Fish Stories by Captain Art (Sena's Dad)

Ain't Superstitious...by Captain Art

Posted by Taylor Mcelyea on

But then it happened. I suddenly realized I was becoming a superstitious, irrational scaredy-cat. For what reason did I graduate from the University of Washington? To become a cowardly, mindless, superstitious old-timer?  Had I totally lost the power of rational thought? Enough of this nonsense I declared, loud and clear, to myself. Tonight, this mattress gets tipped over, sleep will be restored and flesh will heal. 
 
Do I have to tell you what happened? Don’t you know how this turns out? Have you ever defied the will of Odin, the wrath of Neptune? 
Read more →

First Time Halibut Fishing, 1969 by Captain Art

Posted by Taylor Mcelyea on

We left Seattle mid April, 1969. The season opened approximately May 1st.  I wish I could say it was fun, exciting and profitable but it wasn’t.  

I can say it was physically and mentally exhausting, lonely and dangerous. I did learn what the lowest form of life on earth is: It’s the skipper’s daughter’s boyfriend.

Read more →

Black Cod on the Alrita by Captain Art

Posted by Taylor Mcelyea on

It took a lot of guts to even ask and I was thoroughly prepared to be instantly rebuffed. After all, skipper Otto Jangaard was known as one of the best ever and the idea of an unknown deckhand operating his vessel would be considered extremely presumptuous if not completely ridiculous.
Read more →