The annual summer salmon fishing post

I spent almost a week at home in St. Lewis to participate in the annual communal salmon fishery. This is the first year yet that I have not filled all six of my tags. The season appears to have started early. My dad, who I can claim as an elder now at 72, said that salmon usually start their ‘run’ after the ice moves out. This year (thanks to climate change) that happened earlier than usual. So St. Lewis folx are finding it hard catching salmon this July.

For me, it’s not really about the salmon, it never has been. It’s always been about enjoying time out on the ocean with my dad. This time, while I had a great time, there was a silent sadness that drifted over me because I don’t know how many more years of this I will have. I don’t trust anyone on the water like I trust Mr. Eric Poole.

We had a moment, after an 8 hour day of visiting coves from Battle Harbour all the way through 12:00 Harbour, where he sat in the other seat and told me to captain his boat. Having done this plenty of times over the years, I didn’t hesitate at all, and quite enjoyed it. I asked him if he thought I would be able to handle the boat all on my own if I had to, and he paused a second and said, “yes, most likely.” I don’t know if that was to make me happy, or because he felt I really could. I choose to believe the latter.

I have so many memories from childhood through to high school being out in boat with dad. I felt, growing up, that I was missing out by having parents that didn’t allow me to go hang out with my friends into the late hours of the night. What I didn’t realize at the time, was what a privilege it was that I had parents who taught me so many valuable life skills, so many traditions.

While I will not be having children of my own, it is my mission to document as best I can, all of the stories and knowledge that I learned over the years, so that their ways of knowing and being will be immortalized in my journals, and in some cases right here on my blog. While the bloodline ends with me, I will make sure that not all is lost.

Here’s some visuals for you to imagine my time on the water. Hope you’re well.

M.

P.S. here’s a list of where we visited in boat one fine day: