Captain's Log - Fishing Schedule for F/V Kruzof J & R Fisheries

Fishermen’s Blog Log
2008 Season

January- February: The Kruzof, now outfitted with a new engine, new decking, paint, and reefer upgrades left the shipyard on January 14th. Captain Jim arrived in Seward Harbor February 2nd just in time for his wife's Birthday. No flowers just having him home safely after a big job and long trip was enough of a gift.

To shake things out Jim took the boat out for a short Pacific Cod trip on February 24th-- 26,000 lbs in 24 hours was the catch. No freezing on board this trip, just bled them as they came over the rail and delivered for a $.61/lb dock price.

The engine proved itself as a more economical machine burning 50 gallons less fuel per day than the old engine. With the significant increase in fuel prices we expect to recover the cost of the engine within five years, plus leave less of a carbon footprint.

March-April: The halibut season opened March 10th. The Kruzof did its usual, going out at the opening hour with the intent of coming in with the first fresh fish to market for the year. Prices were expected to be just as good as they left off last year, but actually started out at $1 less per pound. The processors felt there needed to be a correction from the earlier inflated price. We accepted with reluctance but not without expression to the buyers that the price to consumers should also drop. Packaged Sablefish

A lower price to the fishermen is always more aggravating if the end consumer is asked to pay a higher price. We figure if the fishermen are getting less than its only fair that the consumer should be paying less as well. We hope this is coming true.

After a Halibut trip the Kruzof ventured over to West Yakutat on March 25th to harvest sablefish. This is when the freezing system got tested. In the middle of the trip a breakdown on the system caused for a quick layover in Yakutat to wait for a part to get back going. No product and little fishing time was compromised. The boat hailed home on March 8th with a 78,000 lb load of sablefish, collars, rockfish and halibut.

Rhonda prepared markets for the load prior to the fish landing. It was a challenge tracking it to five different places not to mention the difficulties in landing the trip in accordance with the National Marine Fisheries Service new E-landings system. We were so happy to have one of our crewmembers, Kit Durnil, somewhat trained on the new system and was helpful in tracking the shipments. The real help however was keeping Jim's blood pressure down as he tries to stay in compliance with all the government regulations and mandated processes in making a fish landing.

Kit Durnil and Wife Janet

Jim & Rhonda in Hawaii

At this point I knew Jim was ready for our pre-planned vacation to Hawaii. Last season ended into a big shipyard project which ended into the start of a new season. The blend needed to separate as we found ourselves constantly consumed with boat & fish talk and Jim with too many things to complain about.

Plus it was a long cold and snowy winter. We needed a break! The Island of Oahu and Kauai for 10 days did the trick. We made new friends, visited some extended in-laws, and took walks on the beach every morning. Jim quit wearing his watch, and started forgetting things that needed forgetting. We came back with a new outlook finally and feeling a bit more at ease.

Approaching dock to prepare for an offload

May-June: After a long break from the last Blackcod trip the Kruzof geared up for business again. This time in Central Gulf for another Blackcod trip. They had added company this trip, namely a film crew from PGS films contracted by National Geographic to do a documentary on longlining in Alaska. Josh and Darren, from Seattle and San Francisco respectively, hardly resembled City Slickers as they went with fewer showers, endurred bad weather, and wore rubber boots, plaid shirts, and decent rain gear for the fishing boat environment. They made good shipmates for the few days they were on the Kruzof and got some great film footage. Look for the documentary coming out soon on the National Geographic channel. Plus check out some of Josh's great Alaskan photos at www.jbecker.smugmug.com.

The trip got extended at least 2 extra days mainly due to the miserable whale factor. They were hungry as ever and followed the Kruzof around feasting on its catch taking mainly the choice 7/up size fish. It's called "flossing" the line, just like how we humans floss our teeeth. Jim also checked out some fishing grounds for Pacific Cod towards end of the trip. Lets just say the halibut moved in.

By now, the market took a bit of a jump on the big fish (still cursing those darn whales). Rhonda had buyers lined up, and chose to test the growing Canadian Market with some of the product. She got challenged initially with the question of maximum mercury requirements of fish going into Canada, so had the product pre-tested by Am Test Labratories out of Redmond, Washington. Questions and concerns on allowable mercury content was resolved as our product had no problem making the cut. The customer was happy and expect they will keep calling back for more.

Darren getting the angle from the back deck

Josh Becker filming the docking detail

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