Salmon season began for us on June 9th this year, and as always after the annual weeks-long scramble to get all the pieces in place, it was sweet relief to slip our net into the water, to begin the age-old dance with the ocean, to feel muscles from fingertips to toes waking up. Gripping the setline under gloved hand and bracing my hip against the steering console as I drive down the net, rocking with the waves, my body feels calm and secure, my heart beating strong with the knowledge that what I am doing is ingrained, elemental; that fishing makes up a deep part of my being.

Tollef and I did something new this season – we postponed hiring crew until after the first opening, so that we could fish together for once. Usually operating on opposite sides of the bay, we have occasionally joined forces before, but this was the first time we had done so with no extra crew. Fishing together feels light and free, not having to concern ourselves with teaching or guiding crew members or sharing space. Since we both bring lifetimes of experience fishing, as well as a deep knowledge of the other, working together is just fun and seamless. Perhaps in the future we will do more of that! For now, it is enough to know that our season began on such a great note.

The cool, damp Northeast wind brought us some light drizzle, enough waves to keep us on our toes and make the ocean more of a presence in our thoughts, and a healthy showing of beautiful sockeye to boot! We always kiss the first fish – as do all the fishermen we know – as well as set it free to swim away and spawn for the benefit of future generations of salmon. No matter how many years we’ve been doing this, the joy and excitement that first flash of silver brings bubbles in our veins as strong as ever. Here’s to another beautiful and bountiful season ahead!

-Adelia & Tollef

Starting Off On The Right Foot