Hooked On the Holiday
The journey of transforming our Christmas celebrations began when my husband and I made a conscious decision to change our approach to gift giving. Instead of overwhelming our children with an abundance of gifts that, while appreciated, ultimately weren’t necessary, we opted to present them with unforgettable vacations—learning adventures that would create lasting memories. For Christmas 2023, we decided on a coastal getaway that would be far from the typical beach experience filled with sun and sand. Instead, we envisioned a unique escapade: renting a charter to venture into the depths of the ocean, where we would embark on a fishing expedition for salmon. This would be a first for all of us, promising excitement and new experiences that would redefine our holiday traditions.
As the organizer of this exciting venture, I immersed myself in research to find the perfect charter service in the Astoria, Oregon area. Situated at the mouth of the Columbia River, this location is renowned for its prime fishing opportunities, offering a variety of options for enthusiasts. After careful consideration, I opted for “Black Dogg Guide Service,” run by a friendly individual who operates independently. His personalized approach definitely caught my interest. If you’re curious to learn more, I’ll provide the link to his website here. https://blackdoggguideservice.com/
I initially discovered him through FishingBooker, which proved to be a fantastic resource for exploring various fishing charters in the region.
Into the blue
On the day of our outing, the weather proved to be unpredictable, prompting the captain to advise us to arrive at the dock an hour earlier to avoid the incoming winds. Our adventure began with a challenging crossing over a turbulent stretch of water where the ocean’s saltwater mingled with the river’s fresh currents. This initial journey was anything but smooth; the choppy seas forced us to remain inside the cabin for our safety. A sense of apprehension hung in the air, as it was our first experience navigating these waters, but we placed our trust in the captain, who had years of experience under his belt. With no prior knowledge of what to expect, nerves were palpable among us. Fortunately, after enduring that turbulent stretch, the water began to calm, allowing us to step out of the cabin and enjoy the adventure ahead.
You ain’t got no legs Lieutenant Dan
Before embarking on our adventure, my children and I ensured we were prepared for the potential woes of motion sickness by taking some motion sickness medication. My husband opted out of the medication, saying he wouldn’t need them. There are many different kinds however the captain recommended Bonine, so that is what we took. I wanted to make sure everyone could enjoy the excursion without discomfort. However, even with the medication in my system, I found myself teetering on the verge of nausea throughout much of the trip. While I managed to maintain my composure, there were several moments when I had to trade places with my kids, so I could sit at the back of the boat—just in case I needed to “chum the waters.”
The stark contrast between my husband and I left me pondering why I experienced “sea sickness” with such severity while he seemed completely unaffected. Apparently when people refer to the term “sea legs”, it is more than just a phrase; it reflects a genuine phenomenon that many experience. Understanding why some individuals suffer from seasickness while others remain unaffected boils down to the interplay of their senses. When the signals that the eyes perceive don’t match up with what the inner ear feels, this dissonance can lead to that uncomfortable sensation of nausea. It’s amazing to me how different our bodies can react to different situations. Below is a picture of me taking a break in the cabin. Can you tell I was happy about heading back to shore?
The fight: Angler vs Fish
Fishing offers a serene escape, where one can gaze into the shimmering water and immerse in the beauty of nature. The tranquility is often interrupted by the exhilarating sight of the fishing pole’s tip bobbing eagerly, signaling a bite. The thrill and adrenaline of hooking a fish and skillfully reeling it in creates an exciting cycle, whether you choose to keep your catch or release it back into the water.
For me, the experience of salmon fishing was completely new, and I quickly realized the significant difference in size and strength compared to other fish. The sheer size of the poles we used suggested we were in for an unforgettable adventure. Hooking a salmon in the ocean proved to be an experience unlike any other, as I clutched the pole tightly, battling the fierce pull of the fish as I attempted to reel it in. Each moment tested my strength and patience to the limit.
After finally reeling it to the side of the boat, the captain netted the fish to guide it aboard. We would stun it by giving its head a gentle bop if it was still alive and the captain would then make a precise cut to bleed the fish out before storing it in the ice chest. Just like that, we were ready to move on to the next thrilling catch. With our tags allowing us each two fish, we generously shared rods to ensure that everyone aboard could relish in this remarkable experience.
Natives
A few of the fish we caught had to be released because they were native species. This designation indicates that these fish were born and raised in the wild, rather than being raised in hatcheries and later released by humans. One way to distinguish between hatchery salmon and their native counterparts is by observing an additional fin located on their back. This small nub, situated between the dorsal and tail fins, is known as the “adipose” fin. In hatcheries, this fin is typically removed, making it a clear marker of a fish’s origin.
Catching more than just fish
This unforgettable experience was truly a one-of-a-kind adventure for me, and despite the sickness I endured, it was absolutely worthwhile to create such a cherished memory for my family. If my kids decide that venturing out into the ocean again isn’t for them—honestly, I’m not eager to return myself—they can take comfort in the fact that they’ve had the chance to do so, and they can proudly say that we’ve sailed the seas together. We shared a plethora of emotions together from fear to excitement but we did it simultaneously and it is a memory we will all cherish. We will look back on this memory and remember the laughs, excitement and perhaps a laugh that mom was sick the whole time.
Departing
The day of our departure was marked by a mix of emotions. We felt a sense of exhaustion that lingered from an exciting, action-packed adventure the day before. Our feet ached, fatigue settled in, and thoughts of a restful car ride home provided a comforting anticipation. Although the coast trip was brief, it was deeply enjoyable and packed with unforgettable moments. As you scroll down, take a moment to appreciate the stunning view from our hotel that we admired the night prior to our journey home.
From water to table: my favorite way to cook salmon
Our commitment to conserving our catch allows us to savor our fresh salmon for months on end. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon offers a wealth of health benefits while delivering a delicious flavor. The versatility of salmon preparation leads to countless culinary possibilities, yet there’s one method that is my favorite and I’ll link it below.
https://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/best-easy-healthy-baked-salmon/#wprm-recipe-container-25580
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