I’m not a big fan of seafood, but weirdly, I really love shrimp. Lucky for me, one of the greatest regions for cold water shrimp in the world is here in the Pacific Northwest. The prized catch here is the highly sought-after Spot Shrimp. They can be 9-12 inches long, and they’re revered for their sweet, lobster-like meat. They’re delicious!
Sunday and Monday were the last open days of the season in this region for Spot Shrimp and we were on the hunt! Shrimping for Spots requires cold, deep water – they live at least 250 feet down. To find places like that you have to be in big water. Not the cushy shallow coastal waters, but large bodies of water that are highly affected by wind and current.
We were shrimping out in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. For those who are unfamiliar, it’s a 1700 sq mile fjord that opens directly into the Pacific Ocean. It’s subject to dramatic ocean conditions caused by strong tidal currents, high winds, and fog. When the winds are blowing against the current, it’s common to have 6-foot waves. And on top of that, you have to factor in the prolific commercial tanker traffic. It’s not a good idea to get anywhere near those guys. When they go by, they send out 3-foot swells in their wake.
While we were on the Strait the weather was gorgeous, the wind was negligible, and the water was pretty flat. A good time to be out there. But we still kept an eye on those tankers because we know that about half an hour after they pass us in the distance, we’re going to get those 3-foot swells. Not a big deal, but you want to be prepared when they hit.
Late in the afternoon on Monday, we noted a big tanker in the distance and commented that we’d be getting the swells from it shortly. I’m not sure what caused it, but about 30 minutes later I looked up and coming up behind us was a massive wave. It had to be 7-8 feet high, curling over at the top with white water, and traveling fast. I’m not sure of the correct definition of ‘rogue wave’, but that’s what I want to call it. One wave, drastically higher than anything around it, moving across the Strait directly towards us.
Scott turned the boat to meet the wave diagonally – it’s called quartering the wave and it’s the best way to soften the impact. But there was nothing soft about riding out that wave! Holy moley! We hit it hard and the bow rode up the wave, then the stern fell into the trough behind it. Things went tumbling, cupboard doors flew open, the refrigerator spilled out some of its contents, and everything in the boat rattled and shook. Enderlily is built for seas just like this and she weathered it just fine, but normally we’d have the cabin prepared for high seas like that and have everything battened down. This caught us by surprise, and it caused a pretty good adrenaline spike! I’m gonna say there might have been a few “thank you, Jesus” prayers going up in the aftermath!
But I can also say it was totally worth it! We got a pretty good haul of Spot Shrimp!
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
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