Let’s make a deal for sake of Alaska

McClatchy Newspapers

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Skittish about the possibility the summer could bring a tourist bust, outdoor-related businesses of all sorts were offering deals, deals, deals at The Great Alaska Sportsman Show recently.

Halibut and salmon charters that have edged up over $150 in recent years were being discounted to under $100. Gear of all sorts was on sale for 30 to 50 percent off. Lodges were slashing prices.

The Big Eddy Resort of RW’s Fishing on the Kenai River offered a “Stimulus Cabin Fever” special of 50 percent off lodging and salmon charters on a space-available basis for May and August.

There is a simple reason why.

“June has become the new May,” said Bob Candopoulos, owner of Saltwater Safari, which operates a lodge and two party boats out of Seward. “I don’t know what’s going to happen to all of us.”

May and September have long made up the so-called “shoulder season” for fishing charters, sightseeing cruises and lodges.

The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.