Last month a reporter from National Fisherman magazine contacted Zed and I because he wanted to write an article about the crazy experience we had buying and fixing up our fishing boat and driving it half-way around the world and through the Panama Canal. We thought, why not?! Even though our story so far contains more regrets than successes, we figured we could endure a little embarrassment if other potential boat-buyers out there could learn from our mistakes. (Lesson #1: Inspect boat THOROUGHLY before buying)
To make a long story short, the September issue of National Fisherman just came out with our boat, the Robin Blue, on the front cover!
The photo on the cover was taken after 4 months of shipyard work
The author of the piece, Michael Crowley, was very kind to tell our story in such a positive light. Thanks Michael!
If you want to read the full article, you will have to find yourself a copy, but Here is a link to National Fisherman if you would like to read an excerpt from the article.
A short side note… a reader of the magazine recognized the Robin Blue as his father’s first fishing boat from when his family lived in Louisiana. He searched online, found my blog and left me a nice note. His family fished for shrimp with the boat for years and then sold her in 1998. It was nice to hear that our first boat was once someone else’s first boat and that she has a long history of supporting fishing families!
Here is the Robin Blue in her previous life as the Buddy Boy (thanks for the photo Daniel)
This is what I love about blogging most of all – the connections I make with individuals from all over the world, with very different backgrounds and life stories, that I would never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.
Here she is in Alabama after her transformation, awaiting departure
That’s so exciting. I usually pick up a copy of the magazine. Now I have to. Congrats on the publication! And that’s so cool someone was able to recognize the boat as their own family’s boat. What a history…
I know, pretty cool! The boat was built in 1977, so she has 35 years of fishing history, from Louisiana to Alabama to Washington.
Where can I get a copy of this mag? I would love to have this ..Thanks
Amanda, I’m not sure but you might be able to get it at a big news stand. Here in Bellingham it is sold at all the fishing supply stores. Or you can subscribe to it on their website, nationalfisherman.com.
Good luck!
-Robin
Very nice how you included the Buddy Boys story into Robin Blues story. I have a good feeling y’all will have a great future with the boat.
Thank Daniel,
I sure hope you are right. It has been a struggle so far, but i feel like we are making progress.
-Robin
Brings back so many loved memories of “working” on boat as a little girl.
Thank you so much, my and Daniel’s dad will greatly appreciate this. He wanted to see it.
Kayla,
My little boys love helping out on the boat too. It’s such a special way for a kid to grow up, and it teaches them a strong work ethic too.
Like I told Daniel, if you or any of your family are ever in the area we would love to show you the boat and all the changes we’ve made.
-Robin
How exciting! Our office subscribes, so I’ll be able to read the article. Congratulations again on all of the hard work you have put into this vessel! She’s beautiful!
Thanks Misty! It seems like work on a boat is never ending, but it is rewarding.
-Robin
I just read the article, it was well written. I feel as though the story was my own, as I could relate to so much of it. You’re right though Robin, it is so rewarding in the end!
~Misty~
That is so cool, I always knew you guys would be famous. what stories you will be able to tell when you become grandparents!!
I like to think that some day we will be able to look back on this escapade fondly and laugh…
Very cool. I’m standing by the mail box waiting and tapping my foot impatiently. (I have a story in this months too I think.) Fish Safe!!
You do indeed have an article in this month’s issue, and it’s a mighty hilarious one too. I can totally relate. Our fridge died a few years ago when Zed was out fishing and I had to replace it on my own. He still hasn’t forgiven me for getting a fancy one.
Oh, this is fantastic, Robin – big congratulations! Joel and I know all too well the mixed feelings of sharing stories of our fumbles, but they’re always the best stories, the most relatable, and end up having happy endings. You guys deserve all these kudos, and what a great keepsake of your origins with the Robin Blue! Proud of you, buddy.
Thanks Tele,
We have definitely learned a lot throughout this whole experience! Glad to hear things are well up North. I hope the rest of your season goes even better!
-Robin
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