June 07th, 2011

Big Brothers Big Sisters successful fishing event sponsored by the Sitka Charterboat Association

This year members of the Sitka Charterboat Operators Association (SCBOA) volunteered seven vessels to take the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) out for an annual fishing day. This year was another successful event. At 12:30 pm on Sunday SCBOA and BBBS met at Crescent Harbor at Charter Row for a group photo and a quick briefing. The Kids Don't Float Alaska Program provided life jackets for the kids 12 and under. Theresa is President of SCBOA and coordinates this annual event with James Diffin, BBBS Sitka Community Director.

As members of SCBOA, we get involved by donating our time and two of our vessels, the "CHECKMATE" and the "HUNTER" to provide a memorable fishing trip for the Bigs and the Littles. Giving to Big Brothers Big Sisters helps young people right in our own community.

All the volunteer boats took a scenic ride up the Inside Passage and out onto the ocean to go fishing for King Salmon and Halibut. It was not the flattest of days. There were literally ups and downs as the eager children (Littles) and their Bigs fished together. Some caught great looking King Salmon or Halibut and others just got seasick. Everyone arrived back at the dock at 5:00 pm. Overall this event was another great success!

All the captains and deckhands thoroughly enjoyed being a part of giving back to our community. And of course, the kids looked forward to eating fresh-caught seafood!

Bigs, Littles, and Charter boat captains and deckhands