Seward Silver Salmon Derby

One of the oldest and largest fishing derbies in the state is the Seward Silver Salmon Derby which will be entering its 49th season in 2004. Popular with residents and visiting anglers alike, this contest, sponsored by the Seward Chamber of Commerce, had over 4,000 silvers turned in for 2003. Fishing success is not a function of having the fanciest tackle or a $20,000 boat. Thousands of fish are caught right from the beaches of Resurrection Bay in the area along Seward's waterfront by fishermen of all ages. You can find data regarding the numbers of shoreline anglers and fish caught in other sections of AOJ.

For those with a boat, Seward provides two boat launch areas located at the harbor. Hundreds of boats may ply the waters of the bay during the busy weekends of the derby in hopes of adding some degree of success over the shore fishermen.

For those wishing to fish from a boat but don't have one, dozens of charter boats are available for hire for half day or full day trips and include all bait and tackle needed. Since charter captains have an extensive communications network with other skippers, this "inside" knowledge and their familiarity with the bay may give the angler that extra advantage he or she needs to land a winning fish. Booking early with charters is advisable.

Seward Chamber of Commerce - (907) 224-8051. The following information is updated to reflect the 2004 Derby rules and prizes.

Derby Date: The first Saturday through the third Saturday of August (2004 only - will go back to starting on the 2nd Saturday in 2005)
Ticket Cost: $50 for entire derby or $10 per day
Derby Record: 20.59 lbs.
First Place:(largest fish): $10,000
Second Place: $5,000
Third Place: $2,500
Fourth Place: $1,500
Fifth Place: $1,000
Sixth thru Tenth Place: $500

In addition to the largest fish prizes, several tagged fish are swimming the waters of Resurrection Bay during the derby. This year a fish with a $50,000 tag will be out there somewhere. Several more fish will be carrying tags valued at $100 to $2,500. During the 2003 derby, a total of $175,000 in prizes was possible if the right fish were caught.

The $50,000 tagged fish was caught in 2003 on the second day of the derby by Mary Ann V. Williams.

The derby is also having a Split the Pot raffle this year. Half the proceeds will go to the winner and half to help build a new derby booth for 2005.

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