At Fishermen's Terminal, the sight of boats in varied designs signifies the diverse strategies fishermen employ to catch aquatic prey. Fish, with their differing swimming habits, prompt the use of distinct fishing gear and techniques. Let's delve into the fundamental methods: netting, hooking, and trapping.

Gillnetting: A Stealthy Strategy

Under the cover of night, gillnetters unfurl vertical nets resembling curtains to ensnare fish. These nets, strategically meshed to allow the fish's head through but snag the body by the gills, require expert maneuvering. Gillnetters, ranging from small rowboats to 40-foot vessels, deftly navigate Puget Sound's waters to set and haul nets.

Pursuing the Bounty with Purse Seining

Purse seiners, armed with expansive nets called seines, target fish near the water's surface. Their technique involves encircling schools of fish to form a large "J" shape. These vessels, typically 50 to 75 feet long, boast power blocks suspended above the stern deck, indicating their efficiency in large-scale fishing operations.

Trawling: Dragging the Bounty from the Depths

Trawlers drag sock-shaped nets through the water, capturing schools of fish with the aid of otter boards or trawl doors. This method excels in catching shrimp and groundfish like cod, pollock, and rockfish. Ranging from 50 to over 300 feet, trawling vessels serve diverse roles, some doubling as floating processors.

Trolling: A Patient Pursuit

Trollers, identifiable by upright poles, use hooks and lines trailed behind slow-moving boats. This patient pursuit, particularly for salmon in the Pacific Ocean, showcases the artistry of hook-and-line fishing. Ranging from 20 to 50 feet, trollers require small crews for their precise fishing methods.

Venturing into Specialized Fishing Techniques

Longlining for the Giants

Classic halibut schooners adopt "longlining" to target sizable catches like halibut, black cod, and ling cod. A 2000-foot main line, adorned with baited hooks at intervals, creates a formidable fishing array. This method, reliant on skillful deployment and retrieval, has endured through the ages.

Pot Fishing: Traps for Crustaceans

Pot fishing involves deploying box-like structures on the ocean floor to capture crabs. These pots, when filled, yield impressive catches and are meticulously deployed and retrieved using winches and cranes.

Rich Harvests and the Vast Oceanic Bounty

The oceans teem with diverse bounty, and fishermen pursue an array of species with dedication and skill. From Pacific whiting to rockfish, sablefish to salmon, each species presents a unique challenge and opportunity.

A Glimpse into Fishing History: Tradition, Immigration, and Challenges

Run boats with salmon, Alaska circa 1911 

In the early 1900s, increased demand for salmon drew immigrants to the Northwest and Alaska fisheries. Each group brought unique fishing skills, shaping the industry's history. The Scandinavian influence in halibut fishing, the Greek tradition of gillnetting, and the Slavic dominance in purse seining all contributed to the industry's rich tapestry.

The Perils and Rewards of a Fisher's Life

Fishing boats docked in the harbor, Alaska, circa 1920 

Fishing, inherently risky, demands courage and resilience. Hazards abound, from treacherous seas and unpredictable weather to the challenges of navigation and machinery. The Seattle Fishermen's Memorial stands as a solemn reminder of those who lost their lives at sea.

Why Fish? A Passion Passed Through Generations

In the face of challenges, fishing endures as a way of life—a risky yet rewarding pursuit rooted in individualism, tradition, and the thrill of the hunt. It remains a vocation where the worst day at sea is deemed better than the best day at the office. 

Discover More:

As you explore these fishing methods, Voyij's curated tours offer an exclusive opportunity to witness these techniques in action. From full-day guided fishing trips to wilderness dining experiences, each tour is designed to provide an authentic and immersive encounter with Alaska's fishing traditions.

• Full Day Guided Fishing Trip
• Cook Your Catch Wilderness Dining
• Halibut Fishing Adventure
• Private Charter on a 24-ft Cabin Cruiser
• 4 Hour Guided Silver Salmon Fishing Trip

Embark on an immersive journey with Voyij to explore Alaska's fishing traditions and create lasting memories amidst the beauty of the open sea.