Commercial Fishing Up Close

A Rare Opportunity to Watch Gig Harbor’s Commercial Fishing Fleet at Work and to Enjoy the Vibrant Colors of Autumn.

About the Excursion: You've seen the fleet tied up in the Harbor. Here is your chance to see Harbor salmon seiners at work while aboard the historic purse seine vessel Veteran. Join the BoatShop’s USCG licensed skippers, each with extensive commercial fishing experience, during the rare fall ‘fishing openings’ in Colvos Pass. There are only a handful of days during October/November of each year that Gig Harbor’s fishing fleet can be seen commercial fishing this close to home. And… you’ll view vibrant fall colors on the shores of Colvos Passage.

About the Veteran: The Veteran, launched by Gig Harbor’s Skansie Ship Building Co. in 1926, is a beautifully restored sample of one of the most recognized and significant vessel designs to have originated from Gig Harbor - the Skansie purse seiner. Many Gig Harbor pioneer families commercially fished for salmon and bottom fish in the waters of the North Pacific aboard Veteran and dozens of other Skansie seiners. The Veteran has been carefully maintained to preserve her original design and character.

PLEASE NOTE: Commercial Fishing Up Close is only offered during the limited fall fishing season each year and is subject to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing schedule, which may change weekly based on fish returns and other data. We work hard to ensure the dates advertised below are as accurate as possible, but please be aware any changes to the fishing schedule may result in excursion date or time changes or cancellations. Please see the fine print below for more details. Thank you in advance for your flexibility!

Commercial Fishing Up Close 2024! 

All excursions depart the Maritime Pier in Gig Harbor (next to the Tides Tavern). Arrive at the Pier at least 15 minutes prior to the departure time. The duration of each trip is approximately 3 hours. Veteran’s Galley is warm and toasty. Bathroom Available. Coffee, Water, and Light Snacks on board. Or feel free to bring your own food!

Fee:  $600 for the Full Boat - Up to 6 People

-No individual tickets for sale-

(Invite your family and friends!)

PLEASE email us at info@gigharborboatshop.org or give us a call at (253) 857-9344 and leave a detailed message if you have any questions.

The fine print: Experience Commercial Fishing Trips are offered during the limited commercial chum salmon fishing window in October and November. Although we do our very best to plan ahead, dates and times are subject to change based on weather conditions, skipper availability, and other factors outside of our control. Gig Harbor BoatShop reserves the right to cancel an excursion because of these or other unforeseen conditions. If the BoatShop cancels your excursion, we will reschedule or provide you with a full refund.