Alaska Sportfishing Expeditions has announced dates for its 1st Annual “Think Alaskan Pink Ladies Classic” at Clover Pass Resort. The fishing event and tournament will be held August 10-15, 2011 at the resort located on Clover Passage north of Ketchikan.
Ladies will be introduced to their Alaskan fishing experience with a day of guided fishing in the waters surrounding the resort. This will be followed by two days of self-guided fishing for salmon, halibut, and bottom fish from one of Clover Pass Resort’s 20’ covered aluminum Thunder Jet boats. The ladies will spend their final day of fishing in a Thunder Jet for a one day Pink Salmon fishing tournament.
The event will include fishing-related workshops designed to not only introduce Southeast Alaska fishing techniques to potential first-time fisherwomen, but to also improve the techniques of ladies that have extensive experience fishing in Alaska. (See below for detailed Schedule of Events)
Entry fees for the event are $1,750 per person. Ten percent of each entry fee will be donated to charity, with five percent being donated towards breast cancer research, and the other five percent being donated to the derby winner’s charity of choice. Included with each entry fee is five night’s accommodations, ground transfers to and from the resort, all meals, one day of guided fishing, three days boat rental, bait and tackle, and fish processing for each person’s catch. In addition, each participant will receive fishing workshops, dockside demonstrations by the resort’s world-class staff, a pedicure, a thirty-minute massage, and a Ketchikan welcome basket.
In addition to directing half of the charity proceeds, the lucky lady who lands the largest Pink Salmon will also take home a pink rod & reel combo and win a free trip to next year’s contest to defend her title. Other prizes will be awarded for largest Silver Salmon and for the most cumulative weight by boat.
“We have been trying to put all of the pieces of this trip together for a few years and are happy that things have finally come together,” said Russell Thomas, Clover Pass Resort General Manager. “This tournament will not only raise money for some well-deserving charities but will also give the ladies plenty of opportunity to catch some wonderful fish, build relationships with friends, and experience the magic Alaska has to offer. We see the workshops and activities surrounding the tournament as an opportunity for women that may have mistakenly convinced themselves their skill level would not allow them to fish in Alaska the opportunity to get hands-on instruction from knowledgeable professionals in the industry and to break down any barriers that may have existed prior to the trip.”
Raising money for breast cancer awareness and research was also a focal point of organizing the event. Russell’s mother, Pam, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. Thanks to early detection and fantastic medical care, she is living cancer free. Russell’s grandmother and aunt are also breast cancer survivors. “This cause has always been important to our family and to our team at Alaska Sportfishing Expeditions. But after watching family members and friends struggle with the difficulties of this disease, the work becomes much more personal.”
Clover Pass Resort is one of the longest operating fishing lodges in the State of Alaska, opening its doors in the early 1950’s. The resort is located on the road system about 12 miles north of downtown Ketchikan and on the shores of Clover Passage, a corridor for salmon returning to their spawning grounds each summer. All five types of pacific salmon, halibut, rock fish, and ling cod are available in the waters around Ketchikan. The resort has capacity for 60 guests, with a restaurant, marina, and RV park.
“Think Alaskan Pink Ladies Classic”
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, August 10
Arrive Ketchikan
Check In
Sightseeing Tour
Opening Reception / Orientation
Thursday, August 11
A Day of Guided Fishing
Evening Workshop: Salmon Fishing Seminar with Misty & Louise Pattison
Friday, August 12
Self Guided Fishing from 20’ Thunder Jet Boat
Evening Workshop: Knot Tying Class with Jeremy Merrill
Saturday, August 13
Self Guided Fishing from 20’ Thunder Jet Boat
Evening Workshop: Cooking Demonstration
Sunday, August 14
1st Annual Think Alaskan Pink Ladies Classic
Self-Guided Fishing Derby
Weigh In
Evening: Dinner and Awards Ceremony
Monday, August 15
Check Out
Depart Ketchikan