While most major events around the Kenai Peninsula have been canceled this summer due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers of the Seward Silver Salmon Derby said “fish on.”
The Derby will run from Aug. 8 to Aug. 16 of this year. Kat Sorensen, communications director for the Seward Chamber of Commerce, told the Clarion Wednesday that the biggest differences participants can expect this year will be the lack of in-person interaction and an emphasis on keeping distance between anglers.
“Luckily fishing is one of those sports that’s socially distanced in and of itself,” Sorensen said.
First, all participants will have to purchase their tickets online rather than in person by going to ssd.seward.com.
The weigh-in station will have signage and markings in place to keep people at least 6 feet apart as they bring their catch to be weighed. All derby volunteers will be wearing masks. Participants will be encouraged to wear masks.
The derby will offer prizes daily in a number of different categories. Anyone who lands one of the salmon that were specially tagged ahead of the derby, the biggest fish of the day or the biggest one in the whole competition will win prizes that include cash, airline tickets and more.
People have the option of fishing from shore, on a boat or in a kayak, with different prizes awarded for each method. Prizes are also divided into men’s, women’s and youth categories.
For the full rules and more information on the derby, visit salmon.seward.com.
Reach reporter Brian Mazurek at bmazurek@peninsulaclarion.com.
