The thrill of hauling up a trap teeming with fresh seafood is an experience many ocean-going boaters cherish. Despite the occasional loss of traps to the depths, the promise of a sumptuous dinner keeps enthusiasts returning to the waters. This pursuit is not without its challenges and mysteries, as illustrated by the tale of a weekend boating trip that turned into a search for a missing prawn trap.
Boating enthusiasts often look forward to the simple pleasures of setting out crab and prawn traps in the hopes of capturing a fresh catch for dinner. This pastime is particularly popular in the picturesque waters of the San Juan Islands in Washington state and the Gulf Islands in British Columbia, where the marine life is abundant and the scenery is breathtaking.
Jan and Hank, a couple with a passion for boating and seafood trapping, recently celebrated Jan's birthday with the addition of a new prawn trap to their collection. They eagerly set out on their Bayliner, dropping the trap with high hopes. Despite their careful marking of the trap's location, it vanished, leaving them to return to their yacht for a less exciting meal of pork and beans.
The following weekend, my husband and I joined Jan and Hank on their yacht for another attempt at trapping. The weather was perfect, and the company was delightful, with conversations often circling back to the topic of the elusive traps. Despite the previous loss, spirits were high as we enjoyed the serene cove and the local weekend market.
As we resumed our journey, Jan spotted the long-lost trap. The retrieval was arduous, with the line heavy and the anticipation building. Could the trap be brimming with prawns? The effort was intense, and just as the trap neared the surface, the line snapped, sending mud flying and hopes sinking. The contents of the trap, and the reason for its weight, remain a mystery to this day.
The loss of crab and prawn traps is a common occurrence among boaters. According to a study by the Northwest Straits Foundation, over 12,000 crab pots are lost in Puget Sound each year, with each lost pot continuing to capture an average of 20 crabs during the summer season (Northwest Straits Foundation). This phenomenon, known as "ghost fishing," not only depletes crab populations but also poses a threat to other marine life.
Jan and Hank's experience is a testament to the persistence of boaters who continue to set and lose traps. Despite their losses, they have enjoyed many successful catches, though curiously, never when we accompany them. Whether it's a strange coincidence or simply the nature of fishing stories, the allure of trapping remains strong.
The pursuit of crabs and prawns using traps is a beloved activity for many boaters, despite the challenges and occasional losses. The excitement of a potential feast from the sea is a powerful motivator, driving boaters to continue this tradition. While some traps may be lost to the depths, the stories and experiences gained are treasures in their own right. Perhaps it's the mystery of the sea that keeps the tradition alive, as boaters return to the waters, time and again, in search of their elusive catch.
