Gillnet: A fishing net in which fish swim in headfirst getting stuck by their gills.
Bowpicker: A type of fishing vessel in which the catch is hauled over the front of the boat (also called a bow).
The snow has completely melted, uncovering these two essentinal tools used in commercial gillnet fishing. I have just finished my last year of high school and my Dad is wrapping up his winter job of teaching. Preparations for the season are in full swing. Engine room chores, fish hold sealings, patching up of the nets, and general polishing of the boat highlight the long list of maintence needed to keep the operation running smooth and efficient.
Currently everything feels chaotic, in shambles, a complete mess. It seems that there is too much to do in too little time. But as every other year has gone, it will all come together right before the season starts. The preseason stress will be relieved, but only to be replaced with the pressure of the need to catch fish. Soon the season will be upon us, but until that time, we will do everything necessary to prepare the boat, the tools, and ourselves.