I can feel it. Can you?

Maybe it is the fact that my bank account is significantly smaller than last September and I know that it is time to refuel. I understand that it is only the middle of March, but in two and a half quick months I’ll be making the GREAT MIGRATION to the fishing grounds.

As all Alaskans know, it isn’t just commercial fishing that explodes for those three perfect months. Sport fishing, tourist adventures, hiking and almost every other outdoor activity that we call “work” enters a new dimension. Many of our contributors will be sharing their experiences on Alyeska, lodges and oyster farms.

I am lining up my crew for the Bristol Bay season (know of anyone?…kidding, sorta). Everything is about having the right people on the boat to make those three months count. The prediction is supposed to be hot again, and with an average sockeye price of $1.10 per pound last year, it is no wonder that the vintage Alaskan gold rush appears to back in the spotlight. Red is the new gold i.e. bright red eight dollar bills hitting my net. Hits, hits!

It seems like there is nothing hotter than Alaska right now.

I would love to see a statistic, if one exists, on how many people want to work in Alaska amid the profound hype. The Deadliest Catch, Flying Wild Alaska (whom Rachel worked for), Alaska Gold Rush have made Alaska the household name for adventure. What a shame there isn’t a show yet about commercial salmon fishing.

Like these programs or not, there is no doubt they are helping fuel our Alaskan economy. I certainly don’t think the timing of the Deadliest Catch’s popularity in any way hurt the commercial fisheries. This is not easy stuff. It is hard work to catch the world’s best supply of protein. Furthermore, Alaska has the most sustainable fisheries in the world and frankly we need to compete in every way possible against farmed fish, a slow world economy and fisheries that are not renewable, yet still being fished. More reality shows? Bring it.

For the first time in my life, my lower 48 friends are better able to understand why I leave for the best months. Not only that, they want to come too! But like all other fishermen, I don’t need the Deadliest Catch hype to get me excited. It is that first red slapping our fish holds or the first wave to whitewash our bow.

As a crazy crewman once told me when I was 11, “Get that saltwater in your blood, brotha!”

Tweet This: All too familiar… #Alaska summer work anticipation: #BristolBay commercial fishing http://ow.ly/4eyCm