Fishermen’s Blog Log |
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 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.  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. |
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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 crew members, 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. |
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| Above: Kit Durnil and Wife Janet | ||||
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.
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| 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 teeth. 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 Laboratories 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. |
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Above: Darren getting the angle from the back deck |
Above: Josh Becker filming the docking detail |
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| July: The waters were calm for these two Halibut trips back to back. It came much appreciated for the permit holders, Larry, Max, and Rhonda. P.S. Whales are NOT an endangered species. |
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| Above: Sperm Whales-- The type of company we don't care to share with | Above: The slaughter bin. No special effects needed. |
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Left: Permit holder Larry Billman, also being a good co-captain. |
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Above: Permit holder Max Cutshall making sure we don't lose any fish. |
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August / September: The Kruzof, captain and crew head for Southeast Alaska to harvest sablefish out of Clarence and Chatham Straits. Since this is an inside water fishery where waters are calmer, we usually freeze our larger size fish (5+ lbs) in an IQF pack. This allows us to diversify our market options for a better average price. These fisheries are limited to entry but the total catch quota is equalized to all participants. This year our catch shares were up from last year. |
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Left: Individual quality frozen (IQF) Sablefish packed in 50lb net wt boxes. |
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Above: Matthew taking his wheel watch serious. |
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September/October: From southeast the Kruzof ventured to southwest to area 3B to harvest halibut and try the gear on some pacific cod. The price has been creeping up for the past couple years on H&G p.cod and Jim was feeling he was missing something. Well he missed the fish somewhat, but it was still worth a try. | |||
| Above: Block frozen Pacific Cod from the Kruzof | ||||
| October - December: While Jim was in his happy place, Rhonda attended the council meetings up in Anchorage. The charter issue was still on the table and it was fish or cut bait time for council members. Testimony went for 2+ days and another day of deliberations before an approved Catch Sharing Plan between the Commercial and Guided Sport industry was reached. (For more information check council website at: www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/newsletters/NEWS1008.pdf.) | ||||
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The last fish for the season was offloaded on October 10th. Then we went to attend our nephew's wedding in Yakima, spent time with friends in Bend, and Jim hobnobbed with fellow fishermen at the Pacific Marine Expo in November. Thanksgiving and Christmas were spent at home, but not without some vacation planning for January or February,, Unless Jim goes Pacific Cod Fishing of course. Merry Christmas and many thanks to our crew, supporting vendors, and customers for another successful season. |
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| Jim in his happy place. | ||||
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Jim and Rhonda cleaned up well after another fishing season and 20 years of marriage. |
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| Return to top • Read the 2007 Fishermen's Blog Log | ||||
• © 2007 J & R Fisheries • Site Design by Elle Jays Productions • |
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Above: Approaching dock to prepare for an offload
