"Pacific Troller" A book right up your alley!

[Jennie@ifish]

I just have to share with you guys and gals a book you will adore. It's called "Pacific Troller."

I met Francis and Donna Caldwell at The Outdoor Writer's Conference, and he absolutely had me glued, with his stories of his life as an ocean fishermen.

Man! Stories of Lituya Bay, with waves, nearly 2000 feet high? COME ON! It's true, though! And there were boats on the bay, at the time. I guess one lady who survived the wave, had her hair turn gray, overnight! I can believe it!!!

Anyway... the book had me glued, and a bit seasick, just reading it! You have to read this one!
It was out of print for a long time, but is in it's fourth reprint, and available now.

I sound like I'm selling it, but I'm not. I bought the book fair and square, for the real price. I also bought, "Land of the Ocean Mists." It's a bit more historical. "Pacific Troller" is his life story on the ocean. I just adore it!

If you want a copy, you can e mail him at dlc@olypen.com or call him and Donna at 360-457-3000.

I don't ordinarily do this, but I just thought you would enjoy it, so much!

I don't like venturing out, much, but I read this whole book in an hour's flight from Spokane to home. It's a real page turner!!!

Jen

This place is not a good one to drop the hook.

1958 LITUYA BAY TSUNAMI

MORE

[Jennie@ifish]

Isn't that awesome? Surf's up, dude!

And Francis knew the people that were on the bay. He was absolutely facinating to talk to. I kept thinking how much you all would enjoy a cup of coffee with this guy. (Or a nutty Irishmen drink, like we were having!!!) :smile:

He is a TRUE Salty Dog if I ever met one!

He was telling me about being in storms that went from calm, to 60 mph winds.. and fighting his way through waves, that would pick him up like an elevator, and then he'd look down into 100 foot depths... way... down.... there.... SLAM!

Whooo hoooo! Too salty for my blood!

Jen

I think the Caldwells came through Ketchikan but I was out of town. I remember my friends talking about this book and the Caldwells.

[Jennie@ifish]

If you do call or e mail him, let him know you heard about it from ifish. I'd like him to know that I mentioned his book, here. :smile: He's such a neato guy, and his wife is really nice, too!

[kamloops]

It's a great book. Should be required reading by all
North Pacific fisherman. Kind of like Chapmans Piloting and Rules of the Road.

[corrirod]

Already have it and Jen's right, it's good reading.

In fact, here's the first 2 paragraphs of the book just to get you warmed up:

The Fisherman

Every spring, migrating geese wing their way north along the Pacific seaboard. But even before they begin their long flight, West Coast salmon trollers are nervously pacing in their homes and, with the slightest excuse, rush to the waterforont and the familliar world of fish boats, marine supply stores and fellow fishermen. Forgotten are the endless days of toil on a heaving deck endured the previous season. Dimmed by months ashore are the memories of long, weary nights spent jogging out gales, grabbing bites of cold food and choking down stale bread. Faded are the memories of the loneliness of long months spent away from families and the discomforts of living at sea aboard small boats.

The familiar odors of pine tar and fresh paint spur the men into a frezy of activity on their own boats. They join fellow trollers in coffee shops and beer joints, and listen to captains speculate earnestly about where the best fishing might be in the coming season. The talk, and thoughts of fresh money in the bank, drive them to work on their equipment far into the night.

The other book I enjoyed along the same lines is called "Fishing beyond the Buoys: Salmon Trolling". It's written by Leif Terdal, another salmon troller. It explains the differences between commercial salmon fishing and sport fishing with the intent on helping the sportfisherman catch more fish. It's full of stories as well and I'd recommend both books.

If anyone wants to borrow my copies just let me know.

[Jennie@ifish]

When I read what is quoted above, I thought of you guys and your TUNA! frenzy, before season! Exactly!

Hey-- I bought a book several years ago, in Depoe Bay, that I have misplaced. Can't remember the title, except it was something like, "Heave Ho or you'll kill yourself?" Or, something like that!

Anyone know what I'm talking about? It was a great sea story book, written by a local captain.

Jen

[Grain of Salt]

I think that is the Stan Alynn (sp?) book about his start in the charter business in Depoe Bay. Great read and the family run business is still going I believe. I have a copy if you need one.
Also a good read is the book "Of Dolphins and Dead Sailors" written by a local Astoria Fishermen. Published locally so not too many copies around.
The absolute best read for me is "Alaska Blues" by Joe Upton. The narrative and black and white photography is what inspired me to eventually commercial fish.

[Jennie@ifish]

Wow! I found it! Thank you!
It is:
Heave To! You'll Drown Yourselves!

I'll order one, or buy it from you, if I may! I really enjoyed that book. I do want a copy of my own!

Jen

[kamloops]

I also will lend my copy of Pacific Troller and Of Dolphins and Dead Sailors. I'm going to look in my bookshelf tonight, I may have many others avail.

[Grain of Salt]

Jennie-
You are more then welcome to borrow my copy, but as it is signed to me by my mother I don't think I should sell it!
I havent met Francis Caldwell but had the pleasure of fishing out of Newport with some of his partner boats from Port Angles. Saw pictures of all of them anchored up in Icy Bay, Alaska; about as far north as you can go and still be in S.E. Alaska, extremely remote and this at a time before GPS and satellite phones. These fishermen and women are true professionals that pioneered alot of the methods we use today as sportfishers.
Let me know if you want to borrow it.

[Flatfish]

I am in the middle of it right now. The chapter on Sam Lapp was great.

Mark and the dog.

[Jennie@ifish]

Yee haw! I know! It was good, wasn't it? :smile:

Hey, I dont' want to borrow. I want to own! Thank you, though! I can order it, via the internet, it looks like.

Thanks!
Jen