ComFish has come a long way since its inception 28 years ago. It has grown into Alaska’s largest and longest running fisheries trade show, and is the only trade event held in a major fishing port – Kodiak.

ComFish began in 1980 by the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce as a marine trade fair to be held in conjunction with the annual Crab Festival in May. The event was staged in a borrowed National Guard tent, and was very well received by the public and exhibitors. The next year, ComFish moved into the National Guard Armory and became a featured event of the Crab Festival.

By 1982, the date of ComFish was moved to March. By the following year the event began to outgrow the Armory and tents had to be added outside to accommodate 44 exhibitors, now using professionally decorated, 8’ x 10’ booths. By 1986, ComFish moved to larger quarters provided by Alaska Transfer & Storage. The event continued to grow, attracting 80 exhibitors two years later and 133 booths by 1989. Again, it was time for ComFish to find a larger home.

ComFish was welcomed by the US Coast Guard, which agreed to house the event in one of its large airplane hangars on the US Coast Guard base in Kodiak. By 1990, ComFish grew to accommodate 150 exhibitor booths, topping out at 167 booths in 1992.

In 2002, ComFish expanded its focus beyond the trade show added a Fisheries Policy Forum component. Topics of interest and importance were added to the daily line up that each year brings in experts to address the changes, challenges and opportunities facing Alaska’s commercial fishing industry.

ComFish has also become famous as being the host of one of Alaska’s most unique political events. Starting in 1990, candidates vying for Alaska governor have come to ComFish to participate in a Gubernatorial Debate. There is only one catch – the candidates are limited to a single topic: Alaska’s seafood industry.

The “Goober Debate” marks the first time that all candidates gather together during an election year, and it always attracts tremendous media attention. The Debate has always drawn the full slate of candidates to appear in Kodiak. The two-hour event is broadcast live statewide via the Alaska Public Radio Network. (In 2004, Alaska candidates for the U.S. Senate also participated in a similar debate at ComFish.)

In 2006 ComFish hosted another successful Gubernatorial Candidates Debate.