Registration begins for 12th Annual ASYMCA of Alaska Combat Fishing Tournament

Participants of the 2016 Armed Services YMCA of Alaska Combat Fishing Tournament, pose for a group photo with the day’s catch in Seward, Alaska, May 26, 2016. Founded in 2006, the ASYMCA of Alaska Combat Fishing Tournament was established as a way of showing thanks and honor to service members through an opportunity to go deep-sea fishing.

Registration begins for 12th Annual ASYMCA of Alaska Combat Fishing Tournament

Keith Manternach, Armed Services YMCA of Alaska board president and one of the original ASYMCA of Alaska Combat Fishing Tournament founders, weighs fish on the dock during the Combat Fishing Tournament in Seward, Alaska, May 26, 2017. Founded in 2006, the tournament was established as a way of showing thanks and honor to service members through an opportunity to go deep-sea fishing.

Registration begins for 12th Annual ASYMCA of Alaska Combat Fishing Tournament

Airman 1st Class John-Austin Gallardo, a 673d Medical Group emergency services liaison, participates in the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska Combat Fishing Tournament in Seward, Alaska, May 26, 2017. Gallardo caught the biggest fish for the 2017 tournament, weighing in at 130 pounds. Founded in 2006, ASYMCA of Alaska Combat Fishing Tournament was established as a way of showing thanks and honor to service members through an opportunity to go deep-sea fishing.

Registration begins for 12th Annual ASYMCA of Alaska Combat Fishing Tournament

The Seward Police and Fire departments welcome the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska Combat Fishing Tournament participants to Seward, Alaska, May 26, 2016. During the early morning hours of the event, men and women of the United States armed services were bused down to Seward. Once there, they were greeted by more than 35 charter captains and their crews standing ready to start. Founded in 2006, the ASYMCA of Alaska Combat Fishing Tournament was established as a way of showing thanks and honor to service members through an opportunity to go deep-sea fishing.

Registration begins for the 12th Annual ASYMCA of Alaska Combat Fishing Tournament

Published April 17, 2018
By Airman 1st Class Crystal A. Jenkins
JBER Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --

The 12^th Annual Armed Services YMCA of Alaska Combat Fishing Tournament is scheduled to begin May 24 in Seward, Alaska.

Registration for this deep-sea fishing event began April 6 and will continue until 5 p.m. May 4. It is open to all first-time participants of any U.S. military service in grades E1 to E5, who are considered active-duty, all National Guard and Reserve, and those permanently stationed in Alaska.

“12 years ago the tournament consisted of one charter, two boats, and approximately 60 participants,” said Lita McLain, ASYMCA of Alaska marketing director. “Because of community support and volunteerism of the more than 660 crew members and 275 professional fishing charters supplying their time and services, more than 2,400 currently serving military personnel, have been able to participate since.”

This year the ASYMCA of Alaska with the help of additional charters is able to offer an additional 200 seats.

“What makes this an incredible experience is the overwhelming community support Seward, Alaska, shows our military during this event,” said Coast Guard Senior Chief Petty Officer Alan Fox, senior enlisted liaison and participant. “They are so appreciative of our service and are eager to show it. One does not need any fishing experience whatsoever to enjoy this event.”

It is important participants come prepared for all types of weather. It is recommended to wear layers of clothing in addition to waterproof gear. Also, if a person has never been at sea before, bringing types of motion-sickness medication would be a good fail-safe, Fox said.

“The all-day event is considered all-inclusive for our participants,” McClain said. “For transportation from Anchorage to Seward, there is an option of taking a chartered round-trip bus ride. The fishing charter itself takes care of all the equipment needed, bait, filleting and processing. Lunch is provided on the boats and a catered banquet, with lots of prizes, will be held at the conclusion of the tournament.”

At the time of registration, a fee of $25.00 will be charged, and a fishing license and leave verification form must also be submitted. It is important to read eligibility requirements before registration is completed online. This can all be done by visiting www.ASYMCA.org/alaska-cft-register.

“Because there are more than 200 participants, it’s just not possible to process all of the fish caught the same day of the tournament,” McClain said. “However, participants will be notified within a few days of the event and their fish will be available for pick up from the ASYMCA of Alaska Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson branch. Participants from Fairbanks should plan to bring a cooler and will be able to take their fish the same day.”

“Everybody who participates walks away a winner,” Fox said. “From the shotgun start, getting to fish for halibut and salmon, all the way to the realization of the overwhelming support from the community around you. It is an unforgettable experience… if you’re stationed in Alaska you should participate in this possibly once-in-a-lifetime event.”

For more information about this event, and other services available visit https://www.asymca.org/alaska.