February 28, 2023 — Delays in the season, half gear restrictions and low prices from a flooded market are some of the biggest concerns of the crabbing season from the fishermen out of Pillar Point Harbor.
Captain Mike Burian, who fishes under the vessel, Prime Time out of Pillar Point Harbor, bought a boat last year when it sounded like a good deal; however, his dream of running a profitable crabbing and salmon boat quickly turned into a nightmare after multiple delays in the season and various obstacles made it increasingly difficult to turn a profit.
“I always wanted to do this and someone was selling the vessel, pods and permits and I thought it was a good idea at the time,” Burian said. “If I did well, I was going to do it full time and fish for salmon as well; but, at this time, there is no way to make a living with this as far as I can see.”
The storm only made things more difficult because the high winds and waves buried some of the crab in the pots, suffocating and killing some of the crustaceans, he added.
“It’s a nightmare. I did not plan on this at all when I purchased the vessel, but if I don’t sell it I will be forced to do it again next year,” Burian said.