The Homer Chamber of Commerce and the Halibut Tournament Committee have decided to cancel the 1st Annual Homer Halibut Tournament scheduled for July 2 – 3 at the Homer Alaska Port & Harbor. It has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 4 – 5, 2021.
Homer Chamber Board President Tom Soderholm: “This is just not the right year to launch the first Homer Halibut Tournament. Even though this was designed to be mainly a virtual event with most of the time out on the open waters of Kachemak Bay, many of our regular tournament participants did not feel safe with any public gatherings. This seems to follow a trend across the country where fishing tournaments are not generating much interest this year.”
The Homer Halibut Tournament was typically set to be held in June. For the inaugural 2020 tournament, the date was originally moved to July to better comply with state Health Mandates.
Homer Chamber Executive Director Brad Anderson: “Our priorities now must be focused on the safety of our community and helping Homer businesses navigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 virus. We look forward to getting this tournament back to its original timing in 2021, so mark your calendars.”
For 34 years, the Homer Chamber of Commerce has held the Jackpot Halibut Derby running through the summer months. In 2020, this was intended to shift to the First Annual Homer Halibut Tournament on July 2 and 3. Although it has now been postponed to June 2021, it still aims to be a two-day fishing tournament to see who can pull in the biggest “barn door” and come home with a jackpot prize.
