The fundamentals.

Regardless of season, dress in layers for all types of weather. Bring water bottles, sunglasses, phone, hat, sunscreen, and a camera or binoculars if you have them. Some people like sun gloves when it is hot (I do). Get a good night sleep, pee before you leave, and share your goals and any concerns for the day. A two-day fishing license can be purchased for $13.75 at Holiday Sports in Burlington or online at WDFW Licenses.

Who is welcome?

Everyone, regardless of age, gender, orientation, or ethnicity that wants to participate. The trip cost is low to provide access for all. The boat is best for two anglers and can accommodate four adults or parents with two kids. If you are concerned about mobility or strength, don’t be. We can provide accommodations to make it work for anyone.

Where should we stay?

The Guemes Island Resort. Cabin rates are $290 to $450 for two to four people, based season and accommodations. Houses are available for groups of eight to twelve people.

Will we catch something?

Most likely, yes. My goal is to create the experience you want to have around the target species based on seasons, tides, and time of day. Odds of success are very good with your commitment to participate, learn, and persist a little when necessary. Taking time to enjoy all that is available to see in a day on the water will provide lasting memories and the desire to return.

Crabbing is pretty easy, salmon fishing is good when fish are around, lingcod are local and require tending your lure based on depth, and halibut and shrimp require a boat ride of twenty to fifty miles.

What happens when we catch something?

That is for you to decide. There are opportunities for catch and release, intentional harvest, gyotaku printing, and same day cooking. My goal is to involve you in the experience you want to have while adapting to weather, tides, and the unique opportunity that arises for that day.

Who cleans the animals we harvest?

We do it together unless you simply want to watch. I believe these are skills that people who like to forage and cook should develop. Access to refrigeration is essential to keep your harvest at is best.

Will we see orcas?

It’s happened for me once since 2012. My son Charlie had transients swim right in front of our cabin. Depending on time of year, we will see sea lions, seals, porpoises, murres and murrelets, guillemots, oystercatchers, gulls, geese, eagles, ravens, loons, brants, and cormorants. Humpback whales can often be seen at the banks while fishing for halibut. White sided porpoises can put in a show slipstreaming the boat when the mood strikes them,

Are we safe?

I don’t believe that marine navigation is inherently dangerous when we prepare, apply good judgement, and create a plan based on weather and tide conditions. I have thirty years of experience on the water and hold a USCG Captain License. I am trained in First Aid/CPR, equipped with a marine radio, pyrotechnic and digital distress signaling with GPS, life jackets, a mobile phone, and vessel assist services when needed.

What if nature calls?

There are some nice vault toilets in the vacinity of where we forage most. We have a pee cup on board for those confident in its use. Shore stops are available following Leave No Trace principles, and we can always return to the resort or our beach house if needed.

Will I be seasick?

It is not likely, but you know yourself best. The boat is open with no fuel smell and a full view of the horizon. If past experience suggests you are sensitive to motion, taking a dimenhydrinate histamine blocker like Dramamine thirty minutes before leaving shore will help. If you start to feel something, communicate before it’s obvious you have a problem.

Can a crab pinch my finger off?

No—but they can apply the hurt pretty good. The problem is that if they get you, they have a strong reluctance to let go.

What if I’m worried about the killing part?

Good! Life is sacred. I have heard that Native Americans believed that animals presented themselves for the higher purpose that keeps us all connected. The most humane solutions are the fastest. Shrimp can be shocked in ice water, crabs can be separated in a matter of seconds, and fish require a firm blow to the head. If you are concerned about this part of the experience, say something.

How much can we achieve in one day?

This depends on how we adapt to what occurs that is out of our control for that day. To catch, clean, cook, and share requires an early catch. To cook required that we choose to harvest. I only have one trip scheduled per day, so we can make and execute the best plan.

Are there secrets to being a good forager?

Yes—paying attention, being open and flexible, relying on your own instincts and judgement, and persisting when it feels right. Respect for nature and the animals you may choose to harvest is the foundation of what we do. If you really want to catch salmon, wake up early. If you want to catch lingcod, go when the tide is flowing a little. If you want to catch crab, timing it with dinner can be good.

Who operates the boat and equipment?

For guests interested in participating, we do this together. It’s the best way I know to build capability.

Will you let us (or teach us) to tie knots and bait hooks?

Yes. I would love to share ideas.

Can we drink on board?

Yes, with discretion. Shrimping and crabbing lend themselves well to a shore lunch with your beverage of choice. When hooking and landing fish are involved, it’s better to wait until toward end of the day or when we return to shore.