Since Sea Fair just was celebrated across the city a bit on history on Ballard's fishing history is in order.

Naturally, the early settlers enjoyed salmon and other fish from the time of their arrival on Puget Sound. However, the historical record suggests that in the early days they bought the fish from the native people more often than fishing themselves. Commercial fishing did not figure in Ballard's history until the end of the 19th century. Fishing became a major part of the local economy in the 1920s and 30s and continued throughout the 20th century. Kris Freeman well-states the close ties between Ballard and the fishing fleet in her photo essay chapter in Passport to Ballard, the community history book:

"The fortunes of Ballard have never been far removed from those of its fishermen. When the fleet prospers, so do Ballard's shipbuilders and net makers, banker, (water vessel) brokers and merchants. When a fishing family suffers a financial setback, the loss of a vessel, or worst of all, the death of a husband or father at sea, the community is diminished.

While Ballard's economy may not be as closely tied into the local fishing industry in the 21st century, there is a strong sense of concern and loss when a vessel from the Ballard fleet gets into serious trouble. Everyone who has been living in Ballard the last 15 years remembers well the community shock and grief at the loss of the "Arctic Rose" that went down in the Alaskan waters with all hand on board. By visiting Fisherman's' Terminal, located just across the Ballard Bridge on the south side of Salmon Bay, one can enjoy the pleasure of seeing the Ballard fishing fleet. Depending upon the time of the year there will be more or fewer sailing vessels in dock. A visit to the Fishermen's Memorial, at water's edge will provide an appreciation for the many men and women who have lost their lives fishing in the icy waters of the Pacific. Don't hurry past the memorial, but take some time to read the long lists of names of those who met their deaths at sea while fishing.

A current popular Discovery Channel feature is "The Deadliest Catch," dealing with crab fishing in the Bering Sea. The program is essentially contemporary Ballard history since most of the captains and their vessels are a part of the Ballard fishing fleet. Last week at Ballard's Seafood Fest several of the sea captains regularly seen on the "The Deadliest Catch" were on the Saturday program telling stories of their experiences on the Bering Sea.

Ballard's fishing industry began in the days of sail and steam when the catch was hauled in by hand. Between 1915 and 1950 the fishing industry became mechanized. Gas and diesel powered vessels allowed the ships to travel faster and farther than ever before. The size of the fishing boat crew shrunk as mechanized winches and reels made it possible to bring in more fish with a smaller crew. The modern combination fishing vessel was developed of the new powerful and compact equipment. These are the vessels one sees in Fishermen's' Terminal today. They can be rigged for salmon and halibut as well as cod, shark, herring, crab and shrimp.

The combination vessels have allowed Ballard's fishermen to fish as far from Salmon Bay as Thailand, Samoa, Chile and Hawaii, and the Bering Sea. The fishing focus of the fleet has shifted as fisheries have experienced boom and bust. At the turn of the 20th century was sturgeon, in the 1940s California sardines and king crab in the latter part of the 20th century. Ballard's fishermen continue, as they have always, to adapt to changes in fishing conditions, regulations and availability of species. The information found in this history is partially drawn from Kris Freeman, "The Fishermen of Ballard," Passport to Ballard.

Historian Kay F. Reinartz may be reached via bnteditor@robinsonnews.com