Local fisherman look to new ways to turn a profit amid Covid-19

WOODLEY ISLAND, Ca. (KIEM)-Fishing has been a symbol of the Humboldt region for hundreds of years.

A short crab season mixed with this pandemic has some fisherman turning to new ways to profit from their catch.

Captain Jake McMaster is prepping his boat for salmon season which is set to start in little more than a week.

“Commercial fishing has been essential since the beginning,” McMaster said.  “So hopefully we can find a way to get food to the consumer.”

Fishing vessel Captain Banjo was last at sea for crab season, which according to McMaster who co-owns the boat, said didn’t go well.

That, coupled with other factors have fisherman worried.

“There is not near the fishing fleet there used to be and now this virus slowed everything down even more,” said McMaster. 

Slowed down, not only for fisherman, but also for local businesses in and around the harbor.

“I’ve seen a lot of businesses that look like they’re probably not going to reopen that’s tough.”

McMaster is a second generation fisherman, his dad Skip McMaster handed over the reins to his son four years ago, after putting in 45 years.

Jake McMaster says this is an unprecedented time for this industry

“We’ll see who comes out of it, but it’s definitely going to be a change nobody that I know in fishing has ever dealt with anything like this,” he said.

McMaster and his fellow fisherman are having to adapt and look for creative ways to market and sell their seafood. 

“Were somewhat in limbo guys are having to make due,” McMaster said.  “It will be different for sure the market will be a big issue.”

One way is by selling their catch directly to the consumer, off their boats.

Right now, Rock Cod, Black Cod and Dungeness crab are in ample supply.

Despite still being open for business, if there are no customers, here is no profit to be made

“You catch as many fish as you want,” McMaster said. “If you can’t sell them, then they’re no good to ya.”

All seafood available to purchase is displayed on a bulletin board at the Woodley Island entrance or call the harbor directly at (707) 443-0801.

Link to Fishing Vessel Capt. Banjo https://www.facebook.com/FVCaptainBanjo/