News From the Top Deck


(Photo courtesy of Lee Gallagher, of himself) Hailing from Metchosin B.C on Vancouver Island, Lee Gallagher got his start working at a marine boat rental shop in high school, which solidified what he always knew – that he wanted to work on the ocean. After high school, Lee enrolled at Camosun College in Victoria, and … Continued

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Chinook Fishing with Shaun and Lyndon Strobel

August 29, 2023

(Photo courtesy of Shaun Strobel. Shaun and Lyndon Strobel on the Eldorado boat) This summer marked a big moment in the Strobel family — both our sons, Oliver and Lyndon, now have their faces on the salmon labels of fish they caught while fishing with their dad, Shaun! The idea for Skipper Otto was born … Continued

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Tuna-licious Tales from the Martinelli’s

August 22, 2023

With new fish, come great new stories of life at sea from our fishing families, and Pilar Martinelli kindly shared a recap of the recent month long trip off the coast of Vancouver Island that her husband Bruce took with his deckhands Mitch and Gary. Here are some great tales in Pilar’s own words: While … Continued

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Smokehouse with Tseshaht Fisher Les Sam

August 8, 2023

(Photo courtesy of Sonia Strobel. Les Sam smoked salmon) If we’ve learned a thing or two, it’s that fishers know the very best ways to eat and enjoy their catch.  On a past trip up to Port Alberni in 2021, Sonia and Chris paid a visit to the Tseshaht Nation, and one of our indigenous … Continued

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Introducing Dave Martynuik our new halibut fisher!

August 2, 2023

(Photo courtesy of Dave Martynuik, of himself) Fishing can be unpredictable, and from year to year, we do our best to plan what seafood is plentiful as well as what our members love to eat, and next to salmon, that favourite is halibut! So when we were introduced to Haida fisher, Dave Martynuik, earlier this … Continued

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(Photo courtesy of Shaun Strobel. Oliver Strobel on the Eldorado boat) My oldest son, Oliver, has been going out fishing with his dad, Shaun, and his grandpa, Otto, since he was 5 years old. It seems like just a couple of years ago that little boy was begging to go out fishing for the first … Continued

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The Surf Isle – the rich history of a beloved boat

July 13, 2023

(Photo courtesy of Ritchie Shaw. The Surf Isle boat at the church in Smith Inlet circa early 1960’s) Along the coast of British Columbia, there is rich history of the fishing industry and with it come tales of the boats lovingly bought and restored by fishers and boat enthusiasts. A boat mechanic in his early life, … Continued

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The Tantrum Playground

June 7, 2023

Every year, we look forward to hearing from Pilar and Bruce Martinelli and the adventures of Rex, their son, while out fishing for lingcod aboard their boat the ‘Tantrum No.1’. We hope you enjoy this fantastic account of their trip in Pilar’s own words: A new year… a new season… a new experience. Once again, … Continued

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A Day at the Wharf

September 23, 2022

I truly believe that when you create space for a diversity of voices to be heard, that’s when really beautiful collaboration and co-creation happen. This is our theory of change in action: it is through active listening and creating opportunities for voices to be heard that, together,  we build a just and equitable seafood system. The … Continued

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Active Listening in Action

August 15, 2022

A while ago, I shared with you some of my reflections after a month of active listening on the topic of Indigenous/ non-Indigenous fishing relations. Little did I know, that work would shape the year ahead in profound ways, helping us articulate the purpose and vision of Skipper Otto, and guiding our everyday decision-making. And … Continued

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Lynne

Member since 2018

"I noticed the little note you put into my order. That is an amazing piece of business!! Thank you for this kindness and for the excellent product I've been picking up at Jardins St-Leon in Winnipeg. All success to all the fisher families. I look forward to next year's haul!"