We're close to a record-breaking season in Bristol Bay. It's winding down, but Mike just made a crew swap to get new energy in for the last couple of weeks.
Well, my plan was to update you every week, but there really haven't been many updates to give due to the lack of communication from the boat. We use a tiny, remote phone service for our boat phone, and coverage has been spotty all season. It's not working at all currently, and Mike is so tired of fixing things, that he's apparently deemed the phone unnecessary. I think otherwise, but get it (kind of). Cumulative sleep deprivation and constantly fixing things on the boat does not make one want to mess with SIM cards and cell phone companies.
We also use a Garmin InReach to communicate, which is a texting device that works from anywhere. Using the device is like texting from an old Nokia phone without predictive text. When linked with an app, it makes it easier to use, but of course, the app isn't working anymore either.
This is always how the end of the season goes. It's kind of a race to wrap up before anything really important breaks!
It's been an incredible fishing season in Bristol Bay. As of yesterday the total run of 62.7 million is the second largest on record, and just 200,000 fish shy of the largest run ever in 2018.
It's been a wet, windy, foggy season too. The crew is exhausted and so is Mike. He's committed to fishing another 10 days or so though, even though the fish are just trickling in at this point. If he catches 1,000 pounds of fish per day or so, it pays well. And when you're already out there, it makes sense to stay.
The incredibly long days and lack of sleep have taken a toll on the crew, and they're ready to go home. We sent Jayden home yesterday, and Bhajan is looking for a flight out now. CB is tired too, but staying for now.
Mike wanted some new energy on board, so he flew his former crew mate from the days on the F/V Dr. Jack from Kentucky to King Salmon, Alaska to finish out the season with him.
Meet Jason. He is like a ninja warrior and he is a seasoned fish picker. Before Mike became a captain, they once picked more than 400,000 pounds of fish in a single season. Not only was that catch the largest anyone knew of in the history of the fishery at the time, but they did it, just the two of them. Most people have 3-5 crew on board.
Jason has taken a few years away from Bristol Bay, but has missed the water, and is excited to spend some mellow time in the Bay with Mike. Depending on how slow the fishing is, he may end up bringing the boat back to Homer with Mike, if he has time. Jason is also a professional photographer, so I am hoping for some quality photos from this season. I always tell Mike to take more, but there's really not time for it, and photography is not his forte.
CB is a good buddy of Jason's too. CB is tired, but is staying a few more days to hang out. It's not every day your buddy from across the country comes to Alaska. Last I heard, the plan was to head to the Ugashik district, which is where the majority of the fish seem to show up late season. It also happens to be remarkably beautiful there, so I'm sure they'll do a little adventuring too.
Owen's birthday is August 12th. Mike has promised to be back by then. It's only been a month since Mike left, but it seems like three. We'll be ready for him, when he's ready to say goodbye to the fishing.
That's all for now! Thanks for following along.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
