This year was my first time at Pacific Marine Expo and I was determined to hit the show floor running and soak up everything the show had to offer.
I’ve been working with National Fisherman for several months now and have gotten a feel for the industry, but traveling to the West Coast and being smack dab in the middle of the fishing family is a whole different world.
Walking the show floor, it was rare I made it down an aisle without witnessing a reunion of two old friends, an association representative pouring their heart out over a fishery or that hardened handshake that only exists between a salesman and seasoned captain. There were nothing but happy faces throughout the event center, although most of those might have been a result of the free drinks each day at the beer garden.
Keith Colburn, captain of the F/V Wizard and one of the leading men on “Deadliest Catch,” shared his stories on safety, explaining that PFDs were always mandatory on his boat. Despite his profanity-laced barking on the show, Colburn genuinely cares for his crew. Only the riveting, dangerous clips are used for air, of course.
Several members of Chix Who Fish, a community of female fishing advocates, sat on a panel to discuss the group’s origins, drawing in quite a large and supporting crowd. They talked about their experiences collaborating with Grundéns and testing their new line for women. Fishing is seen as a man’s game in a lot of eyes, so it was wonderful to see these tough ladies get so much support from the audience and to hear their stories.
Having never been on a working fishing vessel myself, watching the Fisherman of the Year contest was the most exciting part of the show. I don’t think I’ve seen hands move faster that the fisherman who took the stage on Friday afternoon.
I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Highliner dinner, where National Fisherman presented a new class of Highliners with awards and shared their accomplishments. I got to sit with 2014 Highliner Russell Sherman and hear one of his survival stories firsthand, which was equally exciting and terrifying. It felt like being a part of industry history to watch Highliners of years past rise from their seats to welcome the incoming class.
The editorial team is back in Portland, Maine, now and the majority of has gotten a full night’s sleep since running around for three days in Seattle. On our flight back home, I was relieved to get back to my apartment and relax for the day. But now that I’m rested, I’m all ready to get back to the show next year.
