Get out on the Water
WHETHER YOU WANT TO REEL IN a monster catch or explore the white beaches of Pirate ’ s Cove , you can chart your course through the waters of Sitka Sound by renting your own boat . With your hands at the wheel , you ’ ll have full control of your destination and itinerary .
Book through Alaskan Pirate Boat Rentals to drive your own closed cabin boat , complete with fishing gear . Fish Baranof has a small fleet of fully outfitted boats with electric downriggers for a day out on the water . And no matter your budget , Sitka Self Charters has an option for you with many multi-sized boats to choose from .
If you ’ re looking for a guide to come along on your adventure , check out Sitka Zodiac Adventures to see the sights of Sitka Sound up close . Cruise around neighboring islands while you learn about Sitka ’ s WWII history , from radar stations to hidden bunkers .
Would you rather have someone else at the wheel ? Sitka has many knowledgeable captains and local guides who offer multiday , single-day , or half-day charters . Go where the fish are biting , the whales are diving , and the otters hang out . Check out pages 53-55 of our Directory or visit Harrigan Centennial Hall once you ’ re in town ; you ’ ll find plenty of operators outside the building waiting to take you on the adventure of a lifetime !
The Sitka Salmon Derby
The Sitka Salmon Derby , a multi-day fishing competition that ’ s been running since 1956 , is arguably one of Sitka ’ s most highly anticipated events of the year . What ’ s part of the Derby ’ s charm ? The interfamily competition , of course ! Children compete against parents , siblings against siblings , and in some boats , there are three to four generations on the water .
Harvey Kitka has been competing in the Sitka Salmon Derby since 1969 , when he first joined his father-in-law on the water . “ Once you start catching fish , it changes your whole outlook ,” the two-time Derby winner explains . His daughter ,
Sherry Diehl , competes in the annual Derby as well .
“ I ’ ve been going to the Derby ever since I could purchase bait ,” she says . “ There are lots of pictures of me as a kid napping on the boat or catching seaweed .”
In 2014 , Sherry nearly won the Derby herself – losing only to her eight-year-old daughter , Gemma . “ That was really surreal ,” Sherry says with pride for her daughter . “ I couldn ’ t believe it because that kind of thing doesn ’ t happen to me .”
You can make your own Derby memories by booking your trip for Memorial Day weekend . Even if you ’ re not competing , you won ’ t want to miss the Derby ’ s fun , festive atmosphere . On sunnier tournament days , bring a blanket and picnic lunch to the grass by Crescent Harbor so you can cheer as the fish come in or watch the leaderboard on the floating barge . Plan your trip at visitsitka . org .
Charter Boats »
Alaskan Pirate Boat Rentals alaskanpirateboatrentals . com / Big Blue Charters bigbluecharters . com / Cascade Creek Lodge fishsitka . com / IslandView Resort & Charters islandviewcharters . com / Sitka Fishing Excursions sitkafishingexcursions . com / Vonnie ’ s Charters @ Halibut Point Lodge vonniescharters . com
VISIT SITKA MAGAZINE 13 VISITSITKA . ORG