Package for the 2023 season. This is our 5 night 6 day, Combo Salmon and Sturgeon Package. This Combo Package includes: 20 hours of guided fishing for sturgeon on the world famous Fraser River and 20 hours of guided fishing for salmon, halibut and lingcod on the Wild West Coast of Vancouver Island. Zeballos Top Guides is pleased to announce that we are partnering with Great River Fishing Adventures in order to bring you this exciting Combo Salmon/Sturgeon Package.

HERE ARE A COUPLE OF OUR MOST RECENT REVIEWS:

This review from David M. was received on Nov.9th 2021 Fabulous weeks guided fishing w/GRFA

This was our first trip to GRFA and we were blown away. Despite some challenging weather, the whole trip was fabulous end to end. Our guide Landon was a real expert, super professional, but also a joy to fish alongside. From the Sturgeon in the Canyon to Salmon on the Harrison and Chehalis River, we were always on fish quickly. We really didn’t want to leave. So good...3 return trips already planned for 2022....Thanks guys.

Dale S fished with us last month. Great Adventures

This was my fifth year of Sturgeon fishing with GRFA. The guides are knowledgeable, helpful and fun. The Fraser River scenery is stunning. The boats are comfortable and well equipped. The boat ride on the Fraser River is an adventure in itself. Reeling in Sturgeon is awesome. The power of these fish is something to experience. I am already looking forward to next year, catching up with friends and catching and releasing more of these magnificent fish. GRFA is a fantastic way for friends to spend a memorable day together.

Watch Our YouTube Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpilZyz3uM0

5 NIGHT 6 DAY COMBO SALMON/STURGEON PACKAGE

Includes the following: All meals, including wine with your dinner meals, 5 nights accommodations and 40 hours of guided fishing. You will spend your first 2 nights with GRFA and your next 3 nights with Zeballos Top Guides at their Lodge in Zeballos. Your 5 day fishing licenses are included along with the vacuum packing and freezing of your catch while fishing with Zeballos Top Guides. Also included is your transportation between our Great River Fishing Adventures location on the Banks of the Fraser River and the Zeballos Top Guides Lodge in Zeballos, BC Canada.

Party of 2, fishing 2 per boat...$5537.00 + tax USD PP Party of 3 fishing 3 per boat....$3633.00 + tax USD PP Party of 4 fishing 4 per boat... $3185.00 + tax USD PP

How to book your Combo Salmon/Sturgeon 5 Night 6 Day Package for 2023: Go to https://www.zeballostopguides.com/contact and complete and submit the Submissions Form. If you have any questions or would like information on availability, just give us a call at 1-250-337-2158 or send an email to doug.zeballostopguides2022@gmail.com

Here are the Dates for the package: May 1st to May 6th, May 6th to May 11th, May 11th to May 16th, May 16th to May 21st, May 21st to May 26th May 26th to May 31st, May 31st to June 5th, June 5th to June 10th, June 10th to June 15th, June 15th to June 20th June 20th to June 25th, June 25th to June 30th, June30th to July 5th, July 5th to July 10th, July 10th to July 15th July 15th to July 20th, July 20th to July 25th, July 25th to July 30th. September 1st to September 6th, September 6th to September 11th, September 11th to September 16th, September 16th to September 21st, September 21st to September 26th and September 26th to October 1st.

For Atkins, now that Eli’s in college, old photographs like this one of his son in a boat in Arctic Alaska, or the two of them chasing small game closer to their former home in Kotzebue, help him “realize how special and important” their time afield was. (PAUL D.

ATKINS)

Being home has provided Atkins the chance to hang out with his father, Jack, again. “He created my love for hunting and still teaches me today,” the author says. “Hunting last fall with him was one of the biggest joys, and this buck proved it.” (PAUL D. ATKINS)

and I’m thankful for it all.

With Eli it was di erent, and now that he is in college and doing well, I think back to those days and those moments. I see old photographs of us either chasing rabbits or ptarmigan behind town and realize how special and important that was.

Cutting meat after a long weekend upriver was something that Eli cherished: When Lew and I pulled the boat back in, he was anxious to grab a knife. Or how he helped pull Lew’s net hoping that at least one fish had made a mistake. Or when ice fishing came around and us going to the “secret spot” was filled with anticipation.

Eli still tells stories today of pulling those big fish through the ice and whacking them on the head. People can’t believe it, but he did it himself. He learned and he had fun.

I see him now down here in his busy life at school and with his home so far

LIGHTWEIGHT. The lightest 200-hp four stroke LIGHTWEIGHT. on the marketThe lightest 200-hp four stroke on the market POWERFUL. 2.8L displacement and Variable Camshaft POWERFUL. Timing give it the best power-to-weight ratio 2.8L displacement and Variable Camshaft of any 200-hp four strokeTiming give it the best power-to-weight ratio of any 200-hp four stroke COMPACT. Nearly 120 pounds lighter than our COMPACT. four-stroke V6 F200 Nearly 120 pounds lighter than our four-stroke V6 F200

THE ALL-NEW F200 IN-LINE FOUR. FORWARD THINKING.THE ALL-NEW F200 IN-LINE FOUR. FORWARD THINKING.

Show the water who’s boss with the new F200 In-Line Four. Incredibly light, responsive and fuel efficient, it serves up plenty of muscle to handily propel a variety of boats. On top of that, its 50-amp alternator offers the power to add a range of electronics, and its 26-inch mounting centers and compatibility with either mechanical or digital controls give you the flexibility to easily upgrade your outboard or rigging. Experience legendary Yamaha reliability and the freedom of forward thinking, with the all-new F200 In-Line Four. Show the water who’s boss with the new F200 In-Line Four. Incredibly light, responsive and fuel efficient, it serves up plenty of muscle to handily propel a variety of boats. On top of that, its 50-amp alternator offers the power to add a range of electronics, and its 26-inch mounting centers and compatibility with either mechanical or digital controls give you the flexibility to easily upgrade your outboard or rigging. Experience legendary Yamaha reliability and the freedom of forward thinking, with the all-new F200 In-Line Four.

WASHINGTON

OLYMPIA US Marine Sales & Service 3525 Pacific Ave. SE (360) 455-0788 www.usmarinesales.com

YamahaOutboards.com/F200InLine

Follow Yamaha on Facebook® and Twitter™

YamahaOutboards.com/F200InLine

Follow Yamaha on Facebook® and Twitter™

REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal

away, and I’m missing him. Unlike me, Eli is a true Alaskan. I have no doubts that someday he will return.

Sometimes I wish I could go back to those early days and do more with him, but life doesn’t allow that. We can only cherish the times we had and the new times to come. Will we ever ride a snowmachine again, or go down to the beach and look for starfish or hunt fox as we once did? I hope so; I know he will want to do it again.

ONE OF OUR BIGGESTfather-son memories was a late-season caribou hunt we went on with Lew up the Noatak River. It was early October and probably a little late to be chasing ’bou on the tundra, but we went anyway. It was a cold ride in the boat and never-ending rain tormented us the whole way. As a father I was starting to think that maybe this was a

One of the things a father can teach is how to take care of what you bring home. Eli was a natural at cutting meat and loved to help when Dad got home. (PAUL D. ATKINS)

Pulling a net is a little bit like Christmas. You don’t know what you’re going to find or see, and it’s fun. Whether you haul in a fish or two, letting your kids do it makes it so much better. (PAUL D. ATKINS) bit too much, but Eli – he was 8 at that time – took it like a trooper.

We searched all day with nothing to show for it until we started home. Eli pointed and there on the bank covered by dense willows and their yellow fall leaves stood a group of caribou. We headed to the bank just as they headed to the deep tussocks. We anchored and took o after them, eventually killing the only bull in the herd.

The pack out wasn’t much fun, and the water was deep getting back to the boat. Despite the hole I had in my waders I actually carried Eli on my back the last 50 yards. We were all excited, grateful and exhausted. It's all about moments, something that we should always cherish in that moment.

I had a few this year with my dad, just as Eli and I had in our time in the Arctic. A big deer roamed our place here in Oklahoma all last summer. Dad and I watched him, kept track of him and talked about him just about every day. When September rolled around, the buck disappeared for a while, but eventually returned for the opening of bow season. Eight days later, I found myself in the woods with my father packing out what would become my biggest Oklahoma whitetail.

This was something special that I got to share with Dad, and he with me.

Eli will always have the memories of his years in Alaska with his father, whether it was that time he was bundled up to cross Kotzebue Sound or o on a chum salmon fishing excursion. “Taking your son or daughter to the woods for an outing or adventure is an everyday occurrence and the true essence of family life,” the author writes. (PAUL D. ATKINS) And like Eli on that cold October day in a place that few will ever see, I got to experience my childhood once again. If we could all be so lucky.

AS I GET OLDER and having moved far away from the intensity of being out there searching, I realize that the true essence of hunting is not about the size of the animals we take. It’s about the moments we share, those things we experience with the people we love. For most of us hunting is about life, something we can pass down from father to son and from father to son again. ASJ

Editor’s note: Paul Atkins is an outdoor writer and author formerly of Kotzebue, Alaska and now based in Oklahoma. He’s had hundreds of articles published on big game hunting in Alaska and throughout North America and Africa, plus surviving in the Arctic. His new book Atkins’ Alaska is available on Amazon and everywhere good books are sold. For an autographed copy, email him at atkinsoutdoors@gmail.com.

Paul is a regular contributor to Alaska Sporting Journal.