Spud Point Crab Company

The fishing industry is one of the oldest and most primary industries along the North Coast of California. One of the reason California Indians were quite peaceful was the abundance of food, including fish. And since the Gold Rush era, fisheries have been profitable along California's streams and shoreline. Salmon, sturgeon, pike, perch, dake, chub, suckers, hard-heads, narrow-tails and more were being caught in large quantities.

The salmon fisheries were most important during the late 1800s—the fish were far beyond average size salmon caught along the Eastern Seaboard and ranged from 20 to 50 pounds. Fishing was an important commercial resource for California. Commercial fishing is a traditional industry with a colorful history of adventure, independence and hard work. Although fishing techniques have been enhanced with modern equipment, our fisherfolk must still endure the challenges of the sea with each fishing effort -- and those at home must wait the return of each trip.

Today, crabbing is the main fishery in Bodega Bay. Salmon is second with restrictions that change from year to year. Each year, Bodega Bay sponsors a Fisherman's Festival, which includes a Blessing of the Fishing Fleet. The Festival is just prior to the beginning of salmon season. Boats from Bodega Bay go out to the outer bay and are blessed by the Priest and Reverend from our local churches. Blessings are for a successful season and the safe return of our salmon fleet.

These annual blessings had their start more than 50 years ago; today the celebration is part of the annual Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival.