Hooligan Draw Hundreds to Turnagain Arm

The official season opened on April 1, the fish are just now running strong

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By Kate McPherson
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Story Created: May 28, 2012 at 9:06 PM AKDT

Story Updated: May 29, 2012 at 7:54 AM AKDT

TURNAGAIN ARM – They are small and oily, but hooligan draw hundreds of people to Turnagain Arm each season for dipnetting.

“Whenever you catch a fish it’s exciting,” said Lidiya Antonoya. “Fish is Alaska. It's food, it's fun fishing, going out to nature fishing, being by the ocean and kind of like a family thing that we sometimes do.”

Over the last few days the number of anglers assembling on the banks along Turnagain Arm has been growing.

Although the official season opened on April 1, the fish are just now running strong.

One reason this type of fishing is so popular is because it is simple. All you need is a net and bucket.

“Last year I got a cooler in 20 minutes,” said Mike Ivaschenko. “Drag the bottom, try not to get any big rocks like that and at the end I usually twist it, pull it up and hopefully get something.

“They come in bundles. You can be standing there for 20 minutes and not get anything. All of a sudden there'll be hundreds coming through and you're pulling them all out.”

KTVA asked the fishermen what the best way to prepare them is: Almost everyone said smoked.

“Smoked hooligan and a big beer, that's my favorite,” said Ivaschenko. “I usually take it if we are going hunting or camping.”

Hooligan dipnetting is open to Alaska residents only. All you need is resident fishing license or a Fish and Game permanent ID card.

If you are heading to Turnagain Arm be aware of the dangerous parking situation along the Seward Highway.

The Department of Fish and Game want to remind people to park well off the highway and to take all of your trash with you.
 

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