Where it all began

The Olsen family fishing history in the U.S. began over 100 years ago with Chris Olsen in Petersburg, Alaska. He had come over from Norway. The Olsens are now on the 4th generation of fishing in their family. Ray Olsen (2nd generation) bought the St. John II. Ray is retired now. At 95 he still enjoys watching his son, grandson, and crew head through the locks in Seattle on the way to Alaska - or off the coast of Washington.

Not much has changed over the years

St. John II is still the same wooden boat built in 1944 by Hansen Boat Company. It has had a new engine (or two). Every year the boat gets hauled out of the water and gets a “shave and a haircut”. In 2014 the St. John II was brought to the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle. The St. John II was one of the featured boats of the exhibit “Highliners: Boats of the Century” in conjunction with the Center for Wooden Boats. It was displayed in all its glory - brimming with history and heritage. 

The crew of the St. John II still hand baits every longline hook for halibut. Setting their gear the same way they have always done. They haul in their sustainable catch the same way Chris Olsen did back in the day. The crew takes care handling each fish, taking the time to bring in a high quality product.