ANGUS GROUT
1ST GENERATION FISHERMAN
Home Port: Comox, BC | Vessel Name: Borealis I, Ocean Twilight, Ocean Breeze
“The fishery is so dynamic, unique in the world and there is a great sense of pride among us all.”
1. When and how did you start fishing?
After I graduated from high school.
2. Where do you usually fish?
Usually between Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii in Queen Charlotte Sound or Hecate Strait.
3. What is the best thing about fishing?
The thrill and rush of fishing, and the rewarding lifestyle where I can work really hard and then have time off to spend with my wife and daughter at home. I also love fishing with my uncle, Dave Boyes who is a mentor to me, and my cousin, Tiare Boyes. They are two of my favourite people and we enjoy joking around with each other while out fishing.
4. What is your most memorable fishing experience?
I have so many great memories but perhaps my most memorable fishing experience was during my first year halibut fishing. We were just off of Triangle Island, heading home with a boat full of fish. I was sore and tired, the water was smooth as glass and we had the most amazing sunset.
5. What do you believe everyone should know about wild Pacific halibut and the fishery?
Everyone involved in the wild Pacific halibut fishery goes to great lengths to ensure that the fishery is sustainable including making substantial monetary investments into monitoring measures and accountability. The fishery is so dynamic, unique in the world and there is a great sense of pride among us all.
6. What do you believe are the most important issues facing the wild Pacific halibut industry today?
The locations and sizes of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along BC’s coast are important issues because these factors dictate where we can and cannot fish. About 24% of the BC coast is already protected and we will soon be at 35%. The bycatch of halibut in other fisheries is also an issue.
7. How would you describe the future of the wild Pacific halibut fishery?
I see the future as bright and optimistic!
8. What three words/phrases best describe the wild Pacific halibut fishery today?
Robust
Sustainable
Legacy
1. What was your first job?
Working on my family farm since the age of six and then blasting and rigging chasers in a logging camp when I was 12
2. What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not fishing?
Spending time with my family, especially by the water either beachcombing, swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding
3. What is your favourite meal to eat on the boat when fishing?
Pork roast
4. What is your favourite wild Pacific halibut dish?
Wild Pacific halibut burgers
5. What is your favourite movie or TV show of all time?
Firefly
6. What is your favourite song or who is your favourite artist?
Paul Simon and Graceland
7. What is one thing that most people don’t know about you and may surprise them?
I love musicals!
8. What skill or craft would you like to master?
Forging
9. Who is your hero and why?
My wife who home schools and assumes full parenting responsibilities of our daughter when I am away fishing.