The Fun Alaskan Winter Tournament That's Worthy Of A Pilgrimage
By Megan McDonald|Published February 10, 2019
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Megan McDonald
Author
Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of humu media, an Alaska-based digital media agency. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world.
Looking for something fun to do with the whole family in the winter? Well as Alaskans, we can’t think of anything more exciting than not just a fishing tournament- but the amazing Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament! Bringing in people from all over the state, this tournament is so much fun for everyone who comes out to visit!
The Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament comes around once a year, in March.
This incredibly fun event was first hosted in 1992, and it's only gotten more popular since then! This year's tournament will be held on Saturday, March 23rd, and fishermen everywhere are counting down the days!
Weather in Homer, Alaska usually climbs above freezing for the March tournament.
The sunrise is always gorgeous, especially for the fishermen that get out early in the day to get started at the tournament. They have so many trophies to offer- for the early in the day fisher, there's an Early Bird Trophy!
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Every year, large amounts of anglers get together to fish for these incredible Winter King Salmon. In 2017, over 1000 fishermen competed on 299 boats.
There are also many volunteers who donate hundreds of hours of time each year. Due to their enthusiasm and help, the Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament is considered the premier fishing tournament in all of Alaska!
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There's even a special category for King Salmon fishermen, in the kayak division!
These brave and hardy souls head out into Kachemak Bay in search of the large King Salmon. Winners of the kayak division frequently catch up to 17 pound King Salmons! This requires incredible strength and skill.
There are lots of vendors, as well as a dj, for those coming in to shore. The whole day has a party atmosphere as everyone celebrates with excellent food and drink.
The food vendors vary, but there is definitely delicious food for every taste!
Frequently you'll find barbecue, food trucks, and of course, fresh seafood! And don't forget the excellent local Alaskan beer on draught. There are also prizes given out all day, on Facebook and at the event. Spectators can also make side bets to try to win money!
The tournament is such a great thing to do with the entire family!
Many years even the kids take home prizes for the large salmon they catch. They even have a youth winner each year. In 2018, Zachary Marley won both Youth Winner and overall 6th Place with a 19.70 pound King Salmon!
One of the main draws to the event, besides a fantastic day of fishing for King Salmon, is the prize money!
In 2017, there were over $122,000.00 in cash and prizes awarded! First place took home over $20,000.00 in prize money. Even the side bets that are placed during the day can bring in some large prize money purses. One side bet netted the winner almost $12,000.00!
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This past year's winner, in 2018, managed to snag first place with a 24.6 pounder!
Charlie Edwards won with almost a 5 pound gain ahead of second place. He caught a beautiful White King Salmon! Second place last year won with 20.95 pounds, and the third won with 20.75 pounds.
Have you ever competed in the Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament? Have you ever fished for King Salmon in Alaska? Let us know in the comments below!
To follow the results, and get more information, make sure to like their Facebook page for updates!
