Combat Fishing Tournament

Open to Service Members (E1–E5) Permanently Stationed in Alaska

Register Shop Tournament Merch!

A “Reel” Good Time

The annual ASYMCA Combat Fishing Tournament gives thanks to Alaska’s junior enlisted with a day of deep-sea fishing in Seward’s Resurrection Bay! The tournament is held annually in May and made possible thanks to corporate partners and Seward’s many charter fleets.

Started in 2007 by Captain Bob Candopoulos and Alaska business owner Keith Manternach, the ASYMCA Combat Fishing Tournament is the largest military appreciation tournament in the U.S., providing 165+ service members the opportunity to experience one of Alaska’s favorite pastimes—fishing!

 

A special thank you to our 2025 volunteer charters: Alaska Northern, Alaska Saltwater, Alaska Saltwater Fishing, Alaska Dream Charters, Aurora Charters, Current Affairs, Fish House, Fish Seward AK, J-Dock, Millers Landing, Pro Fish N’ Sea, Puffin Charters, Saltwater Safari.

Program Details

Registration for the 2026 tournament is now open!

The Combat Fishing Tournament is open to active duty junior enlisted service members who are stationed in Alaska. There are specific eligibility requirements that must be met in order to register for this event. Please take a moment to verify you meet these requirements before proceeding.

  • Active duty E1–E5 permanently stationed in Alaska. (Service members who are TDY in Alaska are not eligible.)
  • The tournament is open to first-time participants. Previous attendees, E6–E9, and officers are not eligible.
  • Each participant must have a valid Alaska fishing license and must submit a copy during the registration process. A salmon stamp is not required in most cases, but you are encouraged to purchase one prior to the tournament if you intend to salmon fish during the summer.

Online registration for the 2026 tournament opened March 16.

  • A photo or PDF of your current Alaska fishing license
  • Signed Command Approval Form
  • $50 registration fee

You will need to upload your completed Command Approval Form (fillable PDF found on this page) and your Alaska fishing license to your ASYMCA account. Click here to watch a short video on how to do this. Registrations missing these documents will be deemed incomplete and you will not be eligible to attend the tournament.

The $50 registration fee will be collected during the online registration process.

Create your free ASYMCA program registration account here to be able to register for the Combat Fishing Tournament and other ASYMCA programs.

When possible, yes!

We will host a “Seating Assignment” day for friends wishing to fish together. See dates and times below. On this day, you must come in-person to ASYMCA offices during one of the timeblocks with your full group to receive seat assignments, boarding passes, and event itineraries. Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

(Married couples will automatically be placed together.)

  • JBER Seating Assignment Day (ASYMCA Welcome Center at 10449 Luke Avenue):
    • Wednesday, April 29
      • 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
      • 3:30–5:30 p.m.
  • Ft. Wainwright Seating Assignment Day (ASYMCA Welcome Center at 1047 Nysteen Rd. #4):
    • Thursday, April 30
      • 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
      • 3:30–5:30 p.m.
  • Eielson Air Force Base Seating Assignment Day (Baker Field House at 3301 Broadway Ave.):
    • Friday, May 1
      • 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
      • 3:30–5:30 p.m.

All other participants will be assigned boats. Boarding passes and event itineraries must be picked up in person at your nearest ASYMCA Welcome Center (unless stationed at a remote location). Passes will be available for pickup at ASYMCA Welcome Centers starting May 6 at 12:00 p.m.

You will need to show your military ID and printed fishing license at time of pickup. Your boarding pass is not transferable or refundable. Boat assignments are final.

 

No. Each participant must complete their own registration.

No. Charter fleets volunteer their time for the tournament, and ASYMCA books charters based on charter company availability. Charter captains will determine which species of fish will be included in your charter.

The following responsibilities will fall to the participant:

  • Read and understand all participant information provided to you by the ASYMCA and the charter company you are booked through. This includes ASYMCA’s tournament cancellation policy.
  • Communicate your participation in this event with your command and obtain travel and/or leave approval as needed. (Note: you may be out of cell range during your trip)
  • Obtain a fishing license prior to your fishing charter and ensure that you have a physical copy of it on your person when you check-in for your fishing charter.
  • Research, understand and ask questions about proper gear/clothing required. Being prepared for the day is essential to a safe and enjoyable experience! Do not hesitate to call and ask us about proper layering, clothing choices, or if you have any concerns about accessing appropriate gear. Anyone who is not dressed or prepared to be on Alaska’s waters for the day may be denied boarding.
  • Arrange transportation to ensure safe travel. Whether that be our bus or your POV, please ensure you arrive in Seward and back home safely. Reach out to our events team if you have any concerns.
  • Share your photos from your trip with us by email at brina.lynch@asymca.org, or by social media! Please tag @AKASYMCA on Facebook and Instagram, and use our hashtag #ASYMCACFT.

Until recently, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations required you to have a printed, physical copy of your fishing license on your person when fishing. Though this regulation has been updated, there is still a stipulation requiring your signature be on your license.

Additionally, charter companies may have internal policies requiring you to show a physical copy of your license prior to boarding. Having a printed copy of your fishing license provides the most effective and safe method for your charter captain to verify your license meets regulations, and helps to ensure you do not have any surprises when you check in for your charter.

A $50 fee is due at time of registration. Please review our cancellation and refund policies:

  • The ASYMCA does not offer refunds for its programs. Our cancellation and refund policy can be found here. In the case of an unexpected event or extenuating circumstance (TDY, duty related assignment, emergency), please contact brina.lynch@asymca.org. Documentation or orders from your 1st Sergeant or unit command will need to be provided in writing.
  • Anyone who does not call or who does not show up on the day of the event will forfeit their participation in future tournaments, and possibly other ASYMCA events.

You will forfeit your registration if you:

  • Register without meeting eligibility requirements
  • Register without providing a valid fishing license
  • Register without providing a leave verification form
  • Cancel within 72 hours of your scheduled charter
  • Do not show up for your scheduled charter
  • Are denied boarding by the charter captain for practicing unsafe behavior or failing to comply charter policies
  • Show up, but choose not to get on the boat
During registration, you will be asked to say yes/no to the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska’s photo/video waiver. This is an optional waiver and the waiver is as follows:
I hereby grant full permission for myself, my child, and/or my family members to be photographed by the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska staff for any legitimate purpose without payment or compensation. I also hereby consent to the participation in interviews, the use of quotes, and the taking of photographs, movies, or video tapes. I also grant to the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska the right to edit, use, and reuse said products for nonprofit purposes including use in print, on the internet, and all other forms of media. I also hereby release the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska and its agents and employees from all claims, demands, and liabilities whatsoever in connection with the above.    By selecting “yes” or “no” on this form, you acknowledge that your household has received, read, and understood the Consent to Photograph, Film, or Videotape for Non-Profit Use.

Participant Resources

red circle with PDF and download icons inside it 2026 Event Handbook
dark blue circle with PDF and download icons inside it 2026 Approval Form
The ASYMCA Combat Fishing Tournament is the largest military appreciation fishing tournament in the nation. Thank you to our partners for making this incredible event possible! Honoring Alaskan Service Members Since 2007

Become A Partner

The ASYMCA Combat Fishing Tournament is made possible thanks to many generous partners! Support this annual military appreciation event with a gift of volunteered time, in-kind gifts, or a monetary donation. We appreciate your support of this event and your support of our brave service members. For more information on volunteer opportunities or make a donation, email our team at events@akasymca.org.

Make a Donation