KTUU.com | Alaska's news and information source | From the front lines to fishing lines

From the front lines to fishing lines

by Rebecca Palsha
Friday, May 23, 2008

SEWARD, Alaska -- The 2008 Armed Services Combat Fishing Tournament was jam-packed with more than 200 service men and women vying for the biggest catch.

They gathered on Seward's waterfront early in the morning. Participants were divided up amongst boats.

Local charter companies donated time, bait, fuel and deckhands to the tournament. More than 30 boats hit the water.

Captain Bob Candopoules, owner of Saltwater Safari, says it's the least he can do for Alaska's military men and women.

"We decided Alaska has been good to us and the military in Alaska has been good to all of us," he said. "So we decided maybe we can do something to give back a little."

The first rod was barely in the water off Candopoules' boat when Staff Sgt. Mike Hester hooked a fish.

He was in the fight of his life. And after winning the hard-fought battle Hester would have to wait to see if the fish was the winner.     

"I'm outrageously excited right now," he said.

But there was at least one thing he knew for sure.

"It's great to come and see we have the support of the American public," he said. "These guys in Seward and all of Alaska have been real good to me and my family

For the next few hours the fish are flew but nothing looked like it could top Hester's catch until moments before the end of the ride.

As the trip finished the real competition began.

Though Hester had to sweat, he handily topped his nearest competition by a whopping 30 pounds.

Hester can either pick a truck from one of the Lithia Dealerships in Anchorage or take $15,000 cash instead.

Other prizes up for grabs included a four-wheeler and fishing trips.

Contact Rebecca Palsha at rpalsha@ktuu.com