The Kenai River Sportfishing Association hosted the 2023 Kenai River Jr. Classic on Wednesday, August 9, at Harry Gaines Fish Camp in Soldotna, and in what has become something of an annual tradition for her, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski was in attendance.
The Kenai River Jr. Classic is not only an educational event, but also a salute to the military as nearly 100 of this year’s participants are being bussed to Soldotna from JBER. Armed Services YMCA provided significant support in recruiting and registering JBER participants. Additionally, children attend at no cost to their families with event funding provided by generous community sponsorships. Joining military participants are 20 children from various youth groups on the Kenai Peninsula.
“This is transformative. This can be transformative to some of these young kids to be out on the river for the first time,” Senator Murkowski told KSRM’s Merrill Sikorski at the Jr Classic. “We can express our thanks to those who are in the uniform. We recognize that, but we don’t know who our military families are. Most times these spouses are not wearing uniforms. The kids are not wearing uniforms, but they they also are serving us through through their support for the active service member. And so there are small ways that we can show our appreciation, and this event showing appreciation to the families by getting their kids out on the river.”
The Jr. Classic aims to give participants the opportunity to feel the special tug of a silver salmon taking their hook, while participating in activities that underscore water and boating safety, and education regarding the importance of conservation. This event is a success in part because of community volunteers providing hands on educational opportunities prior to fishing.
“With the number of committed volunteers that are part of this event, year over year, they’ve got this dialed in,” Murkowski said. “You’re in a boat with somebody who’s not only a fishing professional, but somebody who can work with people. These guides are some of the best that you will find.”
In a press release, the Kenai River Sport Fishing Association said, “For these young people, the day is usually filled with high-fives, fist bumps, giddy smiles, and a cooler full of cleaned salmon for them to enjoy with their families.”
“Fishing events that happen here on the river,” Murkowski said, “but being able to to support our military families through taking these kids out in a boat, it’s pretty special.”