Fishing in the Wash

[WoodyP]

I had the privilege with TJR of this parish to go out on Tuesday with one of the shrimp trawlers in the Wash to act as unpaid crew. We left at 4.15am and worked up Boston Deep towards Wainfleet Haven and returned some time after 4.00pm.

A really interesting experience to see how professionals have to earn their living. A full days work resulted in a catch that could be sold for about £450, to be split between a skipper and one or two crew members, after paying for diesel to steam all day long (about £100).

They don't do it for the money, that's for sure. Some days they will make a killing, but often it will be nothing.

Having spent several hours sorting out pink shrimps from brown (pink are unsaleable - sounds like discrimination to me), and chucking small bycatch fish over the side, my respect for them has increased. The thought of running away to sea to work has decreased.

Fresh fish for tea ( a couple of herring that didn't escape) when I returned was the only recompense, but in reality, it was a slice of life that money can't buy. Thank you Ken and Allen and Drew.
Regards,
George

 

[Tommyrot]

That would have been Ken Bagley and son-in-law Drew then, the Boston lads are a good bunch. Ken is one of the best of them!
I've been offered the day out more than once, just never when I've had the time, sounds like I should make the effort....
You passed my Coromandel just downriver of the swing bridge.

 

[WoodyP]

Robust is a word I would use to describe the conversation. I think they have the makings of an excellent programme. Perhaps Dylan could call into Boston on his way round in about 5 years time.
It was an invitation that I had been meaning to take up for some time.

Tommy, it was dark when we went out, but we did feel a slight bump. Is your boat still there? The big old steel ketch has gone as well. Has someone bought it to renovate?
Regards,
George

 

[Tommyrot]

I'll let you know if it's stlll in one piece, I'm heading that way in about an hour.

The ketch went a few weeks ago, not sure where to. I might give Mick (the owner) a ring sometime. His wife had health problems which meant he couldn't spare any time for the boat.