Homer Winter King Derby- Kayak Division!...maybe.

Ok.  So I get a message from Jim Lavrakas the Director of the Homer Chamber of Commerce.  He was impressed with the few kayaks that showed up and battled the powerboats and apparently among a few of the folks, it was the conversation of the tournament.

Rather than say we were nuts, they have decided to reach out and try and offer up a non-motorized division for us kayakers. I want to encourage them to do so, but I don't want to hype it, and have a no show on the day of the tourney from kayakers.  I know its a long ways out and the weather is tough, but can the folks here from AK let me know if they have any interest in Fishing the homer Winter King derby?

It's one of the largest single day derbies in Alaska.  Usually fished in March.  Several hundred vessels participate with up to 1000 anglers.  To get a little acknowledgement for the kayak subset would be awesome! 

So two questions: 

1) Care to participate this year?  Rimfire matt, Kenai Guy, and I fished it last year.  It was a blast but we got skunked.  So did a lot of the other boats. 

2) Can you think of a prize or company willing to offer a prize I can direct the Homer Chamber of Commerce to go after?

Here's a few videos from last year's tourney if anyone is interested.

2) Can you think of a prize or company willing to offer a prize I can direct the Homer Chamber of Commerce to go after?

I'm not sure what kind of prize they're looking for, but have you reached out yet to Mike Hyneman at Konezone. I know he makes certain colors of flashers that kill it in AK. He's been very good to us too in the kayak fishing world having been a co-sponsor to a lot of our tourneys in Oregon and Washington. PM me if you need more info..
http://www.konezone.com/

Would a "kayak division" take you out of the main pool of money?  If so, the heck with that.

If it is an additional pot.  sounds cool.

Would a "kayak division" take you out of the main pool of money?  If so, the heck with that.

If it is an additional pot.  sounds cool.

Thanks Jammer, I will get info and PM you!

Justin,  I agree whole heartedly.  Its an additional prize.  Last year's winner of the whole shebang netted $15,000 for the big fish prize and an additional $28,000 in "boat side bet" prizes.  $43K for a 35lbs fish!  More than a grand per pound!!!!!

I am MOST definitely in!!!!!

What dates?  I'm in if I'm in town.

Hell, a nice warm beverage delivered to the yak would be enough prize for me.....I froze my ass off last year (at least when I stopped trolling)

I hope to join you guys this year, though lots of external matters would have to line up just right. March seems a long way off ...

At least the earth is tilting back to the right direction now. Happy Solstice, everyone.

I would be up to participate. Sounds like a great experience!

If the seas are flat I will join.

I'd be willing to give it a go if my rotations fall into place right. Would have to borrow or rent a boat...
I have fished HWK Tournament a few times from power boats and it is always a blast.

Mark,  unless my fiancee gets crazy, I've got an outback with your name on it!!!!  C'mon up!!!!  Also, I will be picking dates soon for the Second annual Whiskey Gulch Yak Classic here fairly soon!  Better come for that as well!!!!!!

I also think I may try to get a get together organized over Labor Day weekend in Valdez.

Aww hell, just stay a few extra days on any of your hitches!  Let's fish!!!!!

Sweet........
I'll start checking dates and such to make it happen. That is an awesome offer Rudy~~~~~Thanks bro

Even if his fiancé decides to join us...I've got an extra outback

Ok
The 2014 Homer Winter King Tournament is scheduled for March 22nd,a Saturday.
No telling what the weather will be........but we all know how that works. Be prepared.
I will start looking deeper at calenders, dates. And flights to see if I can make this work. Cause I'd love to join in. Thank you guys for the very generous offers. I'll do what I can to make it happen.

After looking at my work schedule I will not be able to make it to Homer for the Winter Ling Derby. It happens dead center my 3 week hitch, damhik....
Will try to make other events as they come on this year though. You guys go get em.. Show the PB's how its done
Thanks again for the generous offer to use your boats Rudy Nd Kenai guy--- hope the stars will align so I can take you up on that.

At the risk of asking a dumb question, did you guys go right out from shore last year or charter out somewhere? I've never been to Homer...let alone fished it, so I'm not familiar at all. However, I'm definitely charged up and planning to do this.

Depending on the number of kayak entrants, we should see about having 6 yaks be considered as a single "boat" for the side bets. It could give us a bit of "team spirit."

Regarding prizes for kayak fishers, have you considered reaching out to some of the larger online retailers and/or a fishing kayak maker like Hobie? I'm sure everyone has their favorite online shops, but I have spent a ton of money with Austin Canoe and Kayak--I'd bet for a little pub, those kind of places could drop some sort of gear for a prize.

-Jeff