Post by: Night goat on April 14, 2024, 11:52:01 PM
Post by: Woodchuck on April 15, 2024, 06:36:20 AM
Post by: Skillet on April 15, 2024, 09:38:54 AM
@Skillet
Reporting for duty-
Post by: Woodchuck on April 15, 2024, 10:15:56 AM
:salute:@Skillet
Reporting for duty-
Post by: Duckslayer89 on April 15, 2024, 10:42:54 AM
Post by: Skillet on April 15, 2024, 10:45:10 AM
I spent a little time in the troll industry.
Speaking of which, I chatted with Dave the other day. He's doing good, getting ready to haul out in Hoonah.
Post by: Duckslayer89 on April 15, 2024, 11:03:55 AM
I spent a little time in the troll industry.
Speaking of which, I chatted with Dave the other day. He's doing good, getting ready to haul out in Hoonah.
That’s awesome! I’ve been wondering how he’s doing. Tell him I said hi if you see him.
Post by: Skillet on April 15, 2024, 11:56:54 PM
Post by: Night goat on April 20, 2024, 11:00:58 PM
Post by: Skillet on April 21, 2024, 02:04:04 PM
Prices are weak. Black cod absolutely in the tank right now, halibut very volatile (fell as low as $3.50 for U/20's and 80-up!) but trending to the low side, avg $5.25-$5.50. For the trolling outlook, the few predictions I've heard for coho prices is not too encouraging, mirroring last year's start at roughly $1.00/# for G&G iced. The 2022 glut of chum hasn't cleared the market yet, but that may change by July. In any case, we're not looking at anything more than $.50/#. Last year it went down to $.20/# mid season, buying from Co-op members only, and the Co-op cancelled tender service for the fleet. They just didn't want the fish. Pinks went from $.20/# to "no-buy" at the same time.
The only bright spots I can see in Southeast AK for an ice boat troller is the kings. There are a ton around and since CA shut down it's ocean season for the second year in a row there should be a fair price. How it will be managed is still up in the air though.
:twocents:
Post by: Night goat on April 22, 2024, 12:02:02 AM
Just take one trip up to excursion inlet and wander the old cannery and take a peek in the museum... writings on the wall, props to Ji Jeh Reh, Connely was king at a point in time, was thinking about Yak and Fairweather, we will see, I know even on the east coast when they shut down all commercial harvest in Massachusetts and the banks for xyz# of years, things bounced back, but they didn't have to contend with the industrial dragger fleet... I cut my teeth opie fishing.. at least my boat would make a nice yacht if it goes TU
Post by: Skillet on April 22, 2024, 01:04:24 AM
If you're gonna sit out AK and move the boat to WA, it might make sense to find a WA troll permit to lease. Too late to register for halibut bycatch, but it's a while different program and might be worth a $5k lease this year, especially if you can hit the big weeks out of Neah Bay and Westport. I've fished WA in the past in May and most of June before I ran to AK for the king opener, and never lost money. Based on what I saw up here this winter, I believe WA is going to have another great king year.
Something to think about.
Post by: Night goat on April 22, 2024, 01:51:02 AM
Roger that. Selling to AGS in Elfin is a good strategy - they definitely support the troll fleet. Sitka is great when the market is good, but the buyers here get real stingy when things get tight.
If you're gonna sit out AK and move the boat to WA, it might make sense to find a WA troll permit to lease. Too late to register for halibut bycatch, but it's a while different program and might be worth a $5k lease this year, especially if you can hit the big weeks out of Neah Bay and Westport. I've fished WA in the past in May and most of June before I ran to AK for the king opener, and never lost money. Based on what I saw up here this winter, I believe WA is going to have another great king year.
Something to think about.
That going forward, what kind of quality work can you expect in Hoonah?
Post by: Skillet on April 22, 2024, 07:10:26 AM
For a more comprehensive situation like you're probably looking at, Wrangell would be a good option to consider if you wanted to stay up here.
I'll ask around and see if I can get some opinions on Hoonah's electrician for ya.
Post by: rem700300 on April 23, 2024, 07:55:14 AM