November 13 2010: Salmon catch day! Decided at the last minute to get tickets for the annual salmon catch. (there are several in the area each year, this being the final one) So glad we did. It was a beautiful day. Well, perhaps the fellow out in the middle of the river didn't think so. From what I could see on my zoom lens, looks like he was clearing debris.....he probably would've preferred to be over at the catch.
Now, we all know by now that Japanese festivals consist of food, lot and lots of food. Today is no different. Above are lollipops that we forgot to buy on the way out and fried goodness of something below. (by the time we left I couldn't find this tent anymore, there was just way to many people...so didn't get to try this dish)
Above: The Statue of Liberty like you've never seen her before. One should always hold a cross section of a salmon.....Below: A kiddie pool was stocked with a half dozen salmon. Here the younger kids could hone their skill and practice catching...just lean over and pull it out by the tail, seems so easy. (no I didn't try it...I already know what a fish feels like.) Andi gave it an attempt but was too squeamish about what it might feel like....(though that part of the story is to be continued in a little bit)
Above: Getting ready for the catch...Observers line the edge of the pond. I think it would've been great if these ladies had had on red hats. The pond area (a man made cement pond where the fish are stocked for the catch...not as sporting as wading out into the river, but I'm sure that would bring up a lot of liability issues) was lined with watchers and catchers. (there are several catches...4 on Saturday and 4 on Sunday)
Above: One of the dignitaries give a demonstration on how to catch, and in his case how easily they get away (if you look at the bottom of the picture you can see the splash of the fish as it escapes back to the water)
And into the water go the masses of people. (Andi and I observed this year.) Shane decided to go as traditional as he could get....no shoes and barehanded. Most folks had on at least rain boots or better. Most had gloves.
Now if you are expecting a picture of him proudly holding up his fish....keep in mind there are lots of people and he has a slippery fish. His goal was to get to the people with the handy plastic bags to put the fish in.
Above: Putting the fish in...but notice something sticking out. Those salmon, give them a little window and they put in a huge drive thru. Saw it happen with lots of folks....yup, this one got away.
But it didn't take long to wrangle up another and properly contain it! That's not the peace sign he's making...it's the number of times he had to catch!
You should've seen Andi's eyes bug out when the fish started flopping in the bag! But she didn't drop it.
Above: Getting ready for the catch...Observers line the edge of the pond. I think it would've been great if these ladies had had on red hats. The pond area (a man made cement pond where the fish are stocked for the catch...not as sporting as wading out into the river, but I'm sure that would bring up a lot of liability issues) was lined with watchers and catchers. (there are several catches...4 on Saturday and 4 on Sunday)
Above: One of the dignitaries give a demonstration on how to catch, and in his case how easily they get away (if you look at the bottom of the picture you can see the splash of the fish as it escapes back to the water)
And into the water go the masses of people. (Andi and I observed this year.) Shane decided to go as traditional as he could get....no shoes and barehanded. Most folks had on at least rain boots or better. Most had gloves.
Now if you are expecting a picture of him proudly holding up his fish....keep in mind there are lots of people and he has a slippery fish. His goal was to get to the people with the handy plastic bags to put the fish in.
Above: Putting the fish in...but notice something sticking out. Those salmon, give them a little window and they put in a huge drive thru. Saw it happen with lots of folks....yup, this one got away.
But it didn't take long to wrangle up another and properly contain it! That's not the peace sign he's making...it's the number of times he had to catch! 
You should've seen Andi's eyes bug out when the fish started flopping in the bag! But she didn't drop it. Lots of people, lots of fish. It's pretty much one per person, or however many tickets you paid for. Entire families will do this. Not sure what they do with all that fish to eat...I'm sure they freeze it.
Ok: A bit of a disclaimer before you scroll down to the next pictures......it gets a little bloody here. We are going to take a trip to the on site butcher. For 300Y they would clean the fish for you (really, I would've paid a lot more! 300Y is about $4) Anyway, it is a little bloody, but it is part of the process. So the next 4 pictures are either quick whiz buys or whatever you want to do.....
Ok: A bit of a disclaimer before you scroll down to the next pictures......it gets a little bloody here. We are going to take a trip to the on site butcher. For 300Y they would clean the fish for you (really, I would've paid a lot more! 300Y is about $4) Anyway, it is a little bloody, but it is part of the process. So the next 4 pictures are either quick whiz buys or whatever you want to do.....
Above: A swift whack to finish off the salmon....rather violent (and in case you are wondering, Andi is off doing something else) To ensure you get back the fish you caught they tag the bag with a number, and give you the other half of the tag. And off they go.
There were probably about 10 ladies gathered around the table, just doing what they do at great speeds. From beginning to end we waited about 10 minutes. Really, I have no idea if we got the same fish back...don't really care, but the Japanese being as precise as they are, I'm sure we did. It all seemed very chaotic, but at the same time it was very organized.
Ok....so where was Andi during all this? She was back at the kiddie catch pool. She so wanted to figure out how to catch one, but still leery of the slime factor. Apparently, while Shane and I were at the butcher, a little Japanese boy caught a salmon and realizing her hesitancy handed it to her for her to hold. She did, took the fish by the tail...and from there became a salmon tail catching whiz! Time after time she could just then reach in and grab the tail and pull it right out! She caught and released 7! Nothing like having your parents completely out of the picture and a language barrier to help you overcome your fears!
She is all geared up to do the catch with dad next year!
Above: A look at part of fairway...I should've gone to a high spot to get a picture of all the people. It really was very crowded. But now we had our butchered fish, so what next? We did remember to bring our cooler, but seeing as how we are midway through November, and thought it would be colder, we didn't bring any ice! As a result we got our fried goodness to go and headed home.
And on the way home found a pretty purple house....and an old train sign.
Oh, and the salmon....that's the most delicious part. Our neighbor has a smoker....so we invited them to dinner...over at their house! (we brought the food, they did the soak and smoke) Many thanks to Kevin for preparing the brine soak and smoking the salmon. And to Jenell for setting a place for us all to eat! It was a really great meal!
She is all geared up to do the catch with dad next year!
Above: A look at part of fairway...I should've gone to a high spot to get a picture of all the people. It really was very crowded. But now we had our butchered fish, so what next? We did remember to bring our cooler, but seeing as how we are midway through November, and thought it would be colder, we didn't bring any ice! As a result we got our fried goodness to go and headed home.
And on the way home found a pretty purple house....and an old train sign.
Oh, and the salmon....that's the most delicious part. Our neighbor has a smoker....so we invited them to dinner...over at their house! (we brought the food, they did the soak and smoke) Many thanks to Kevin for preparing the brine soak and smoking the salmon. And to Jenell for setting a place for us all to eat! It was a really great meal!
