Armed Services YMCA of Alaska to host 18th Annual Combat Fishing Tournament

The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) of Alaska is preparing to host its 18th Annual Combat Fishing Tournament in Seward on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Annual fishing tournament prepares to welcome more than military members to Seward.

"The Combat Fishing Trip is more than just fishing; it's an opportunity to show our junior enlisted military members the bounty of Alaska in a way that most of them would otherwise never have the opportunity to experience," said Sarah Riffer, Executive Director of the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska.

The annual ASYMCA Combat Fishing Tournament, open to E-1 to E-5 military members stationed in Alaska, gives thanks to Alaska’s junior enlisted with a day of deep-sea fishing in Seward’s Resurrection Bay.

Started in 2007 by Captain Bob Candopoulos and Alaska business owner Keith Manternach, the Combat Fishing Tournament strives to show appreciation to Alaska’s junior enlisted service members, who are often young, away from home, and at the beginning of their military careers. The event has grown since its early days and is now the largest military appreciation tournament in the U.S. It also offers them an opportunity to take part in one of the most popular pastimes in Alaska-fishing!

This year, estimates that the annual fishing tournament to welcome over 200 military members to Seward.

The tournament is held annually in May and made possible thanks to corporate partners and Seward’s many charter fleets. With the help of numerous partners and volunteers, this long-standing tradition brings junior enlisted service members together for a day of fishing and camaraderie in Alaska's deep waters.

“The tournament would not happen without the support of the large team incredible funding partners and volunteers who help us go all out for our nation’s fiercest defenders,” said Riffler.

The day starts early with charter buses pulling into Seward at 4:30 a.m. From there, service members board waiting boats and compete to hook the biggest or smallest fish. The day ends with a banquet and awards ceremony hosted by the American Legion Post 5.

The 18th Annual Combat Fishing Tournament will be Wednesday, May 22, in Seward, AK. It is still open for waitlist applicants. Additional details can be found at www.alaska.asymca.org/combat-fishing-tournament/.

The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) of Alaska is a part of the national ASYMCA, the United States' oldest military support organization. Found in 1861, the ASYMCA's mission enhances the lives of active-duty junior enlisted military members and their families in spirit, mind, and body through programs relevant to the unique challenges of military life. To learn more, visit www.alaska.asymca.org.