Farewell Fishies

I had hoped that after a GREAT year in the Bay, strong halibut prices and a near-shore run of albacore, my attitude might improve. It has not. With things being so busy in both the fish world and my own, I just do not have the time nor the inclination to keep this blog up.

They are making ready to film season four of the Tuesday night Train Wreck. All of the usual suspects will be back with perhaps one notable exception. I am hearing that some things will depend on whether or not some boats will get the same "deal" as the NW (who reportedly has been paid an ENORMOUS sum of money). Then there are all of those promotional junkets that the guys are going on. Word is that some of them are paying for it all themselves - can't get enough of the fan love.

There are a couple of people posting on different sights that want an awful lot of attention. For any one suckered in by the whole F/V My Girl thing, well, the line about one being born every minute says it the best....The My Girl is a gill netter out of Bristol Bay. No female captains or crews in the big boat fleet. Sorry! And um, well, no Captain abbreviates that word as Cap - it is always Capt.

Then there is the loser who is posting pictures and wanting it to be all about him. Gets his kicks by trashing every boat he can. Pretends to be buds with some of the guys in the show, then trashes them. Dude, I actually KNOW you and you are SO flippin' lame! You don't have drinks with or visit with these guys. You are the weirdo who hangs out in the back of the bar and no one talks to.

In closing, watch Season 4 with the sound turned of. Don't believe any story line you see. And don't criticize a food producer with your mouth full.

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PS Hey, lighten up on the lobstermen. Those guys and gals work their tails off. Different fishery, different ocean and different boats. True, its not the Bering or even the North Pacific, but its brutal work at sea all the same. They all deserve your respect.

Strong Harvest Predicted for Bristol Bay Salmon Fishery

Hello Fishies!

With the salmon seasons gearing up and many of the TV people either gillnetting or tendering, I thought you might like the following information.

BRISTOL BAY - Bristol Bay's sockeye salmon fishery is up and running, with an anticipated harvest of 26.3 million reds, out of some 34.4 million fish expected to return to the bay.

That forecast is 14 percent higher than the previous 10-year average of total runs of 30.2 million reds, with a run range of 17.8 million to 43.4 million fish. State biologists said all Bristol Bay systems are expected to exceed their minimum spawning escapement goals.

A run of 34.4 million sockeye can potentially produce a total harvest of 26.3 million fish, if escapement goals are met for all managed stocks and the commercial fishing industry is capable of taking the surplus fish, biologists said. A harvest of this size would be 40 percent higher than the previous 10-year mean harvest of 18.7 million reds.

The forecasted run to each district and river system is as follows: 11.54 million reds to Naknek-Kvichak District, including 3.88 million to Kvichak River; 2.03 million to Alagnak River; 5.64 million to Naknek River; 9.20 million to Egegik District; 4.18 million to Ugashik District; 8.9 million to Nushagak District, including 5.85 million to Wood River, 1.87 million to Nushagak River and 1.2 million to Igushik River; and 0.59 million to Togiak District.

The 2006 harvest of Bristol Bay sockeyesalmon was valued at about $91 million. Adding in a Chinook harvest of 106,200 fish valued at $1.3 million, a chum harvest of 2 million fish valued at $1.3 million, a pink harvest of 142,500 fish valued at $30,000, and a silver harvest of 53,150 fish valued at $165,000, the fishery as a whole was worth nearly $94 million, according to state fisheries reports.

The 2006 inshore Bristol Bay sockeye salmon run of slightly more than 43.1 million fish, was the ninth largest in-shore run since 1952, and 23 percent above the 20-year average. The harvest of nearly 29 million sockeye was the eighth largest since 1893.

The Egegik District was the only district that came in below forecast, dropping by 3 percent. The Naknek-Kvichak District sockeye salmon run was 18 percent above, Togiak District was 61 percent above, Nushagak District was more than double the forecast, coming in at 16 million sockeye, and Ugashik District was 5 percent above.

State fisheries statisticians also said the commercial harvest of approximately 106,000 Chinook salmon was the fifth largest in the last 20 years and 51 percent above the 20-year average of 70,000. The chum salmon harvest of approximately 2.1 million fish was the largest in the last 20 years. The coho salmon harvest of approximately 53,000 fish was well below the 20-year average of 103,000.

- Alaska Journal of Commerce

It does my heart good to see the fish returning in ever greater numbers and the prices paid to the fishermen rising as well. Its about time!

The main stampede north has eased off a bit and any of you thinking about going up to try your hand at processing, pulling/picking fish on a gillnetter or on a tender may have a better chance at finding a flight. Its been a mad house at the airports!

As far a locating a job, they can be had but it can be dicey. I know this has been run on other blogs and forums but I know many of my readers don’t bother with them anymore. This is Corey Arnold’s account with photographs of how his journey into fishing occurred. Remember this is his story and may be not at all like what you have or may experience. I have a few issues with it myself and I think that you will find them as well when you read it. Please don’t avoid reading this due to the title:

Fecal Face - How To Be An Alaskan Fisherman

Stay tuned!

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Doo dah, doo dah....

Hello Fishies!

Someone is just too clever!

Discovery Channel had a show
Doo dah doo dah
And on that show they had some boats
All the doo dah day
Had to run all night
Had to run all day
Don’t bet your money some boats, kid
Discovery won’t let them play

Discovery Channel had a show
Doo dah doo dah
And on that show they had some men
All the doo dah day
Had to crab all night
Had to crab all day
Don’t bet your money on a green horn, kid
Discovery will make them pay

Discovery channel had a show
Doo dah doo dah
And for that show they had some boards
All the doo dah day
Tried to post all night
Tried to post all day
Your post won’t stay if you’re playing nice
The trolls get to have their say

Discovery channel had a show
Doo dah doo dah
And for those boards they had some trolls
All the doo dah day
Lived to bash all night
Lived to bash all day
Don’t bet your money on a moderator, kid
They let the trolls have their way

Discovery channel had a show
doo dah doo dah.....

Stay tuned!

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thesmellslikefishwife

Hello Fishies!

It looks like I am going to have to delay my thoughts on the latest issue of DC and After the Catch for today. The reason for this is to mention a few things that I have seen going on over at the DC boards.

First, I have to tell you how funny I think some people are. The above entitled poster gets it almost right! Be aware though, that I am not registered over at DC under a name you would know and anything you see posted by someone purporting to be me is a poser.

Now unlike most people, I am actually flattered that I am being referred to in derogatory terms. That makes me in good company here lately. And knowing that most of the real fruitcakes love to hate me makes it even better. The fact that there are some that have registered additional names regarding me just plain frosts my cake. You see, they can’t let their other buddies know that they read me…..

Now, while some are being respectful towards Donna, some are certainly not, and shame on them. From having read her logs and what is posted on the DC forums, it is my belief that it is Donna and not an imposter.

I know that it sent many people over the edge when I told the true story about that deck load of dead crab, and that silly behavior still continues. Now comes further confirmation of my information from Donna and the nasty attitudes rise right back up in the form of attacks on her. I am uncertain as to where she got her information, but I will repeat something here - I got mine from some who was there.

The half formed sentences that were put up on the DC boards were not specific as to time, place and species, and could have been written by anyone:

we didnt have any dead crab,and we had to stop fishing
a whole day early because we ran out of room .thats
why we put on a deckload of crab ..2nd year in a row
we wouldnt have done any better anyway.

Looks like things are heatin’ up!

Stay tuned!

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Phoning it in

Hello Fishies!

I had wondered how it was that they handled the chats on the Discovery channel. Knowing these guys and their typing skill (or lack thereof) I just couldn’t see how they did it. Word has filtered down to me that they don’t go near the keyboard. They are on a land line and it is all handled verbally with someone from DC doing the typing. This explains some of the odd verbiage in some of the chats. There are words and phrases in them that just didn’t track, but now it’s clear.

If you have not read them, I urge you to go to the Discovery site and do so. To me there is a dramatic difference between the persons shown on the TV and those in the chats. I’d go with the chats!

Stay tuned!

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Focus groups

Hello Fishies!

Here is something interesting. It seems that those high and mighty Hollywood people all know better than you regarding what you see. They have these little focus groups that they show things to and get their reactions. Apparently, the people were not impressed if they could see land in the background, they just wanted big waves. Don't you wonder who these people are?

What this has done is to deprive you of time spent in other fisheries that these boats, captains and crews participate in. They had the opportunity to go tendering for herring and salmon – which would have been great for you to see. Those fisheries can be one heck of a rodeo! Sounds like they passed on the idea of going with some of the guys during dungeness season as well which is too bad as that can be a wild and woolly fishery! Any fishery that deals with fish that are bled and/or butchered on deck, such as halibut and tuna, are deemed far too bloody for you to see. While the last thing we would want is to give PETA something to whine about, surely there is a way for you to see those giant fish being caught.

Stay tuned!

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One for all or one for one?

Hello Fishies!

Try as I might, I just couldn’t find a real theme for this latest episode of After the Catch. Well, other than getting Sig, Phil, Jon and Larry on camera. Guess the devotion to them on DC isn’t enough? Running joke is the quickest way to get hurt is to get between them and a camera….So they trotted out Keith, Rick and Corky and for what? All Corky had hoped for with the show was to get a little positive air time for the Aleutian Ballad. Now all he is remembered for is the rogue wave and near disaster. Wonder how those who are planning on taking the tour on the AB feel about that? I sure hope it doesn’t hurt the AB!

Fishies, these guys just do not hang out together in Ballard or anyplace else for that matter. Fact is, some of them detest each other and make no secret of that fact. Sure, they may run into one another in a two-bar town in Alaska, but that’s about it. Watching I can’t help but wonder something. You see, there was this wrap party for Deadliest Catch and some of the guys were there. Seems there is this picture of Sig kissing another guy at that party. (Don’t forget that article in Men’s Journal). Somehow or another, those pictures got plastered all over Dutch and other towns. Rumor has it that it was Johnathan…

Looking at these guys sitting around that table, I for one couldn’t miss the expressions on some of their faces. Some sure didn’t seem happy to be there. For some, it was the way they or their boat was treated, and for others, it was the company. This show has certainly taken its toll on the people involved. Early on they signed an agreement promising “one for all and all for one.” Well, someone seems to have forgotten about that as its one for one for some. Lawyers are now involved and I am hearing of lawsuits being filed.

It’s a sad day.

Stay tuned!

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Missing the boat(s)

Greetings Fishies!

I, like many of you am perplexed and concerned by those boats and people that are missing in action. We know that the Aleutian Ballad did not fish opies and after the king crab season headed south to Oregon to begin her tourism retro fit, so there is no chance of seeing her. The Early Dawn, like the AB was jettisoned almost from the very beginning. This is really a shame as you have been gypped of the chance to see some fine boats and crews. I can’t help but think that the reason the Maverick was dumped for opie season is because of Donna’s logs. She had the truth of their good season out there, and if the editors were going to continue along the trashing theme, it would show them (editors) for what they are.

Now I do admit to letting my attention wander during the show, but where is Ragnihld? Did she jump ship? Its looking like the FarWest Leader isn’t feeling the love here. Too bad again as it is a beautiful boat.

It was good to see and hear from some of the deck crews regarding vessel and fishing operations, even though it was few and far between. In the past it seemed that we got to know most of the guys, but this year that has not been the case. Instead we watch things such as the humiliation of Nathan on the TB. I suppose there was plenty of time for them to find the charges as the TB was in port for the better part of two months. Its just that usually they get you in the Anchorage airport. The state police are there with a list and warrants in hand. Passenger manifests and purchasing their commercial fishing licenses is usually what tips them off.

The footage of some of the boats breakdowns and their problem solving was pretty good. Now I wonder how would these guys all be feeling about the IQ system if it were not in place? If it were still the days of the derby style fishery, they would be belly up. The seasons would have passed them by without a second thought. Those boats would have been stuck in port waiting for parts, repairmen etc, and not fishing. Remember, they don’t hold the season just because a boat or two can’t make it.

The TB is most fortunate to have a diver in Andy. Nothing sucks more than either trying to find a diver or waiting until one sobers up! I wondered a few things aloud while watching him. How many knives did he take down with him and how many did it take to get through that line? How many did he drop? Were they our favorite Victorinox? There are some boats that actually have spurs on their wheels to avoid what happened to the TB. Those spurs cut the line before it can wrap around the shaft and foul the works.

Stay tuned!

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It ain’t easy being green

Hello Fishies!

Last night’s episode illustrated several points, some of which you may not have even been aware of. The first of these was the stark contrast between the greenhorns on the NW and the CM which was three fold – family, prior experience and youth. (Ok maybe four because we all know about the love fest with some boats and in editing they will do no wrong). The boys on the NW and CM have actually had sea time and knew via family what the deal would be. Putting a man twice their age with no experience out there and expecting him to perform as well as they do is unfair. Adding the poor treatment by crew mates and probable seasickness, Guy doesn’t stand much of a chance. Since we can’t believe much of anything regarding the storyline Mr. Rowe reads, I am suspect about the true background and hiring of the green horns. (Eventually Thom Beers admitted that he hired Bradford Davis to go on the NW because no one would talk.)

There is a valuable lesson to those of you who believe that you can just show up in Dutch, get a job on the deck and be able to handle it. The reality of it is that most green horns do not make it. This also holds true for not just crabbing on the Bering, but in many other fisheries as well.

Unfortunately, between the popularity of Deadliest Catch and the downsizing of the fleet, there are a tremendous amount of men and women looking to land a berth aboard a boat. As you were told earlier in the series, most of the jobs are given to family, friends or those who have a proven track record and good reputation. Yes, it is true that once in a while there are guys hired right there on the spot. The opening may be a result of a poorly run/maintained vessel, a difficult skipper or some one just plain not showing up for the job.

Just getting there can be a tiresome trip. There are no direct flights and air service can be spotty at times. It seems that everyone is trying to get into Dutch (and then back out after the season is over) all at the same time. Round trip air fare runs about $1,500.00, and you can usually plan on being delayed in Anchorage due to the weather on the way in. On the way out its every man for himself and if you blink or don’t hear the boarding call then another fisherman is going to grab your seat. That’s if the weather is cooperating and they are flying out that day.

Almost anyplace in Alaska is far more expensive than what you are used to seeing and Dutch is even more so. (Unalaska is the name of the town; Dutch Harbor is just that – a harbor at the town.) What rooms that are available are pricey and you may very well find yourself on the street when the night comes. Sometimes the churches and even boats will allow you to take shelter but that is only in exigent circumstances. Often you will see bags under the dumpster, those belong to the guys who have no where to stay.

There can be 500 guys that want a job just as badly as you do. They will walk the docks, hang out in the watering holes and put their names up on the bulletin boards. Green horns will be lucky to actually make a “half share” which, depending on the pay scale, could be 3% AFTER expenses. These days it does not amount to all that much as the bulk of what is fished is leased quota and the boat receives about $1.00 per pound for the crab. So after expenses it’s 3%....There are some boats that will only pay you $100 per day and some guys that advertise they are willing to work for free. Remember – Phil Harris worked for a year and a half for free at first!

You have seen a brief few minutes of what conditions can be like. One of the men described it to me like this:

In a walk-in freezer, put a board over a log, like a teeter totter. Grab something that weighs about a hundred pounds and hang on to it. Now have someone turn a fire hose on you. Now, try to turn around on that board. You need to do this for hours and you can not stop because if you do, hypothermia will set in.

Eventually, when you get to grab a cup of coffee, it will freeze before you get from the galley down deck to the forepeak. You will develop cramps from your fingertips to your toes. Everything will swell. You lie in your bunk and try to sleep but you almost can’t because of the pain. Your eyes may leak…..and you get up anyway and go back and do it all over again.

Stay tuned!

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Ice

Hello Fishies!

Here is a great story by Captain Jerry Tilley Sr., the father of Captain Jerry “Corky” Tilley of the F/V Aleutian Ballad and F/v Watchman.

From Pacific Fishing Magazines series: The Life

Men and women describe the life of commercial fishing

We are pleased to present an opportunity for those involved in commercial fishing in the Pacific to describe the way they work, the way they live.

Ice

By Jerry Tilley

Mix it with the Gulf of Alaska, and it just may save your life

Jerry Tilley was born in the fishing village of Tokeland, Wash., in 1931, and has lived the life of the sea and fishing. One of the most memorable — and frightening — interludes came aboard the F/V Hekla off Alaska in 1962.

November in and around Kodiak Island, Alaska, is windy, wet, and, at times, very cold — snow falls sideways. And that’s under normal conditions. Wind velocity was clocked at 128 m.p.h. at the U.S. Naval Air Station in November 1962. Chill factors were off the scale. But those who have to go fishing to pay the bills are not worrying about a chill factor.

Continues here:

IceLife0521.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Stay tuned!

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