Cashing in on kings: salmon, halibut derbies mean big money for small communities.

• Author: Orr, Vanessa
• Position: FISHING

Sportfishing is big business in Alaska, bringing in millions of dollars and providing thousands of jobs. According to a 2007 survey by Southwick Associates Inc. for the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, in 2007 alone, resident and non-resident licensed anglers spent nearly $1.4 billion on equipment, boats and trip-related items. These contributions amounted to 15,879 jobs, $246 million in tax revenues and $545 million in income.

Realizing the economic impact of this important Alaska pastime, many communities have established fishing derbies to attract even more anglers to their towns. These derbies, which are used to fund everything from chambers of commerce to college scholarships to local fisheries, also have the added advantage of providing an economic boon to the communities where they're held.

"People are coming to fish, and they're bringing their cash with them," said Judi Kidder, Kodiak King Salmon Sportfishing Tournament administrator. "They inject money into our little island community by staying at our bed-and-breakfasts, buying fishing equipment, eating in our restaurants and shopping in our stores. Just about everyone here benefits--directly or indirectly--from the derby, because the money stays in Kodiak."

CATCHING FISH FOR A GOOD CAUSE

While most people don't need a reason to fish, it's nice to know that when you put that line in the water, you're doing your part to support local organizations. In Juneau, for example, the Golden North Salmon Derby, sponsored by Territorial Sportsmen Inc., provides thousands of dollars in scholarship money to high school seniors.

"Since 1953, we've awarded $1.4 million in scholarships," said Wayne Regelin, president, Territorial Sportsmen Inc. "At first, we were giving scholarships to students interested in wildlife or fisheries management, but in 1990, we began giving unrestricted scholarships." Seven years ago, the Territorial Sportsmen also expanded the scholarship program to include students who wanted to attend trade schools.

"A lot of the kids we award these scholarships to come back to town after they graduate," Regelin said, adding that between four and six $12,000 scholarships are given each year.

Ketchikan's King Salmon Derby, which is held on the Memorial Day weekend and the following two weekends, also provides students with monetary support.

"On average, we donate about $8,000 to $10,000 to the Ketchikan CHARR (Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant & Retailers Association) Educational Fund,"...