The Ghost of the Coast

One of the most interesting times I spent while at the coast was listening to the fishermen. They are a group unlike most others. I was told that after dark, when most of the tourists have left, a person can still spy a light burning on one of a moored trawlers, holler, "Ahoy there!" and expect to hear a tired voice holler back, "Come on in, the coffee's on. " That is when the fun starts as they sit around and spin the tall sea yarns that will keep you tied to your seat for hours.

One such story was about a trawler owner and a boat. Most fishermen refer to this duo as, The Ghost of the Coast. The "Ghost's" Trawler is named "SleepRobber" and both boat and owner have a mystic about them that drifts like fog over the docks.

It seems that this particular fisherman has made quite a reputation among his fellow seamen. He can go out with the boats and fish right next to them and haul in more fish than anyone. If that weren't enough, his rivals can move their boats to the exact spot he is fishing, he'll then move to where they came from and still out fish them. He often disappears for days and no one seems to know where he goes, but where ever it is, he always comes back with about 2,000 more tons than they do.

I would like to hear other interesting stories from our readers- please send them to us by e-mail at:

editor@cactusventures.com      - (Please type in "Sea life" in the subject )

The latest update on "The Ghost of the Coast"  :  June 2008 I received an e-mail from a gentleman who knows some about the SleepRobber.  This boat used to be owned by the Hansen family in Alaska.  She was just one of many in their fleet.  However from what I can gather, she ran aground and has been rebuilt.  There is an article in National Fisherman June 1, 2003 about her.  Also, there is an article in the same place about the West Coast Crisis.  In fact, there are many articles about fishing in general.  I suggest that if you are interested in these subjects  you subscribe to National Fisherman and check out their online articles  available for purchase. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_go2365/is_200306/ai_n7523550  (This one is excerpts from the article about the Hard Luck Vessel Restored)

http://mmi.oregonstate.edu/research-vessels  This one is a link to an article about the fishing vessel the Sleep Robber that is being converted to a research vessel.  http://mmi.oregonstate.edu/research-vessels - this shows a picture and specific details of one of the other vessels that has been restored.  It is at the OSU Marine Mammal Institue, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, Oregon, 97365  -

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