Net work

Net work is a necessary evil in the fishing industry.

When gillnetting for salmon, different sized mesh (net) is required - to catch different sizes of fish and by the Fish&Game to not catch certain sizes of fish.
There are various types of net work, and in order to have the correct net on the boat, repair holes/tears or to replace aged equipment a fisherman must do net work. Usually the crew helps because it is in their job description.
I help every season because I love network. Not. 

It is not fun. It is not quick. It is not painless. 

What I do like about net work is the chance to spend time with Ryan/the crew (if he has one).
We talk, listen to music, joke around, sometimes the weather cooperates and I get to work on my tan. But best of all? Ryan is always extra sweet to me when we work together (he knows I can say "F this network!" and walk away anytime I want).

While in Wrangell we had some net work to get done. Here is a photo-log to give you an idea:

The net is spread between two metal pole thingies * very technical terms in the fishing industry! Leadline (the lead-filled line that sinks the bottom of the net) on one end, and corkline (the corks are knotted to the top of the net - when in water it floats) on the other end.

Each of these corks (this repair was about 100 fathoms worth) is individually knotted onto the net. 

First step: untie every.single.cork.

That's about 600 feet of cork. 

Fun stuff!

While I untied the corkline, Ryan sewed the two pieces of net together - that white pointy thing in his hand is called a "needle", it is loaded with thin twine-like line. 

After the net is sewn together, Ryan attaches the leadline to one end and we tie the corkline back onto the net.

Once both ends are attached the whole net (about 250 fathoms) can be reeled back onto the drum (the big metal wheel on the stern of the boat). 

Lennie <3's net work!