2005 Ship Creek King Slam'n Salm'n Derby - Page 3 - The Photography of Andy Sorensen

Every year in June, a King Salmon fishing derby is held in the heart of Anchorage, Alaska at Ship Creek. Some very big fish return to this stream, according to a state biologist, some as big as 70 lbs. The locals and tourists flock to the muddy banks for a chance at catching a prize winning fish. Since I personally fish this stream almost every day, I thought it would be fun to take my camera along, and post the photos for all to enjoy. This year, proceeds from the derby benefit the Downtown Soup Kitchen. There are 8 pages here that includes 116 photos that cover the time span from June 4th to June 12th, so don't miss any. Please let me know which one is your favorite, and don't be afraid to leave a comment. Enjoy!

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Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > This gentleman is all smiles as he carries out a nice King. One of the few legally hooked fish this morning, it appears to have been caught with a Vibrax spinner. From what I've heard, a #5 Vibrax with a silver blade and a bright yellow or chartreuse body is the spinner of choice for those in the know.

Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > What a great way to spend a bright, sunny Sunday morning with the family.

Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > Dwarfed by bridge supports, this lone fisherman escapes the crowd by wading thigh deep into the receding tide. You can see the high water mark on the concrete bridge support bases. The covered bridge in the background is being converted into a restaurant. The information I have says it should be open sometime this summer.

Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > FISH ON! Another hookup by this guy - I think he had on 5 or 6 fish through the two hours I was there.

Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > THWONK! One way to calm a large, flopping fish is with a big stick. I suppose that would do the trick on most things. For a derby entry, this is a good option - better than cutting the gills and bleeding the fish as precious ounces that just might be the margin you need to win the derby would bleed away.

Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > Looks like a keeper! Believe me, you think twice about releasing a salmon the size of a man's leg. I would guesstimate this to be in the 25+ lb. range.

Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > As the tide goes out, the crowd of fisherman concentrate their efforts on the main channel. You can see how high the tide was by looking at the mud on the far left stream bank.

Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > Can you hear me now? Someone's cell phone takes a dip into Ship Creek. Fishing and modern technology don't always mix well.

Andy Sorensen (ajstudio) > A Ship Creek regular, James Jones, stakes out a spot in the main channel near the handicap fishing platform.

This gentleman is all smiles as he carries out a nice King. One of the few legally hooked fish this morning, it appears to have been caught with a Vibrax spinner. From what I've heard, a #5 Vibrax with a silver blade and a bright yellow or chartreuse body is the spinner of choice for those in the know.