After 40 days at sea, Captain Steve swapped his fishing crew for family time, reuniting with Jenn, Ava, and Tommy in Naknek to close out another memorable season. Like clockwork, the Kurian crew, known affectionately as The Wild Four, came together to haul in the final catch and tuck the F/V Ava Jane in for a well-earned rest.
Jenn, no stranger to life on the water, quickly found her rhythm again as she stepped back into her sea boots. Ava and Tommy traded their backcountry threads for waders and their usual XtraTufs, embracing the Alaskan lifestyle like they’d never left.
The transition from life apart to life together was seamless. Days were filled with fishing, boat time, and awe-inspiring visits to nearby Katmai National Park, where brown bears feasted on thick runs of sockeye salmon, a sight so rich this year, it looked as if you could walk across the river on the backs of fish.
Adding to the joy of the reunion was the news that Bristol Bay remains protected, as the U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment to preventing the development of Pebble Mine. For the Kurians, this decision reaffirmed everything they work for: a wild, thriving fishery and a legacy worth protecting.
This is just a quick update, but rest assured, The Wild Four will be back soon with your fresh, wild catch! Stay tuned for stories of tsunami warnings at sea, bear encounters in Katmai, and the adventures that unfold while your wild-caught goodness makes its way closer to your doorstep.
