Plenty Of Fish

#whatsonyourplateblogchallenge, Boating, British Columbia, Cooking, Crabs, Creative non-fiction, Creative Writing, Fishing, Food, Halibut, Island Life, Mussels, photography, Relationships, Salmon, Vancouver Island 3 Minutes
Vancouver Island, April, 2021

Island Life

We are fortunate to live on beautiful Vancouver Island. We have access to all types of fresh seafood. 

Last month we took our 16 foot boat out on the water for the first time in two years. 

Putting boat into the water

Our Goal 

Test out the boat and motor.

Fish for Red Rock Crab and Dungeness Crab.

Break up the routine around here in a safe way.

A foggy morning on the water

10 Things I Learned On Our First Fishing Trip For 2021

1.   Warn my husband when he is standing in the boat and a large wave is coming up behind him.

2.   Boats can easily get lost in the fog.

3.   Size does matter. One millimetre can make all the difference as to whether the crab will be tossed back in the water or whether it will become someone’s dinner.

4.   Bring durable, waterproof bandaids for when a crab takes a big chomp on my husband’s finger. 

Crab chomping on my husband’s thumb & sizing crab

5.   Learn early on how to turn the boat motor off or at least place it in neutral. 

6.  Taking photos is extra challenging in choppy water.

7.  Picnic sandwiches always taste great outside in the fresh air.

8.  Nothing compares to the brisk, salty breeze to clear away the cobwebs in my mind and soul.

9.  The stunning, tranquil scenery never grows old.

10. Fresh crabs taste excellent with or without clarified butter.

The fog lifted

My Husband Is Kind And Patient With Me

I have won the second runner-up prize to go on this fishing trip.

Our present circumstances restrict us from seeing other people.

I know my husband would prefer to go fishing with his “intuitive” friend who apparently knows what to do without any instructions.

Island life, April, 2021

His friend knows how to: 

  • attach the trailer, boat and lights to the truck
  • put the boat in the water
  • not get seasick
  • add bait to the traps
  • lower the traps into the water and attach the floats
  • remember where he placed the traps at the end of the day
  • pull up the traps in choppy water
  • handle the crabs and check for sizing and sex of the crabs 

I know how to: 

  • place bandaids
  • take photos
  • keep extra gravol handy for when I get seasick
  • Make great picnic sandwiches
  • help eat yummy, freshly caught crabs

Mission Accomplished

We were able to keep three decent sized Red Rock Crabs. We had to throw back three Dungeness Crabs slightly small for Canadian waters. 

The boat motor did have an issue although we arrived home safely.

It felt wonderful to get out in the fresh air, take in the scenery, break up our routine.

I hope I have the opportunity to win second runner-up prize again and join my husband on his next fishing trip.

This time I will make sure to yell out

            “watch out for the wave behind you!”

Me – Circa 1976

What’s On My Plate

I am linking this post to a fun, monthly series where you can share recipes and meals. #whatsonyourplateblogchallenge is hosted by Donna (Retirement Reflections) and by Deb (Widow Badass) You can click on their blogs to learn more and join us.

The sort of/approximate recipes are found at the end of my post.

Plenty of Fish – A Few Of Our Dinners This Past Month

Salt Spring Island Mussels
Preparing Steelhead Salmon
Steelhead Salmon
Fresh Halibut Steak
Confession: I forgot about taking photos of the cooked crab until we had finished eating

Behind The Scenery

My “sort of/approximate” recipes for the above seafood meals:

Salt Spring Island Mussels

Saute onions and garlic in olive oil. Stir in mussels. Stir in approx 1/3c. – 1/2c white wine. Cover for approx 1 to 2 minutes. Uncover, stir and cover for approx 1 minute. Shells will open up. Discard ones that do not open. Sprinkle with fresh dill (or whatever you want).

Drink the rest of the bottle of wine.

Steelhead Salmon

Place salmon on parchment paper. Add favourite seafood spices sparingly. Spread a layer of quality mayonnaise on top. Layer thinly sliced lemons on top of the mayonnaise. Add capers and fresh dill. Place in 375 degree oven approx 30 minutes uncovered. Excellent every time!  (recipe courtesy of my brother who always makes awesome meals.)

Drink bottle of wine – Rose, White – whatever you like.

Fresh Halibut (we have halibut steaks often when in season)

Lightly spice with whatever seafood spices you like. Saute in a good pan or place on barbecue, flipping over once. Never overcook.

Drink bottle of wine – Rose, White – whatever you like.

Fresh Crab

In boiling water for approx. 10-15 minutes. Cool down in refrigerator.

Nutcracker type of things. Pokey things. Plenty of napkins. Take your time. Worth every morsel!

Drink bottle of wine – Rose, White – whatever you like.

An extra tip: If we ever have leftover wine, I pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze it to use in recipes.

        “Leftover wine? Who am I kidding?!”

Do you have favourite seafood dishes?

Do you enjoy getting out on the water and fishing?

Published

196 thoughts on “Plenty Of Fish”

  2. Hi Erica – I loved your itemized list of fishing tips – the practicalities vs the “wifely” attributes you brought to the outing. I bet you did a great job and you even had a successful outing. Loved all your foodie pics and the crab cooking techical terminology 🙂 I like eating crabs for their negative calorie quality – it uses more calories to get the meat out of them than what’s contained in the meal itself! x

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    1. A huge smile reading your comment, Leanne.😀 I had not thought about negative calories and we rarely dip in butter (honest) 😅 I love your word “attributes.” It makes me feel like I do contribute to our meal. My husband is very efficient at this whole fishing thing. I enjoy the fresh air, and of course, his company.xx

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  3. Your post made me chuckle. I hope you do get more fishing trips, perhaps for something less dangerous than crabs.

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    1. Your comment made me chuckle, Anne. We did get out fishing for crabs yesterday. No chomping on my husband’s fingers. I did not have to use the bandaids. 😀This time. I have been off the grid for awhile and I look forward to reading and catching up on your life.

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  4. Hi Erica, welcome back! Being out on the water is a nice way to clear the cobwebs, but with someone other than my husband driving the boat. I’m the worst, worst, back seat driver! Fishermen have a kind of rhythm that is unique unto themselves. Being invited back on the boat means you know enough to stay out of the way! Good job.

    Muscles in white wine are so delicious and that salmon looks scrumptious. But, the part of this post that truly resonates with me – ‘leftover wine, who am I kidding!’ Cheers!

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    1. Oh, great advice, Suzanne….”stay out of the way”….I will borrow your phrase. We went out again for the day, yesterday, and this time lucky with Dungeness crab. I did ‘help’ a bit with steering the boat and ‘forward’ and ‘neutral.’ You and your husband are amazing cooks/chefs and I have seen how you whip together scrumptious meals. Good luck with the new adventures ahead. 🙂

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    1. You are right, Kate. We are only a few minutes from the ocean and many lakes nearby. We have not been to the mainland for a long time. We often say a “moat” separates us. 😀

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  6. You are very lucky to live on this magical island! I must say that it is morning now in Ontario and looking at all of this food, I have all sorts of cravings to things that I don’t have in the fridge or outside my door. I’ll have to go with eggs and imagine the rest.

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    1. You are right, Margie and Tony, we are lucky to live here for many reasons. Ontario has gorgeous parks and areas adjacent to water. I know you both like the outdoors.🙂 We went crabbing again yesterday and this time came home with Dungeness crab. Much colder and more wind yesterday. Exhilarating. You likely know the feeling. Thank you for visiting and sharing your thoughts.🙂

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Jill. I had all sorts of titles in mind for this post, yet I do want to keep the posts family oriented.😅 I knew Donna and Deb were hosting this ‘whatsonourplate’ series and I started to think about the types of food we often eat. It sounds like you enjoy seafood.🦀

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    1. Thank you, Anand for your kind and supportive words. A great description “rejuvenating.” We went out on the boat again yesterday and the other word that comes to mind “exhilarating.” Windy and cold and Dungeness crabs make for a successful day. We are fortunate to have access to the ocean.

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      1. In traditional Indian medicine, a rock salt infused bath is a common way to soak away negative energies when we feel low or tired. I have done it myself and it always works

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  9. What a wonderful read to start my day. I did enjoy my VI summers working at a boathouse and for a girl from the prairies know my way around a boat. You’ll catch on.
    Now I do have a practical question – what are seafood spices. Like specifically. That salmon looks great and I’ve never used mayo and capers on mine. Sounds like a great mother’s days meal. Thanks for the inspiration and the chuckles. Take care.

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    1. Thank you for your thoughtful, supportive comment, Bernie. Fascinating how you worked on the Island in past years. Boating is usually my husband’s department and I know only the basics, by choice. Otherwise I would have to take on additional chores. 🙂You strike me as having many varied talents, Bernie. I made myself a note and I will get back to you about the ‘sort of’ fish spices I use. The mayo, capers, dill, lemon on salmon turns out excellent every time. Recipe idea thanks to my brother. I have been off the grid for awhile and I look forward to catching up reading your posts.

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      1. On which blog?? Haha – started a new one to chronicle the new to us trailer renovation and someday maybe travels in it. The house blog is heating up as it’s construction season. The daily photo blog is still going but this one will wind down a little after my #whatsonyourplate

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            2. Hi again, Bernie. I am responding to your seafood spices questions. I looked up the sort of spices we seem to gravitate to: Lemon peel, garlic, onions, pepper, dried Bay leaves, paprika, fresh dill, and we enjoy a seaweed salt we picked up in the Westfjords of Iceland – not all of these spices at the same time, of course – depends on your mood and your palate. I just read your Mother’s Day meal…Awesome! 😀

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            5. I love salt! I will have to look in a few speciality spots to see if I can find it. Fresh seafood is so good. Harder to find here but we make due with Costco. We do have access to fresh beef, pig, chicken and turkey so certainly aren’t hard done by!

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  10. One of my wife’s sisters lives in Victoria and we are anxious to get back to Vancouver Island – one of our favourite places in Canada, but COVID seems determined to prevent that. One day……

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    1. I tried to locate your blog, David, and I suspect it is “Travels with Birds?” You are right how COVID prevents us from travelling. Many positives to living on the Island right now. We have not been to the Mainland in a very long time. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.🙂 Erica

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  11. LOL! I love your recipe instructions, Erica! Specifically, the last line of each one. 😉
    Seriously though, all of your meals look fantastic. I am salivating and it’s not even 7 am.
    How wonderful to get out on the water on your boat!
    I hope you get to be first-mate to your captain more often, even after restrictions lift.

    Deb

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    1. Hi Deb, I had #whatsonyourplate on the back of my mind ever since you and Donna brought it up. A fun series! Easy/Peasy since we have seafood a few times a week. It is fun for me to see and read what is on everyone’s plate and I get great suggestions. It is easier and safer to have two people out on the boat, so guess who won out for this adventure. It is turning out to be more fun than I expected as long as we don’t go out in exceptionally rough seas and for too many hours. A girl has to pee at some point. ☺️

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        1. As soon as I saw your comment, Deb, I did a Google search. Where have you been all my life “SheWee?” Not just for the boat and also for camping. Huge laugh out loud……they take a little practice. We hope to take our young granddaughters out eventually on the boat. A great idea for them, too. Thank you! I have a birthday coming up……..😜

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    1. Thank you, Eduarda. Overall it is fun. Yesterday was considerably colder and more wind and more crabs. Yay! I look forward to when we can get together and we can share inside voice details. 😜

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  13. How fun! I love boating, but don’t do it often. Baby Girl married a boating guy. They have a speedboat for waterboarding and skiing, and a houseboat. Baby Girl has learned to wakeboard and she’s learning to drive the boat. It won’t be long before #1 Grandson is driving the boat! We’ve been so blessed to be invited out to the houseboat for weekends and it’s been so much fun and relaxing.

    I hope you get another Second place award too. Who knows maybe you’ll be the first mate before you know it while boating! 😀

    The food looks delicious!!

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    1. You remind me, Deborah, how we likely need only one boat, or two, speedboat and houseboat and then possibly share the adventures in a family. I cannot imagine how relaxing a weekend on the houseboat. We went out yesterday, too, and colder, more wind and more crabs. For the first time in a long time I got a fishing license so we could put more traps in the water. Fun!🦀

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        1. The license was under $25. for one year. And it allows us two more traps in the water. I was thinking about buying a fresh Dungeness crab in our grocery store and I was quoted $30. So it all seems like a good deal. Just fun to do something different around here. And, at least a little adventurous. I am still envisioning the houseboat weekend you mentioned. 💕

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          1. A very good deal!

            The houseboat weekends have been lovely. Riding in the boat watching my daughter and the kids wakeboarding is fun…I am either holding our littlest who usually falls asleep or being the spotter and holding up the flag if the kids go down while wakeboarding.
            I’ve rode the big innertubes which is lots of fun, and back at the houseboat we swim and just hang out talking, napping, and eating. 😀

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  14. Sounds like you had a wonderful time… sea and seafood – an excellent combination! Your pictures are beautiful Erica and the food is looking delicious. Thanks for the smiles.💕💕

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    1. Thank you for your kind, thoughtful words, Balroop. This togetherness with my husband has turned out to be a blessing (most of the time).😜 I have been off the grid for awhile and I look forward to catching up on your posts. 💞

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  16. Thanks for sharing your delightful adventure with us Erica. As others have noted, you live in a beautiful place that I hope to see one day. I’m glad you could join your husband even if you were his second pick. Maybe more wifely aspects will sway the tide! Food and fun works for me. 😃

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    1. We are fortunate we live here, Brad and have access to the ocean. My husband and I have had a lot of togetherness this past year and this boating/crabbing adventure turned out to be more fun than expected. Like you say, Brad, food and fun works for me. Thank you for your supportive words. I am greatly enjoying your Spring posts. 🙂

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  17. Great post Erica. You are much better at crabbing than iI am Ian won’t let me near the crab in fear that I will bond with them and convince him to set them free. Hope all is well.

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    1. I ‘get it’ somewhat with bonding with the crabs. Although, not for long.😜 We had an amazing day, yesterday, Lynda. We caught many Dungeness crabs and had to throw many back re: sex and size. I thought about you and Ian on your boat. It was cold and windy and more challenging out there. Still beautiful! Hope to have a meal/drinks with the both of you when restrictions lift. ❤️

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  18. I don’t eat much seafood and haven’t gone fishing in decades . . . but your trip out on the boat looks grand. Glad you got a couple of crabs AND avoided turning into a couple of crabs during the pandemic!

    FREEDOM ROCKS!

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    1. I realize not everyone is into seafood and of course, some people are allergic to various types of shellfish. Your comment made me smile, Nancy. Very witty! And, well said! One of the safest things to do right now. We did not see a soul when we were putting the boat in the water and taking it out. Hope you and loved ones are well.😀

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    1. I ‘get it’ Ally when I see something amazing and delicious, yet not in my area of the planet. I have heard of something called soft shelled crabs. Likely something I would enjoy. I (almost) take for granted how lucky we are.😀

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    1. I understand how many people do not eat fish for many reasons. Of course, some people are allergic to shellfish. I am happy I was able to share a laugh with you, Anabel. You know first hand what marriage is like…lots of laughs. 😀 Oh, and that amazing birthday cake for your husband. Up there on the yum factor.

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  21. Pingback: What’s On Your Plate for May? The Outdoors Edition. – Retirement Reflections

  22. Hi, Erica – This is a Gold Star post. It made me both laugh and wince (Chuck’s bitten finger). It taught me new things (I am soooo trying out those recipes). Most of all it made me very, very hungry!
    Thank you so much for joining What’s On Your Plate. I know that these recipes will be a big hit!

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    1. Ahh, thank you for the gold star, Donna. It always means a lot coming from you. I had in the back of my mind you and Deb’s What’s on your plate series. I realized we have seafood a few times a week. Easy/peasy for us. A fun series and I enjoy reading and seeing everyone’s contributions. Your camping/outdoor meals are mouthwatering. Fun!xx

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  23. All was well with the initial “test run” trip until it was time to lower the motor for the after-trip flush. It wouldn’t. It was just toying with me; pretending to work like a charm setting the stage for the mechanics to have their way with me. The definition of a BOAT: Bring Out Another Thousand. Freshly serviced with a second mate newly adorned with her own fishing licence, we set out again with double the quota. A red rock crab caught by hand at the launch confirmed we wouldn’t be skunked. Bandages on hand, sandwiches galore and camera at the ready we set out again for next three hour tour. Covid be damned I’m enjoying the time with my new FIRST mate.

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    1. Wow, I have become FIRST mate. I feel honoured. This may also be a SHORT lived title. Yesterday was fun and lucky with the Dungeness. Cold and Windy. I need to bring an additional sweater and possibly something warm in a thermos. ❤️

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    1. Thank you for your supportive words, Janet. It was more fun than I expected. A big factor is how my husband was patient with me. I want to be somewhat helpful, yet not an expert on any of this. We love fish around here.😀

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  25. I’ll go with the halibut, and some of the ‘leftover’ wine, please, Erica 🙂 🙂 The salmon looks good too. I do like crab but I’d much rather someone dressed them for me first (not boots and scarf 🙂 ) Glad you had fun!

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    1. We find halibut is a real treat around here. We are lucky to purchase it fresh and in season. My husband has gone out halibut fishing. A big (and expensive) ordeal. The crab can be a bit messy and tedious to eat. We just plan for it with a bottle of wine and lots of napkins. You likely have access to fresh seafood, Jo. When we visited Portugal, sort of fish stews were very popular. 😀

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  26. Erica I absolutely LOVED this post and in fact I still have a smile on my face. It reminds me so much of many of our own camping escapades when my husband gets bogged or in a pickle and I’m standing round taking photos and feeling kinda helpless. But at the end of the day, they’re doing what they love, we’re all part of the adventure and we know we’ll be laughing about it later.

    Loved all your lessons, tips and pics. Sounds like you had a fun day out so thanks for taking us along. Cheers to the next trip and watching out for those waves. 😄 xx

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    1. Thank you, Miriam, for your kind, supportive words. I appreciate how you have similar circumstances with feeling somewhat helpless and taking photos. Part of me does not want to be an expert on all of this extra stuff. We have access to our ocean and our boat has just been sitting in our yard. Like you say, it turns out to be an adventure with a lot of fun mixed in. We went out yesterday and more wind, cold and more crabs. Thankful to have this time together. 💕

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  27. First you made me laugh and then you made me drool. Oh how I love seafood and those crabs look amazing. Actually all the food looks amazing. I’ve never heard of Steelhead Salmon before or the idea of cooking it with mayo and lemon, but my mouth is watering!

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    1. I love all of your seafood photos on Instagram, Jo.😀 You make me drool on an almost daily basis with all of the exquisite meals. A ton of Google information about Steelhead Salmon versus Steelhead Trout – overlap on what to call this fish. This recipe works great with all types of salmon. We enjoy sockeye salmon when in season.😀

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  28. That was such a fun post… and so you. I loved the wife vs. skilled friend attributes; they remind me of when I “help” my husband with construction projects. Your pictures of the seafood dishes made me so hungry! We cook a lot of salmon so I’ll keep the recipe with the lemon and capers.

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    1. I like my husband to stay the expert on certain things around here. The less I know the better, Janis.😜 We did go out on the boat again a couple of days ago. This time considerably colder and more wind and more crabs. We had to throw many back in the water due to size and sex. (Yes, I could work on my sentence structure and punctuation 😜) The lemon, capers, dill, mayo combination is excellent every time. You live close to the ocean and have access to fresh seafood. Lucky us!

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  29. It looks like you had a very fun day on the water (husband’s bleeding thumb aside). I got a big kick out of that first photo. It reminds me of a time my husband and I stopped at a seaside restaurant in Maine to get lobster rolls. We got a table by the window and spend our entire time there watching this group of people attempt to get their boat onto the trailer and haul it out of the water. They simply couldn’t do it. We felt kind of bad gawking at them, but it sure was entertaining. Your salmon recipe looks wonderful!! (And this from someone who doesn’t eat a lot of fish.)

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    1. You have me drooling at lobster rolls, Liz. I have never had them and you likely know lobster is an East Coast thing. You are right how the boat/trailer is challenging to get in and out of the water and when my husband backs it into our yard. I think some of these adventures help keep my husband’s synapses working. It helps if other people in trucks/boats are not waiting for him. We did have some misadventures last week. 😀Thank you for sharing, Liz. Hope all is well. 🙂

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      1. I hope you get a chance to try our lobster rolls some day, Erica. They’re excellent! (As is steamed lobster dipped in butter.) Spring has finally arrived to northern New England, which has given my spirits a lift. Maple buds and lilacs!!

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  30. I read this post with such delight and a huge smile on my face that you would have thought I was looking at pictures or videos of my grandchildren! I don’t drink wine anymore but your post made me reconsider, lol. I understand the fresh air and salt water being good for your soul, #2 crew? #1wife. Best and blessings, Michele

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    1. Hi Michele, You sometimes share photos near water and you know first hand how beautiful and how it makes us feel.😀 I know my husband likes me along, yet I only want to learn the basics. Otherwise, chores added to my list. Thank you for your thoughtful, kind words.❤️

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  31. I like the way you organized this post, Erica. I’m sure you are more than second runner-up prize in your husband’s eyes. As someone who gets seasick fairly easily, I have sympathy for you. There are few worse feelings than being out in the boat far from land and feeling seasick.

    The way my palette has changed the most since I was a kid is I now love most seafood. Halibut are delectable.

    What a gorgeous day after the fog lifted! My wife and I went to Vancouver Island for the first time ever two years ago. Truly a wonderful place!

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    1. Thank you, Pete. We have not gone out too far where the waves are very high. It was a mixed bag a couple of days ago with windy and calm periods. I agree with you about halibut. We call it our ‘steak’ and we are lucky how halibut is in season right now. We are fortunate to live on the Island, especially this past year. Did you have a chance to stay very long on your visit? Even a short visit is great. 😀

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      1. About four days. It was delightful. We’re getting on an airplane for the first time since the pandemic tomorrow to visit our son in Montana. (We live in California.) Fully vaccinated and ready to start getting out there more while remaining cautious and smart.

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  32. Hi Erica – now I’m so jealous … all so much fun – and I hope you get another day out with hubby soon – but am glad all was happily completed … chomped thumb/finger … not so much. But all those plates of food look positively delicious … and yes you do live in a wonderful place. Carry on enjoying the coming of Spring and Summer – cheers Hilary

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    1. Thank you, Hilary. I think you are in the midst of Spring, too, right now. Time and the seasons have become a blur this past year. We are fortunate we both like seafood and we are not allergic to shellfish. Hope you are well.😀

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    1. Thank you Frank for your thoughtful words.🙂 I try not to let on any of my fishing/boating skills. My husband is better at all of it and he enjoys it. We went out a couple of days ago and colder and more wind. I almost needed the gravol this time. We don’t go out really far in the boat. Safer, and the crabs live in shallower water.

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  34. What the hell?! My brilliantly written comment just disappeared! Damn. There is no way I’m going to be able to reconstruct it a second time 😏

    I loved this post. Loved the scenery, the food, and ESPECIALLY a chance to get out on the water! I love boats … in spite of the fact I’ve been known to get seasick. It looks so much more civilized than ice fishing with my brother 🥶

    It’s funny I routinely use a similar recipe using mayonnaise to cook chicken (perfectly every time!), but it never occurred to me to try it with salmon. It looks delicious (as I make a mental note to try it asap!).

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    1. Frustrating when a comment disappears, Joanne. Sorry about this. We went out again on the boat at the beginning of this week. Very windy, colder, and this time many Dungeness crabs. We also had to throw many back in. Next time a thermos of something hot and an extra sweater. Still fun and exhilarating. Where did you go ice fishing with your brother? It helps when you actually catch fish.

      I have never tried the mayo/chicken idea. Great suggestion! The mayo/lemon/dill and often some type of salmon turns out excellent every time. I just saw your photos out on the water today. Beautiful! Communicating with you reminds me how I haven’t check on my Iceland stats lately. I should be getter closer to the finish.💕🦀

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  35. What great fun for you! Your husband is so patient, but you’ll learn more with each trip. Fresh sea air… 7-10 were the best, but they were all good. So, your husband just got soaked by the wave, not pushed overboard. At least there’s that! Are the millimeter smaller crabs not worth keeping because that difference means there’s not enough meat to be worth it? Or you send them back to get bigger?
    Are you sunburned in that 1976 picture? Ouch!

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    1. I let my husband stay the expert in the boating and fishing department, Betsy. I am the sous chef. No, thankfully my husband was not pushed overboard. I thought he was aware of big waves coming at us, and you likely know the problem with the word “assume.” We are allowed to keep specific-sized crabs and larger ones. If they are even .5 millimetre too small we have to throw them back in. We also are not allowed to keep female crabs. Our measurements are different in Canadian water versus U.S. water. It helps keep the population going. And, yes, a lot of sun and fun on the water in 1976. I have only a few photos from that time period taken on slides. I recall you taking your family out to a cabin approximately a year ago. I don’t know whether water/lakes were nearby? Always fun to get outdoors. 😀

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  36. Looks like you guys had all the fun! I love fishing and eating seafood! I’ve never been saltwater fishing though. One of my favorite recipes is crawfish or shrimp bisque. 🙂

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    1. Thank you for sharing your thoughtful comment, Renee. I have never had crawfish or shrimp bisque. It sounds wonderful! I read about crawfish in recipes and in stories. You know first hand how the fun part about fishing is getting outdoors and enjoying the scenery and your company. (By the way, I love the sunflower by your name. Sunflowers have a special significance in our family 🌻💕)

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  37. Hi Erica/ Erika, Fresh sea air, fresh seafood, what’s not to love? I’m glad Chuck’s injury wasn’t anything serious. Thank you for the recipes. Wishing you good weather for more outdoor fun in the coming weeks.

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    1. I just don’t want anything getting infected when we are out. I am purchasing some up to date Polysporin to put in our little emergency kit. It is definitely easier and more fun to get out in good weather.🌞 Thank you for your supportive words, Natalie 💕

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  38. Sounds like your husband had a bit of a rough day! I think you were a good sport ad hey your list of attributes on the boat are very important ones!! Still looks like a very fun day.

    My mouth was watering at that salmon. We get a lot of wonderful fresh seafood here on the coast in Mexico but salmon is not one of the things we can get! Yum. Definitely my favorite. Perhaps I will get a chance to cook it on our upcoming trip to the West Coast in the U.S. to see family ~ in which case, I will use your recipe. Mmm I must say I do love crab. OUch that crab bite must have hurt.

    Peta

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    1. Hi Peta, Just now I went to check your site Green Global Trek and I see you have some recent posts. Nothing has been coming to my email. I tried to resign up and I was advised my email is current. Maybe, glitchy, and it has been happening more often recently with other bloggers. I greatly enjoy reading your posts and I look forward to catching up.

      I think anything to do with fishing and boating always runs into snags. Makes the adventure more of an adventure.😀 I am happy to hear you will be able to see your family on the West Coast. I enjoy your Instagram updates.

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  39. It made me more and more hungry as I read along with this post, Erica. I only went on a deep-sea fishing trip once. I learned that fish under a certain weight must go back to the sea. You are so organized with your post. I can see that your husband could have been so involved with fishing he might not be aware the big wave was coming. I bet you and your husband are patient with each other in many different ways. How lovely to link your post with a monthly recipe blog. Now I want to cook seafood dinner every night for a month!

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    1. You are right, Miriam, my husband and I are patient with each other in different ways. You know this first hand.🙂 I see how you also enjoy seafood. Some people do not or are allergic to shellfish. I put “Tina Lost in a Crowd” on my Amazon list this week. A great gift idea.😀

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      1. Yes, Erica. I know it first hand of being patient with each other in didn’t ways. He still can’t be patient in something and could get upset such as when I asked him questions. He thought it was clear but it wasn’t clear to me. We eat salmon every week and large shrimps very often. We used to eat oysters but there was spilling of oil in the ocean long time ago and we stopped ever since.
        Thank you so much for getting Tina Lost in a Crowd. 😊
        Later in the year, I’ll sell this book in our church group as a fundraising project. I’ll pay the cost and donate the the money from the sales. Most of our friends have grandkids the same ages as our grandkids. 😍

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    1. Great, I will check this out, Marsha. Fishing is always an adventure and lately I am there for the ride, the company of course and I do like fresh crab. Thank you for sharing your supportive comment.🙂

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      1. I loved your 1976 picture too. Did you catch that? I’m good at eating fish, but not catching them. My first husband’s father and uncles were all fishermen in the Sound. I miss the deep pit salmon that one uncle used to fix and his other uncle fished in the Willamette River and we ate there probably weekly when we first got married – around 1976. 🙂

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        1. Northern Pike are very big fish, and yes, I often caught fish. Many pretty and smaller lakes in the Yukon. Interesting the stories around fishing and the fishing stories…….hey, another post idea ….enjoy your Saturday!

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    2. Oh, my goodness, Marsha, I just checked out the part about putting the crab to sleep. I will send your post to my husband’s inbox and see whether he has heard about this. 😀

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  41. I laughed at what husband’s friend can do vs you. Not getting sick is vastly overrated! I’ve never fished in my life, but I’ve always thought a day on the water in proximity to those who do fish might be an enjoyable day. Your meals look delicious, Erica! – Marty

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    1. Thanks, Marty, It turned out to be more fun than expected. I don’t mind a few hours in calm water soaking in the scenery. I am not too keen on all day on the boat, windy, cold weather. My husband cannot go out with anyone else right now, so I figured I would be part of the compromise in our marriage. 🙂
      By the way – some WP glitches recently for myself and other bloggers where WP has unfollowed bloggers – I checked through my people list and refollowed approx a dozen bloggers)

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      1. I saw a new follow announcement for you, so I figured you must have experienced some kind of glitch. I just bought a new computer and have been struggling with it, so we both are going through similar technical things apparently. This shall pass hopefully!

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        1. A couple of people refollowed me recently. Occasional glitches that hopefully do not happen too often. A new computer will end up being great, Marty. The initial challenges and transferring of information, not much fun. Good luck.😀

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  42. Love all things sea worthy. Im not much for fishing but will go along so long as I’m not expected to fish. A good book and a calm breeze is enough for me. Your crabs are HUGE. I can taste how delish they are.

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    1. The crabs have to be a ‘legal’ size and not female, or they get thrown back in (for good reason). I am with you on the breeze, book and I love the picnic sandwiches😀Have a great Mother’s Day, Antoinette 🌻

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  43. Nice haul Erika! And how lovely you got to be 2nd person because it’s just been too long since the boat came out. What a wonderful day and excellent tips, from one who’s been on a few boats in her day. ❤

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    1. Hi Debbie, Thank you for visiting here with all of your recent challenges and the emotional roller coaster. I have been off the grid for awhile, yet I am aware your husband passed away. Trying to find the right words, and many words feel inadequate. Virtual hugs and loving karma to you.❤️

      Debbie, you ‘get it’ about boating. Just getting out on the water is exhilarating. Spring is beautiful in most of Canada. Grateful to live here. Hugs. ❤️

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        1. I am not sure exactly where you live, Debbie. Toronto area? We have had a significant reduction in numbers on Vancouver Island the past few weeks. Ferry travel has almost completely shut down except for essential travel. The cases will likely increase again when travel opens up. I know Back East has been exceptionally challenging with months of significant lockdown. Difficult to keep spirits up at the best of times. I cannot imagine losing your best friend/partner at this time. xo ❤️ Hugs

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          1. Thanks again Erica. Yes, I live in Toronto. And I know Alberta has been hard hit recently too. Yes, the numbers may rise after rules relax, but we have to hope that with so many of us getting our shots, herd immunity will begin to take shape, and then control of this deadly (in more ways than one) virus, will subside. ❤

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  44. I sea you like seefood! 🙂 Me too. Such scrumptious dishes, Erica. Living on an island has its advantages on top of being pretty. Vancouver Island has so much more to offer. Great photos. I sense lifted spirits in this post. I had no idea you two had a little boat. Every time one gets on the water on a boat – especially when sailing – one learns something new. I’d say you deserved that prize! As you know (and read) we were on the water for eight years. We only fished for food, never for pleasure.

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    1. Hi Liesbet, Donna and I briefly talked about you last night. (In a loving way, of course). I mentioned how your comment made me pause “I sense lifted spirits…” I was not aware of this until you brought it up. Our Island has significantly improved in COVID numbers the past few weeks. Everyone is breathing a little easier, yet playing it very safe. Ferry travel is almost completely shut down except for essential travel. We expect cycles/waves to continue for a long time, especially when travel opens up again.

      You know first hand about boating, Liesbet. Exhilarating and challenging. So far, we eat everything we are allowed to keep from the ocean. Grateful we live here. 😀

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  45. I love seafood, Erica. How wonderful to live so near the sea and have a boat for crabbing. You’re a trooper to get out there, and I can see how vital your contributions were. Your lists cracked me up and I’m sure your sandwiches were key! I’m afraid that I’d be way to seasick to be of any fun or help. I do hope you get out on the water again soon!

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    1. My husband and I are fortunate to have a great deal of togetherness time right now.😀 I have been out twice the past couple of weeks and it ends up as a day trip. I am usually better a few hours at a time. I almost took some gravol on our last trip. I want to keep the sandwiches in my stomach. 😅Thank you for all you amazing reviews, Diana. We are planning a camping trip soon and I have accumulated a good reading list.

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        1. I just now looked up Yosemite on a map. Never been there. Looks beautiful! Us, Long Beach on the Island in a camp spot where we see almost no one. Also, off the grid. Healthy for us. Presently we cannot leave the Island. Thankful to live here.😀 I look forward to hearing/reading about your adventures, Diana ❤️

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          1. We live in a lovely area, Erica, and haven’t had the time to explore. One joy of retirement will be a bit of sight-seeing. And your island sounds wonderful. I’ve enjoyed your photos, and it’s great to have such beauty at your fingertips!

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  46. Erica, I’m so glad you both got to go out on the water together for some fishing … but not for the reason behind you having to be second mate! Hopefully it won’t be too long until you can see other people and your husband’s friend is allowed on board!

    As it is I think you’ve added some fine skills to the crew … particularly making picnics, taking photos and first-aider!😀

    There is something healing to be out on the water, it has its own sense of time and yes, everything tastes so much better! Your photos have me longing to go out on the sea and I loved going out with my grandfather. Sometimes all of us to a deserted island for afternoon coffee, other times just along for the ride whilst he put out the nets or pulled them in. I quickly stopped going along on these as the boat would be idling and yes, the seasickness! 😞 Your crabs are most impressive looking and glad your husband’s fingers were all okay!

    As for favourite fish dishes, I have a confession. I don’t like any … although I would gobble up my grandmother’s homemade cinamon buns!

    A lovely post, my dear friend … it’s taken me out to wondrous landscape, to the sea, boating, to the past … may you have many more fabulous times out boating and soon with family and friends along for the ride.

    With much love & hugs xx ❤️

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    1. I don’t like to be out on the boat too long, Annika, and even our shorter trips take all day. I have been out on boats/canoes/kayaks/sculling boats many times in the past. I am enjoying these “dates” with my husband. Exhilarating and scenic. Not everyone likes to eat seafood and of course, some people have allergies. Rare for anyone to make homemade cinnamon buns. What a treat and a wonderful memory! 🙂

      You know first hand how wonderful it is to have access to nature and adventures. I sent my husband your post about your river adventure. What fun! Hugs.xx❤️

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    1. We are fortunate to live here, Mark, especially this past year. A honeymoon on the Island means extra special memories.🙂 I have seen some of your photos on Instagram and you live in a beautiful area, too. Hope all is well.

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  48. Such a delicious post Erica thanks – food photos are to die for and have me positively salivating! I love the idea of freezing left over wine in ice cubes. I also add a bit of this and a bit of that as I go along but I have to say I’ve never attempted anything as ambitious as you. You deserve a chef’s medal not only for the scrumptious food but for doing the tasks required of the second boat person. Sooo sorry I’m so late to respond … hope all madly well with you all xx 🙂

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    1. Nice to have you visit at any time, Susan. I will be delayed commenting sometimes, especially with camping season. The food part of the post was coincidental and we have seafood at least two or more times a week. We have had stricter restrictions, so my husband and I find ways to enjoy each other’s company. Overall, significantly better numbers on our Island since major ferry restrictions and visit only with people in our household.

      I think you were having a friend visit from out of town. I hope all is well with you and loved ones.xx 💕

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      1. Yes, a friend to stay, followed by our going up country, followed by friends coming to stay – what’s especially nice about this is to show them places eg walks & hikes that I love visiting. A third wave is anticipated here in SA – rumours of level 3 lockdown looming. Have a lovely weekend Erica ❤️

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        1. Hugs with looming level 3 lockdown, Susan. Hopefully the vaccinations will make a significant difference around the world, when everyone has access to them. Grateful for our walks and hikes and friends.❤️

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  49. I love fresh seafood Erica, though it’s not as easy to get in landlocked Utah. I’m not sure I can pick a favorite, but I do love a good piece of halibut. I’m glad you survived your boat trip and learned some lessons, had some fun. Though being seasick doesn’t sound even a little fun. My husband and I are fully vaccinated and infection levels around here are dropping, so we’ve begun to meet with friends again and venture out more. It is lovely. I wish that for you soon. In the meantime, stay safe!

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    1. You are right, Christie, we are lucky to access fresh seafood. Your comment made me smile “…survived your boat trip…” The extra togetherness has been fun for us and we seem to have struck a balance of alone time and doing things together. I am very happy about how you are fully vaccinated and the infection levels are dropping.😀 It is an extra treat to see friends in real life. We have been off the grid the past few weeks and I look forward to reading and catching up with your life. 💕

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  50. Hi ericka –
    fun post and the what’s on my-late challenge is on my list to join with – and your food pictures are so good here (glad I am not hungry right now – or I would need to go and get something — ha)
    love that photo from 1976
    and the #8 – “Nothing compares to the brisk, salty breeze to clear away the cobwebs in my mind and soul.”
    reminds me of the “cool change” song

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    1. Hi Yvette, Welcome back. Personal life always takes priority. 😀I used your post where you discuss/quote/reflect on walking to link to my March 6, 2021 “Are we there yet?” I had originally linked to your About page and I learned from you how your post will not show up. I also appreciate Jo’s Monday Walk Series. And, then I saw how comments are closed. No problem, I added my thoughts here.

      I agree with you how #8 was the best part of the day. I had more fun crabbing than I expected. Bonus, the time with my husband. I will check out the song.😀

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      1. well I am sorry comments were closed – I hate having that feature on their but it stops the spam from coming in!
        but I think my about page should have gotten a ping – let me check –
        hmmmm
        anyhow,
        I will be back to check out the post and catch up on other ones – looking forward to it

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