Tales of a Commercial Fisherwoman

Interview with Elisa Brackenhofer (@ebrackk and @slacktidefisheries on IG)

Introducing "Bristol Baybe" Elisa Brackenhofer, a commercial fisherwoman based in Bellingham, Washington State. She has been able to witness some of the most beautiful nature interactions during her time at sea, and her hard work is unmatched. Dive in with us as Elisa takes us through her journey as a sea-steward and fisherwoman. I'm honored to share this interview with you all.

1. Please introduce yourself. Who are you, and where are you based?

My name is Elisa Brackenhofer and I am a Bellingham-based commercial fisherwoman.

2. How long have you been a commercial fisherwoman?

This will be my sixth year commercial fishing.

3. What keep you coming back year after year?

Being a part of a way of life that is deeply connected to nature and our past. I’ve seen gray whales feeding on the West coast, Great Pacific octopus from the depths of Puget Sound and belugas in Bristol Bay. What I see in a day’s work is something many people won’t see in their lifetime. Even after a few years, the magic of this job hasn’t faded and my knowledge and appreciation of our oceans deepens every time I leave the dock behind.

4. What is the crazies thing you've experienced on the boat? 

Getting my hand pinched by the gear of the gill net drum, passing out from the pain and waking up to the other crew and captain shaking me to get me back.

5. What is your favorite thing about your profession?

The community. Because of my work, I have become a part of a community that is deep rooted and vast. There are so many different types of people that make their living on the water and there’s something to learn from each of them.

6. What is your least favorite thing about your profession?

Getting seasick on the open water. It’s only happened twice, but with the right swell out on the coast it takes a bit of the fun out of it.

7. How has your experience been overall as a woman in the commercial fishing industry?

I have had an overall great experience as a woman in a very male-dominated industry. While there’s plenty of times that my abilities have been overlooked, it has mostly been by my peers and outsiders. Because I naturally don’t have the same brute strength as a guy, I’ve had to work smarter and more efficiently. It has taught me some really great habits and these old timers are quick to recognize that work. I have had amazing mentors that have given me opportunities when I ask for them.

8. Have you made other girl friends during your fishing seasons?

Not yet! I can count on one hand how many women I have met while on the job. But in the off season I meet many fisherwomen and the community is slowly growing.

9. What would you tell other girls who are interested in this profession?

If you have the inkling to work on the water, as a commercial fishermen or any other way, go for it. Don’t let anyone scare you off. If you think you can do it, then you’ll thrive in this industry. 

10. Please tell me a little about your upcoming job working on an all-female boat.

There’s four of us on the FV Aurora Reign, my skipper, me and another female deckhand and one awesome guy. So we don’t make the cut for all-female, but I am beyond stoked for the upcoming season. This will be the first time in 6 years that I get to do my job with another woman, let alone two! It’s going to be a fun one.

11. What role does the ocean play in your life?

The ocean is my teacher. Season after season she throws something new at me, testing my patience and my strength. I learn more about myself in one season on the water than I ever did on land.

12. How do we better support fisherpeople?

Be intentional about where you get your seafood. Buy direct. Buy local. Buy wild.

13. Is there anything else you’d like to add? Anything I’ve missed?

Our oceans have suffered a great deal from the industrial human impact, your local fisher-people feel this more than most. Before labeling the people in this way of life, ask them questions and get curious. Just like any industry, there are those who are more progressive than others but there’s lots to learn from what we have seen.

Thank you so much Elisa for letting me share your story! I am deeply inspired by your hard work love for ocean environments and all the critters who call this place home. Support your local fisher-people and pre-order the highest quality, fresh fish here at Slack Tide Fisheries.