2020 has come an end an what a wild ride it was! There were many ups and downs, probably more downs given the circumstances, but we here at J&M are extremely grateful to still be in business and going strong. This wouldn’t be possible with out the continued love and support all of you have given us. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and can’t wait to see what fishing holds for us all in 2021!
Our skippers Danny, Rod, & John have each written a recap of 2020 and included are some photos of our amazing catches from the year!
Captain Danny:
Looking back at the year 2020, I suppose it will forever have a space in every one’s mind as a horrible year. We all certainly had our share of bad and probably a bit extra for most. Over here we were shutdown for 3 months totally unable to operate, we missed Salmon season, Deckhand Kevin lost his house to a wildfire, my father had a heart attack, (he’s okay) etc etc. Even through all of that, there was still plenty of good in 2020.
When we were able to open again we began running limited loads which gave us more one on one time with our customers and we got to have some really awesome fishing trips throughout the year. We managed to pull some nice big Halibut, monster Bluefin tuna, some great live bait action for Rockfish and so on. 2020 was the first time owner John and I were able to go on a fun trip for tuna up at Fort Bragg together. While we were up there we worked out a deal to get our newest addition to the fleet, the Samurai.
When you look at everything overall, yeah, there was plenty of bad, but there was also a lot of good. I’m optimistic for a great 2021 and I’m chomping at the bit to have some fun with the Samurai.
Captain John:
2020 was a year that almost forced me into doing what I enjoy so much: Chasing fish around the big blue Pacific. From Albacore off Fort Bragg to Bluefin, yellowtail, and rockfish west of San Diego. What else should I guy do when all is shut down due to the pandemic? I will say however the highlight of 2020 for me was the invasion of massive bluefin tuna right here in our own backyard! I saw miles of tuna in a biomass that would have impressed even the most experienced long rang fisherman. A bit of a learning curve, but we were hugely successful in wrangling some of these monsters. None of these monsters were less than 150 pounds! Next year we will be even more ready to take on these wild invaders!
Captain Rod:
Hmm! 2020, where do I start? I know, I will start with January 1st. The year started out great. It is the busiest I have ever been in the winter since I started working in the maritime industry. Things were going real strong and business was booming until a little guy named Covid-19 came to visit. March 17, hit the brakes. All things came to a stop.
We sat around for what seemed like an eternity. There was no light at the end of the tunnel.June, June was the month. All hands on deck. We received the green light to operate again. Many protocols were set in to action to be able to continue. Finally, I felt a since of normalcy. Business started to pick up. People wanted to get out of their houses and feel the cleansing of the ocean air. Still we were on the edge of our seats wondering how long it would last.
Well, it’s still going. It wouldn’t be possible without the relentless team work of our captains, crew, shop crew, management and ownership. Most importantly, you, the fishermen and women who came out and supported us. To that, I am eternally grateful. We all stuck together and persevered through a very difficult time.
Now on to 2021.
LET’S DO THIS!!!!
Some 2020 photo highlights!
