About

With two decades of commercial fishing etched into my life, I understand this isn’t just a job, it’s an existence that imbues one’s spirit with purpose and thrill. However, it’s not always serene.

In the last twenty years, I’ve seen rapid oceanic changes, affecting our fisheries – an alarming signal we can’t overlook. My time at sea has led to an uncomfortable truth: I might have inadvertently fueled the issues plaguing us now. Our west coast fisheries are dwindling, and there’s a disconnect between consumers and the seafood on their plates.

It’s disheartening to ponder if my efforts have been exploited by those indifferent to oceanic health. Yet, I stand resolute in facing these adversities, committed to this sector. Despite hurdles, I believe in a sustainable future for commercial fishing. We need to enlighten ourselves and our patrons, striving for a marketplace that cherishes conscientious fishing.

To those who reduce our industry to mere visuals and catchy clips, you’re overlooking our true essence. Commercial fishing is more than a profession; it’s a passion, a vocation, worthy of esteem and appreciation. Let’s unite for our seas’ future and for the forthcoming generations of fishers.

27 comments

  1. Hi,
    You’re stuff is really attractive. I think you sent me a note when you first started, and then I thought you were affiliated with National Fisherman. Are you now?
    Don
    Pacific Fishing magazine

  2. Hey Dave,

    Thanks for the shout out on my blog. I appreciate it! And I love the idea of you bringing related articles together, that makes it a bit easier to try to keep up.

    Good fishin’
    Jen

  3. Love your blog and Facebook page.

    I am looking for someone qualified to do a little freelance writing about the Alaska commercial seafood and processing industry. Maybe you can drop me a line (no pun intended) for details.

    Kevin

  4. You should check out Patagonia’s website. They are anti-commercial fishing, and think salmon shouldn’t be caught till they’re all the way up the river. They make jerky because the fish they use aren’t in any shape to be consumed in any other form. The guy thinks he’s going to change the industry, and thinks he knows a lot more than he really does, and has a lot to learn.

  5. This is really an interesting site. When I was young I thought about being a commercial fisherman. Never followed up on that. Thanks for following my blog. I’m hoping to learn more about salmon fishing up the Yukon River this summer so I can write about it. Thanks again!

  6. Great blog. I liked the review of marine apps. If you want to review another app, we recently released SEAiq USA, a vector chart plotter using the NOAA vector charts. NOAA updates their charts surprisingly frequently and SEAiq USA is the only app we’re aware of that downloads charts directly from their site and makes it easy to keep up to date. It supports offline use. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to send a promo code to try out the app for free. cheers, Mark

  7. Beautiful effort. Love it. I can’t find an email address to ask permission to borrow a photo and link you.
    callanx.com

  8. Hi Dave,
    Your blog is one of many resources I’ve found while I’m doing research to get into the fishing industry. I’m not from a fishing family and I don’t have many personal connections to the business, but I love Alaska and I’ve heard it’s the kind of job that if you show up, work really hard, and are flexible, then it can work out. If I’m trying to get a deckhand job, is it the sort of thing I should line up far in advance? Or do you show up and ask for a place? I’m getting mixed advice from internet info.
    This probably isn’t meant for an advice column about fishing, but I’d really appreciate any of your input.
    Thanks!
    -Zoe

  9. Hey Dave,
    I found your blog while looking for resources to get into the fishing industry. I don’t come from a fishing family and I don’t have many personal connections to the business, but I love Alaska and the lifestyle of the job appeals to me. I’ve heard that it’s the kind of job that if you show up, work really hard, and are flexible this it can work out. From the research I’ve done so far I can’t tell if I’m supposed to line up a deckhand job far in advance, or if I’m supposed to just show up a week or so before season and ask around. So basically – who am I supposed to be asking for a job?
    I know you probably don’t use this as an advice column, but I would appreciate any guidance you can give me.
    Thanks!
    -Zoe

  10. It’s a common question. I have a few suggestions, but a few questions first. What kind of skills do you have?

  11. Check this out, strange language but good attitude about salmon fishing in Alaska :-)))

  12. Several years ago a friend and I went on this type of trip. Not a lot of pinsafh at the time that we went (mid april) but could be a little later at Lake Placid. We were in that area, from Lake Placid to Lake Champlain along the AuSable and Salmon rivers. The trout fishing is fantastic with lots of access to the river banks. The camping is wide open and strictly wilderness with no real campsites except along established hiking trails. There are a good number of motels in the area if the wilderness situation is too much to handle. It’s beautiful country, you’ll love it out there.19yrs fishing exp.

  13. WOW! That’s one amazing pilot who flew you out the the lake. He geserad the landing smoothly! Oh Wait! That’s me! Looks like you boys had a great time out at Armit Lake. It was a real pleasure having you as our guest. We hope to see you all again at Hidden Bay it 2008! Shaggy.

  14. Hi Juneau Tek:

    I don’t mean to be a crank, but my weekly Fish Factor column is protected by copyright, as is clearly stated in most newspapers that run it. Since 1991 my column has been an important part of my small, independent fisheries media business. The weekly rate is $25.

    I don’t mind if an occasional segment is grabbed, but using the entire column so frequently is not allowed.

    Thanks for your understanding.

    Laine Welch, Kodiak

  15. This is a non profit personal blog and all content is considered fair use. My only intention is to spread the word on commercial fishing. Thanks for the feedback and enjoy the site! Check out my other site http://www.comfishfilmfest.com. You contacted me about an interview earlier this season, but I had already spoken with Jay Barrett. Thanks for the interest!

  16. Rock and Roll that King Salmon!
    If you are in Juneau on the First Friday of October, 2013(that is 10/4 good buddy,) come by the Silverbow for Chris Miller’s exhibit called “Taku-A River Divided.” It sheds light on upstream activity and the need to create international policy regarding river borders. Starts at 5pm and smoked salmon mousse will be served.
    On 10/16 there will be a reception in the same space with more information about Transboundary issues starting at 6:30 pm.
    Hope to see you. Would be good to meet you face to face.

  17. dave, regards, wish you good fishing. i am from india and a die hard lover of fish. iwish icould go too alaska for a job of deck hand or anything related to fishing, or in a fishing vessel, to fulfill my dreams and making some money.please help me, or guide me to reach there.wish you reply. thanks.

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