The first day of some of Southcentral's premier halibut fish derbies saw sunny skies — but no memorable flatfish.
Nearly two weeks after its kickoff, the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby hasn't had a single fish turned in as strong Kachemak Bay winds have kept some charter boats in port. In addition to $10,000 for the summer's biggest fish, the 31st Homer derby has tagged more 100 fish in Kachemak Bay, including the GCI flatfish worth $50,000 to the angler with a derby ticket who lands it.
Plus, Homer derby anglers who release halibut measuring at least 48 inches long qualify for a $500 monthly drawing.
In the first week of the Valdez Halibut Derby, meanwhile, a 68-pounder caught by Washington state angler Ernest McGehee grabbed first place. But expect McGehee to soon be passed for the $15,000 first place prize. Winners typically exceed 200 pounds, and eight times since the derby began in 1991, the biggest fish topped 300 pounds.
The Valdez halibut derby ends Sept. 4.
Seward's Halibut Tournament runs the month of June, with $5,000 going to the angler bringing in the largest flatfish.
Veterans get to try dog mushing
A veterans' program at a Fairbanks nonprofit that teaches people with disabilities about dog mushing is attracting some national attention.
About a year ago, Noble Paws launched a veterans' adventure program — five days of mushing culminating with an overnight trip in the backcountry.
"I literally saw an ad on Facebook for free dog mushing for veterans," Wasilla Army veteran Shane Land said in a Noble Paws press release. "I showed it to my wife and she said, 'You should do that.' "
Land traveled to Fairbanks and did three days of sled and dog training around the local trails before heading into the backcountry for an overnight with Land driving his own six-dog team. The mushing program was documented by ABC producer Angle Canales.
"It's an honor to do this for our veterans," says Steve Vick, executive director of Noble Paws.