My fishing partner and his group of fisherman came in
with their catch today. My partner’s daughter and her
husband and his wife were all there helping. Their
nephew was helping to offload king salmon from a boat.
He tossed the first fish into the fish tote, and a
unified gasp and chorus of condemnation of his act
ensued. Undaunted, he did it again! He happened to
look up, and I pointed at him and said “Don’t do that
again.” He seemed to see that if a non-family member
was telling him this, that he might want to think
about what he’s doing. At that, the partner’s
son-in-law descended the dock ladder to the boat, and
showed him how to properly handle the fish. He got
it.
That’s when you know you’re in with the right group of
people. We all want to do things right, whether we
can make some money or not. Most fish are handled as
the boy did without a second thought, but not here.
I sat on the dock in the sunshine and enjoyed the
action. I’d hoped to get some sockeye for my orders,
but the fishing group only caught enough to fill their
hungry markets with their first delivery of the year.
I was thrilled to get the keta salmon I did get –
pressure bled and beautiful fish. We’re sending those
to our friends in Knoxville for their fish market, and
others to my sister in Pittsburgh. Even though I had
orders for lots of other fish, those will have to wait
till next week. One boat needed a deckhand for the
next opening, and I was thrilled when they asked me.
I can’t wait for next week. And on a seiner converted
to gillnetter, no less. Lots of room. Fishing season
is here, and all the headaches of bureaucrats from the
winter and continuing through today fade to
insignificance when I get to participate in a
meaningful endeavor.
–
Mark Stopha and Sara Hannan
Alaska Wild Salmon Company
Wild Salmon and Salmon Pet Treats
4455 N. Douglas Hwy
Juneau, AK 99801
907-463-3115
www.GoodSalmon.com