Annual Spring King Salmon Derby is underway

HISTORY
On April 17, 1991 Archie Cavanaugh was hired by the Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (CCTHITA) as the Higher Education Services Manager of the College Student Assistant (CSA) program.

In 1992 he developed the Alumni Scholarship Assistance Program for the purpose of raising additional scholarship funds to support Tlingit & Haida tribal members pursuing a higher education.

June of 1995, Archie contacted the organizers of the Juneau Little League Derby to inquire why they no longer sponsored this event, and to obtain information on its formation.

On May 1, 1996, based upon the information compiled from the Juneau Little League Derby, Archie organized and implemented the 1st Annual Spring King Salmon Derby. This derby had only fifty (50) participants resulting in a deficit of $1,200.

King salmon were weighed in the “round” for poundage; one could fish from ship or shore and you could keep your fish. Having this derby open to shore fishing opened up the opportunity to those who did not own a boat. Many a fish has been caught from the shore.

On May 1, 1997 Archie initiated the 2nd year attempt of the derby resulting in yet another dismal turnout of participants. Serious consideration was given to not doing this derby the following year.

Below is Archie holding up his 42.4-pounder caught during the 1998 derby. Of course, he eliminated himself leaving the derby open to those paying participants. The winner ultimately was Marion Ezzre with a 41.4-pounder.

On May 1, 1998 the 3rd attempt at the derby produced a profit and more entrants than in the two previous derbies, thereby ensuring its continuance year after year.

Website: http://www.springkingderby.org/