Icelandic trawler Jóhanna Gísladóttir GK landed a full catch on its first trip of the year, returning to port after a smooth and productive voyage that ended with landing in Bolungarvík on Wednesday, according to the Síldarvinnslan website.
The vessel sailed from its home port, Grindavík, on 2 January. The weather stayed calm throughout the trip. Early fishing on Reykjanes Bank brought little saithe. The crew then moved between several grounds before finding better results off the Westfjords, where catches improved and the trip paid off.
Shift between grounds paid off
Skipper Einar Ólaf Ágústsson said the crew first tried for saithe without success. They then moved to Kolluál, where only redfish were caught. Better fishing followed on Strandagrunn, with cod and haddock, before the trip ended on Kögur Bank.
He described the trip as a solid start to the year, despite long steaming distances. Once the vessel reached the Westfjords, fishing was successful and a full load was achieved.
Back at sea without delay
After landing in Bolungarvík, Jóhanna Gísladóttir GK wasted no time. The trawler headed back to sea immediately and was reported fishing on the northern edge of Djúpáll the following morning.
The trip underlines a positive start to the year for the vessel, with good sea conditions and improved catches once the proper grounds were found.