The longest day of the year has always felt like the real beginning of our season.
On June 20th, just before the summer solstice, we launched the F/V Ava Jane into Bristol Bay after a week of getting everything ready. Every season starts the same way, with a long list of jobs to do before we ever make our first set.
We spent the first few days reconnecting everything after winter, checking every system on the boat, and making repairs where they were needed. We found a couple of leaking water lines and replaced several hydraulic hoses that had been on the boat for over twelve years. It's never fun finding problems, but it's a lot better to find them at the dock than when you're out chasing salmon.
This winter was one of the coldest we've seen in years. The river ice was unusually thick, spring breakup came late, and the water is still running about three degrees colder than average. That's the big question everyone is asking right now: will the colder water slow the salmon down, or will they come all at once? Only time will tell.
The early reports from Port Moller and False Pass have everyone optimistic. There are encouraging numbers of fish showing up already, and they're looking like nice, healthy-sized sockeye.
Even the boatyard reminded us who's in charge this time of year. The water and sewer lines were still frozen when we arrived, which meant a few days of finding somewhere else to shower and fill our tanks. That's life in Bristol Bay; there's always something unexpected waiting for you.
Now we're finally where we belong: on the water.
The crew is excited, the boat is currently running well, and we're ready to begin another season doing what we love. As always, our goal is simple: fish safely, take care of the boat, and bring home the highest-quality wild sockeye salmon possible.
Tomorrow is International Fishermen's Day, and it reminds me how grateful I am to make a living on the water alongside thousands of hardworking fishermen around the world. Thank you for supporting independent fishermen and family businesses like ours. Every order you place allows us to keep doing what we love and share Bristol Bay's incredible wild salmon directly with your family.
We'll keep sharing updates from the Bay throughout the season.
Until next time,
Captain Steve Kurian
