Q: Which products do you sell to Sea to Shore Seafood?

A: I fish for Halibut where we occasionally catch rockfish and Pacific cod. I also catch all five species of salmon: King, Sockeye, Coho, Keta and Pink. 

Q: Can you share fun facts about your Vessel name?

A: The Eric was built in 1964 in the Puget Sound area, it was apparently the first boat that was built from that hull’s mold. “Eric” was the Father of Frank Barr who had the boat built. It has fished in False Pass AK, and Southeast AK. Originally built as a False Pass gillnetter but later converted to a salmon troller in the 80’s. We converted her back to a gillnetter when we purchased the vessel in 2014.

Q: What sustainable fishing practices/gear types do you use? What is your crew size for these fisheries?

A: We use a longline with hooks to catch Halibut, Rockfish and Pacific Cod. For salmon I use a drift gillnet. Both fishing methods have been certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. Throughout the salmon season I fish with one other person. Together, Chelsea and I fish the halibut.

Q: What do you love most about life on the water?

A: The ocean has influenced my life as early as I can remember. I grew up playing in the waves of Santa Cruz and I now make my living drifting the tides of Southeast Alaska. My life in and on the water has given me a different perspective on the world.  You realize how small and insignificant most of life's problems really are. The power and ruthlessness of the ocean in a storm, the vastness of the horizon, the never-ending surge of the tides and a swell that can travel across the Pacific are both humbling and awe-inspiring.

Q: What is your favorite type of fish to catch or favorite method of fishing and why?

A: Halibut using a longline. I love longlining because it's so much more of an adventure to find the fish and at such a different pace than gillnetting.

Q: What is your favorite fish or seafood to eat and why?

A: I love to eat all seafood, but my favorite is Dungeness crab. I will crack 5 or 6 crabs and collect all their meat. I won't eat any of it until I have finished cracking everything. The satisfaction of taking big spoonful of an ultra-rich meat that took a lot of work and patience to collect, makes it taste that much better! I will also marinate it with olive oil, lemon and seasonings - the same way my grandpa would. It always brings back fond memories of sitting around their table as a child.

Q: What is your biggest takeaway from your time spent on the water?

A: To appreciate every smile and happy moment we have in this journey. Like the tides, life is always changing and sometimes you don't realize how good a moment may be until its drifted past.