Shannon Vandervest
- Shannon began fishing with her grandfather at 13.
- They went halibut fishing and gillnetting on his boat, the Betty B.
- After that trip, you could say, she was 'hooked'!
- She is a third-generation fisherwoman, and proud to have raised three daughters on the water.
Fisherman Q&A
Q: Which products do you sell to Sea to Shore Seafood?
A: Salmon and Halibut.
Q: Can you share fun facts about your Vessel name?
A: I bought my boat in 1986 and have replaced the engine, fuel tanks, and the hydraulics. I’ve also rebuilt most of the wood in the boat. Her name is the original, named after Jane Blant, the wife of the builder.
Q: What sustainable fishing practices/gear types do you use? What is your crew size for these fisheries?
A: Alaska has fishery managements in place to protect the stocks from overfishing. I take great pride in protecting any species that I am not fishing for, by gently handling them and making sure they are alive and healthy before releasing them back into the clear water. I will fish with up to 2 crewmembers.
Q: What do you love most about life on the water?
A: The beautiful surreal sunsets surrounded by whales breaching and birds singing.
Q: What is your favorite type of fish to catch or favorite method of fishing and why?
A: Halibut is by far my favorite. While longlining for halibut you never know what giant might be coming up on a hook!
Q: What is your favorite fish or seafood to eat and why?
A: Shrimp is my favorite seafood. When perfectly cooked, the taste is sweet and the texture is soft and slightly chewy.
Q: What is your biggest takeaway from your time spent on the water?
A: Understanding the intricate balance between humans and marine life. I have grown to understand that nature is more powerful than any human and that it can be life threatening one minute and the next, extremely beautiful. Just when you think you have seen it all, nature will astound you.
