1st GENERATION FISHERMAN
Home Port: Campbell River, BC | Vessel Name: Stormryder

“Everyone should know how well the directed hook and line fleet is managed, with every pound of the commercially caught quota being accounted for each year.”

1. When and how did you start fishing?

I started working as a deckhand in 1988 at the age of 13 as a summer job and fished for salmon and wild Pacific halibut.

2. Where do you usually fish?

I fish along the BC coastline, mainly around Haida Gwaii and Cape Scott.

3. What is the best thing about fishing?

The anticipation of what’s on the next hook!

4. What is your most memorable fishing experience?

Being shipwrecked! I was shipwrecked in late February 1994 approximately 50 miles south of Prince Rupert while heading out for the wild Pacific halibut season opening.

5. What do believe everyone should know about wild Pacific halibut and the fishery?

How well the directed hook and line fleet is managed, with every pound of the commercially caught quota being accounted for each year.

6. What do you believe are the most important issues facing the wild Pacific halibut industry today?

The interception and bycatch of wild Pacific halibut in other fisheries.

7. How would you describe the future of the wild Pacific halibut fishery?

Cautiously optimistic.

8. What three words best describe the wild Pacific halibut fishery today?

Sustainable, accountable, quality.

1. What was your first job?

Peeling potatoes in my parents’ restaurant

2. What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not fishing?

Cooking

3. What is your favourite meal to eat on the boat when fishing?

Poached fish with ginger, garlic, scallions and soya sauce over rice with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil. This dish is good with wild Pacific halibut, sablefish (Blackcod) or rock fish, but I usually prefer it with cod though because the thinner fillets absorb the fresh garlic, ginger, green onion and soya sauce better. You can butterfly cut wild Pacific halibut to accomplish, too.

4. What is your favourite wild Pacific halibut dish?

Prosciutto wrapped, pan-seared wild Pacific halibut with garlic and white wine reduction

5. What is your favourite movie or TV show of all time?

Sopranos

6. What is your favourite song or who is your favourite artist?

Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

7. What is one thing that most people don’t know about you and may surprise them?

I chose commercial fishing over law school.

8. What skill or craft would you like to master?

Fishing (LOL 😊)

9. Who is your hero and why?

My wife, for her determination

This project is supported by the BC Government Buy BC Partnership Program: delivered by MNP with funding from the Government of British Columbia.

The Government of British Columbia is committed to working with industry partners. Opinions expressed in this document are those of [the authors] and not necessarily those of the Government of British Columbia or the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.

Zeke Pellegrin