Comments on: “I am going to work on a fishing boat.” Letters from Amanda, Part 1

By: From Greenhorn to Graduate: Celebrating Amanda’s First Fishing Season « Hooked

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 06:20:27 +0000

[...] journey. From an April morning when I overheard a young woman say she wanted to go fishing, her pre-season anticipation, thefirst challenges and triumphs, a mid-season struggle, to these concluding reflections, [...]

By: Amanda

Amanda — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 00:12:34 +0000

Thank you so much for all of your support all! I am so flattered that you are excited about what I have to say! It’s been about three weeks now and I’ve been so eager to respond to you all and to get another post out. This is the first time I’ve sat down at a computer for more than 5 minutes since I’ve been here. I currently have about a half hour, not enough time to produce a post that is written with the attention that it deserves. I’ve got pages of journals to turn over and will do so as soon as possible! I sincerely appreciate everything you’ve all had to say and wish I could respond to you all individually.
A few quick lists, I’ve got to get this out:
Biggest challenges: KNOTS!!@!!#$#@!, fish tickets and the simple but tedious math that goes along with, learning to sleep in only 3 hour increments, projecting a positive attitude when I secretly want to complain, not belittling myself internally when I mess up, forget, or have to be told and re-told something that seems so simple

Biggest rewards: a wonderful crew of supportive individuals, cooking for people who are open to creativity and experimentation, endless mountain ranges and morning light, a day off at Baranof warm springs, the sheer amount of things to observe and take in, the massive about of skills and information I’ve learned and will never forget, all the sources of inspiration

Proudest moments: completing a 21 hour work day, lowering the anchor (using the hydraulics) for the first time, learning the language (the times are fewer and fewer when I look someone in the face after being asked to do something and say “I don’t understand the words that you just said”), finally being able to tell a Coho from a Sockeye from a Pink from a Dog, working a full day, cooking for three, cleaning the galley and sinking in to bed with an aching body and a nourished spirit

More to come! Thanks and thanks again! Blessings to you all and especially you, Tele!

By: Tele

Tele — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 21:35:50 +0000

Good grief… You guys are THE BEST. Thanks to all for your cheerleading (and tremendously helpful, generous advice!) I don’t know when Amanda will be able to get online and have enough leisure time to reply, but I’m sure we’ll hear from her when she gets the chance.

And Amanda? I have to confess your last paragraph choked me up a bit. Thank you for your courage, heartfelt sincerity, and openness – both in your general approach to life and your willingness to share your experience here. You’re an inspiration, my friend.

By: patriciasands

patriciasands — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 21:32:53 +0000

Good luck, Amanda. I’m looking forward to following your adventure. With someone like Tele rooting for you, I’m sure you will do well!

By: Karla

Karla — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 23:31:52 +0000

piece of advice. stick it out. it’s sweet in the fall when the geese start flying south. don’t overthink. it is irrelevant that you have a college degree. no one thinks of a hold as containing dead fish. think of it more as being the livelihoods of those that sell to the tender. that hold of fish represents the absolute BEST of what a fisherman has to offer! when translated to a check those fish become food on the table for the fishing families. fuel. ice for the hold. bottom paint. moorage. fishing gear. And not the least: gourmet grub for the end consumer. most fishermen fish for the lifestyle not so much for the money. fish are the most precious commodity in the world for them. never forget: they risk their lives to put those fish in the hold. fishermen do respect the fish. they are also very good at compartmentalizing. don’t make the mistake of thinking they don’t care. they’ve got kids at home. wives anxious to hear from them. bills to pay. sometimes they care too much. they find ways to cope with the pain. self-medicating. withhold judgement. for boats that have been out at sea, the tender is a godsend. encourage the skipper to have icecream for the fishermen that sell, they will pay a premium for it. tomatos are like gold. a head of lettuce is silver. a chicken, an incalculable luxury. if you play your cards right, you will be revered because you represent the hearth & home. be safe yourself. Take the safety drills seriously! I was on a troller once that delivered the last load of fish to a tender that went down in Cross Sound. One crewmember was lost. The rest were rescued in their survival suits but will never be the same. Don’t talk about this too much. learn to compartmentalize. enjoy. every. minute. if you make it through your first season, YOU will never be the same. accept that. keep up with your writing. a journal. a journey. and good luck!