What was it like?

May 1

2 min read

Wake up early in the morning. Have breakfast and turn on the radio. Listen for your unit while you do the dishes. You’re tired, well the boat will wake you up.

Make a call and get the boat ready. We’re going to set the nets—the cold air wakes you up. The Yukon water is unforgiving.

Now make sure the bank and smokehouse are ready. Gutters, tables, knives. Poles are moved, fire smoking, wood stacked.

Six hours later, we check.

25 feet, nothing.

50 feet, 3 king, 4 dog.

100 feet, 9 king, 6 dog.

150 feet, 18 king, 8 dog.

Dogs are still kicking—toss ‘em back. Back to the bank.

Hip waders—gutters, hearts, eggs. On the table we bullshit and cut. Don’t forget to stretch the bellies. Make sure your cuts are even.

Coolers on the trailers, up to the smokehouse.

Did you grab the eggs and hearts?

Brine is ready—the potato’s floating. Quick dip. Hang them in the sun to dry. It’s clear. Gunna’egga is ready.

Climb up. Strips are ready—hand me that pole.

DON’T FALL!

What are you looking for? Blowflies.

Ready for lunch? Slapjacks and fish hearts. Mmmm.

Play cards. Laugh and joke.

I’m gonna make a water run. Any empty buckets, auntie?

Four-wheeler ride.

Ah, it’s cold! I told you it was cold.

Get in the boat—we gotta check nets.

Where’s your lifejacket? Grab the net.

Where’s the paddle!?

Got it. Put it under.

There’s one.

Ah, geez—just cut the nose.

There’s the belt—how many we get?

Twelve. Not bad. Onto the next one.

You want to help gut or cut? Watch your hands.

Blood on your sleeves, fish scales stuck to your skin.

Did you know there’s ivory in fish heads?

Fuck—dropped a heart. Found it.

Dinner time. Take the collars up to grandma.

Fish again?

Yeah—and we’ll have it again tomorrow too.

Don’t forget to change your clothes—you smell like fish and smoke.

They’re going to pull the nets—you ready?