A Crabby 10 Year Retrospective (4k)

I reflect on the creation of Washington Fish Quest. And how drastically different it was being a "youtuber" over 10 years ago. While I do that, I crab Westport (MA 2-2) and just north of Hood Canal (MA9). Thank you to everyone who watches my videos!
#crabbing #pugetsound #westportwa

[@troytwibell6876]

Been following the channel since 2013. Still one of the best fishing channels locally.

[@WAFishQuest]

You are one of the hardcore's for sure Troy. I appreciate your kind words and insight in general as always. And this old dog may have a few tricks up his sleeves yet... What? Dogs don't have sleeves? ****!

[@djmilhaus]

You have certainly been one of the big reasons I took fishing back up and am now trying to teach my kids. You make fishing in this state feel accessible, you educate, you are responsible. So glad you are on YT sharing one of your passions.

[@WAFishQuest]

Wow! I won't need to eat with a compliment this fulfilling! Thank you so so much DJ!

[@outdoorloser4340]

I couldn't agree more 👍

[@nate.or.nodate]

Thanks for sharing your story Blake! You’re a legend in the space and I’ve always appreciated the educational lens you’ve taken with your content! Cheers to another 10 successful years of WFQ!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Nate! 🙏 You are too kind as ways. I'll take that legendary status tho... And go demand a free beer at my local pub!

[@BigBeavrSlayer]

I hit eagle creek yesterday morning and bring in the new year with fresh oysters for breakfast even did a short video on it! I'll be at Westport next weekend to restock the crab I ate last week, have some razor clam chowder ready for dinner in a few minutes. Thanks again Blake!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Marcus for sharing and enjoying our great outdoors! 🙏

[@jacobbrown8905]

Mr. Blake, it's been a pleasure tagging along on your adventures for the past decade. You really were the go-to channel if I was having a hard time catchin something. Lately, I really enjoy just coming along on those days I can't get out. Thanks for the content. Keep the videos coming!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Mr. Jacob! Glad I could be a salve on the wound of not getting out to go fishing!

[@WorkingClassFishingPodcast]

So awesome Blake! Thank you for 11 years of awesome content, awesome stories and being so in touch with your channel viewers!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Brian and Jon! WCFP enriches us all!

[@edwardalvarado8889]

You learn something new everyday, thanks for sharing buddy.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks so much Edward! Tight lines!

[@deibert1]

still hard to believe that the resort burnt down. stick some 5200 marine sealant around those leaky rivets. it'll fix there issue

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Don! I think I need to replace some rivets... But with the actual hole I may try that! Looks like someone put a small nail thru the hull.

[@deibert1]

@@WAFishQuest the 5200 works great for little pinholes. the boat i purchased last winter had all the rivets reset and a new keel put on it so i got pretty lucky in that aspect. but i have put 5200 on them as an insurance policy.

[@WAFishQuest]

@@deibert1 I have purchased some sealant and a rivet gun! Will see how much watch I can keep out of the aqua-boat.

[@mountainmelts5221]

I enjoy your content very much. It was one of the channels that pushed me to move to the coast. no regrets!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks a ton Mountain Melts! Glad you are enjoying the coast so much!!

[@wojomojo]

Thanks for all the years of enjoyment and inspiration Blake! Happy 2023!!!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you as always Wojomoio! Happy 2023 to you as well!

[@adamirvine6968]

You rock man! I’ve learned so much about obscure local fishing I never knew about. The added history lessons are always awesome. Thanks

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks a ton Adam! I super appreciate the kind words! 🙏

[@SteveFromWyoming]

It's always exciting when a fan/someone recognizes you. Well Blake I've only been a subscriber for a year or so but you are one of the ones I like to watch regularly. Keep up the good work, I know the effort and time you put in to make the content you do. Thank you

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Steve! I also greatly enjoy your channel. Your hosting style is completely authentic.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Board member, council member, graduate degree, filmmaker, best fisherman ever, father, wearer of the greatest PFD ever... you sir, are my hero

[@WAFishQuest]

don't forget self-aggrandizing windbag Tim! 😅🙏

[@RN67POST]

Hey Blake , the thing I like about it is the reality, not fancy like most of us just trying to catch some good eats and have a fun outdoor experience! Love your videos, happy New Year 🎉 I’ll be watching .

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks a ton Roger! The struggle (for me) is real! Ha ha. Super appreciate the kind words. 🙏

[@FishKepr]

Congratulations on 10 years. That store saved our crabbing trip when I accidentally dropped our measuring tool in the water. We will miss it. BTW, we were at Merino’s today. We started going there based on your recommendation and have been going ever since.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you FishKepr! That's great. Good folks there. Fyi if you like to can tuna. I used to get them straight off the boats. But I found, somehow, Merino's has the cheapest price in town! Even with whatever their mark up is. Great place, so glad you are enjoying it!

[@jonahv9572]

Wow.... Shocked to see the resort burnt down! I grew up in the Harbor an spent a lot of time around Westport. 😥 On a brighter note. Congrats on ten years Blake! I've enjoyed watching your content for many years!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Jonah! I agree. My favorite place to stay in Westport was the Albatross Inn. As you probably recall, it burned down in 2009. Both loses are such a shame. With Harbor Resort 60 years of history gone! :(

[@cindynelson5140]

@@WAFishQuest hey ? what about The Shipwreck ? remember the round hotel ?with the game room on top? ( I think that was the name of it?) Lots of great memory's there too :)

[@kingbee1691]

Flounder, crabs, salmon, oysters, razor clams, etc… you are the puget sound go to man for me. Keep going strong¡

[@WAFishQuest]

thanks a ton King Bee! Super appreciate it. I guess now that you say that the big 3 in our state (Addicted, NW Fishing Secrets, and Samong Outdoors) aren't Puget Sound-centric. Probably good I spend as much time there as I do. Thanks! Actually never thought of that.

[@kingbee1691]

@WA Fish Quest halibut video 2023!

[@michaelclancy4509]

Great vid Blake. Happy New Year. Please keep the videos coming.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Michael! Happy new year to you as well!

[@corbfisher]

Ha funny. I was out there the day after Xmas and it was the same conditions, really windy. I got two keepers and won the crown "master of the 5 7/8" crab". Neddie Rose st flooded where the observation tower was and I barely made it out! Congrats on making it to 10 years of cool, informative content. I'm getting you a bailing bucket for next Christmas!

[@WAFishQuest]

Ha ha, thanks a ton Corbfisher! I feel you on the 5 and 7/8ths crab mastery! Super appreciate the kind words. You're a really good writer too. Really enjoyed that comment!

[@evergreenunited2264]

Fun day crabbin, and listening to ya wax romantic! Also, good to know there actually were some flounder down there.

[@WAFishQuest]

Not many, but I did film two go by... A lottttt of those pacific gracefuls!

[@sethteeters9565]

Been enjoying the channel since the snake river channel cat video. Suggestion for 2023: Columbia river smallmouth from historic Stevenson, WA! Now all you need is a local who knows how.....

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Seth! I super appreciate the long time patronage. Maybe I can combine that with my annual shad grab.

[@wannafishalure]

Thanks Blake!! I have always thought your videos are awesome!! From the very beginning. I love history, too.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks a ton Toni! That means a lot to me.

[@littlewig111]

glad your still making videos!!!! great stuff!!!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Littlewig! I always appreciate your kind words!

[@blownchevy83]

Great video Blake. I appreciate the effort you put into your videos.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks a ton Micah!! I appreciate your comments!

[@joevales6775]

Hi Blake, many thanks for peaking my interest in fishing, both freshwater and tidal. I plan to get my licenses this year and start up fishing again. And now that the borders are open, and we've seen the worst of the pandemic, I plan to visit Westport several times this year to experience all that you've mentioned about it. Hopefully I will meet you out there. Happy New Year to you and your family. Blessings!

[@WAFishQuest]

that is so great to here! I hope you have a total blast in 2023, Joe! Happy new year!

[@docvannostrand]

Thanks for all the work you put into these videos, Blake! I have been fishing in WA for years but only recently discovered your channel earlier this past year. One of my best discoveries of 2022! Here's to a prosperous new year to your channel and your family!

[@WAFishQuest]

That's great! We'll, for me anyway. Thank you Doc! So glad to have you watching. Thanks so much for the kind words! 🙏

[@kylerichard2844]

Thanks for your videos! Little tip for flounder in south area 9... Berkley Gulp! Saltwater Sandworms. Keep up the good work!

[@WAFishQuest]

thanks a ton Kyle! I appreciate it!

[@NorthwestAdventurerNWA]

Happy New Year Blake! Wishing you and you’re family the best. Thanks for all of your hard work through the years to keep us all informed on the many species of Fish, Crabs & Clams. Hopefully we can get together soon for another collab my friend! NWA 🐕🦀🐕

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks David! Happy new years and looking forward to it! 🎉

[@Kado244]

I love your channel ❤️ thanks for always keeping it fun. Someday we will have to meet up and talk fishing nerd stuff 😀 I didn't go to banks lake this weekend we went to Roosevelt lake for trout and did ok got there kind of late and got 3 keepers 22" the second day we went to curlew lake ice fishing for perch. Perch fishing was kinda slow but came home with enough for a fish fry caught probably 30 really small trout but didn't keep any. My buddy caught an 18" rainbow through the ice. Just thought I'd report back.

[@WAFishQuest]

Super appreciate the Intel as always Kayden! I'm running over to the Eastside for a reallll quick ice fishing trip. Look forward to wetting a line or trap some day!

[@patriciaward3207]

Hi Blake, so glad I found your channel last year! I’ve learned some good tips.

[@WAFishQuest]

so glad you did too Patricia! I really appreciate all of your comments!

[@garroncrashhaun5533]

Thanks for sharing! You were literally around the corner from me in Port Gamble Bay!

[@WAFishQuest]

Whoa! I could have crashed in on Garron Crash Haun! Thank you as always!

[@garroncrashhaun5533]

@@WAFishQuest You should! If you ever want to I live on the eastern estuary of the Port Gamble Bay. You will know where I am by the floating buoys of my oysters. Blue house up the hill 😁

[@WAFishQuest]

@@garroncrashhaun5533 thanks! I'll keep an eye out next time I'm around you Hood. (Get it? Lolz)

[@tinnynguyen1]

Thanks for keeping it original and real.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks a ton! Super appreciate it!

[@johnnyabalone]

You’re welcome, and Thank You always for the entertaining content Sea ya in the next vid

[@WAFishQuest]

thanks as always Johnny!

[@chriscruz6486]

Been with ya from the beginning. 🤙🏽

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Chris! And likewise!

[@eb1252]

EDIT..... I posted this and then read a lot of the other comments below and it looks like I echo what a lot of other people are saying but perhaps not as succinctly. I am glad others feel the same way. PS you need a t-shirt that says "I AM WASHINGTON FISH QUEST" in Judge Dredd "I am the law" kind of fashion Blake thanks for sharing. I would like to point out a couple observations from someone who has keep up with your channel. 1) You say you are not an expert BUT on the other hand one of the absolute gems IMO about your channel is the fact that you don't come off as a so called "expert" even though to be honest I believe you are. I think your channel shows a lot of people who may have never tried a fishery or were unsuccessful that with some modest gear and a bit of effort along with patience it can be done. I would say you make fishing far more approachable to many more people then some of the other PNW fishing channels. Too many of the other channels have expensive boats, rods, gear and exotic locations. I mean they are super fun to watch but probably make a lot of people feel like successful fishing is financially out of their range. 2) Another great aspect of your channel is the traveling part. You have fished in a lot of quintessential locations around the PNW and I enjoy the little bits about local restaurants and places to visit as well as the historical aspect almost as much as the catching. I really miss that show Northwest Backroads. Your channel... uh... err... channels a little bit of that show for me. 3) I think it is cool that you do this for your own enjoyment but I also realize you put a lot of effort into Washington Fish Quest and I would not begrudge you one bit if I ever saw commercials. I would absolutely still watch. In closing you keep up that amazing work and I will continue to watch. Thanks for all the content. It has been a blast to watch

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you E B! I didn't respond to this earlier because I wanted to do a decent job. Your comment may be the most thorough, thoughtful comment I ever received. I love the shirt idea. If I get around to merch, maybe that will be one! I love that type of humor. Regarding the expert stuff, some it is, I wouldn't want to be one. To me fishing is just for fun. If I was trying to be respected technically or do it as a business, that'd make it less fun. That said, I am not a detail oriented person, so I'd never be in the top 1% of fisher people. Thank you so much for your high praise though, I hope that I am technically proficient in the fisheries I do a lot. I so appreciate the feedback on making fishing accessible. That's probably my main mission. I want to be the gateway drug. Ha ha. Your comment makes me think I should focus on that more in 2023! I also totally agree on NW Backroads. LOVED that show. Still watch clips of it on here. I'll also strive to be more like that. I love showing off local businesses and landmarks. Regarding ads, I'll never monetize. I could get a sponsor someday. But I super appreciate the sentiment! Sponsorships don't bother me the same way as ads. Because you can say no to **** products, and support a business that is legit good. It'd have to be one of four companies I real respect (three are local), if I ever did that. Thank you so much again for the comment E B. 🙏

[@khanhtuannguyen]

Happy new year everyone!! Hope to a fishy 2023!

[@WAFishQuest]

Happy new years Khan! Year of the fish! (Ok, not really, but if we believe really hard)... Tight lines man!

[@jeffwhiton9151]

Thanks for all the videos. There is an easy fix for that boat. Rivets eventually leak. I had to fix a few of mine over the years.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Jeff! I was going to replace the rivets in that boat. (probably still will). That leak in the back though is an actual hole. Looks like a small nail we not thru the hull. That leak in front is def an old rivet.

[@jeffwhiton9151]

@@WAFishQuest May not need to replace them if they are still there. Just reset them. And then seal them. No silicone. That’s just messy. There is a better way to seal them and the seam.

[@WAFishQuest]

@@jeffwhiton9151 thanks for the advice Jeff!

[@jeffwhiton9151]

Very welcome. Need help, let me know! Good Luck!

[@cpcorbiere]

This is a really fun video and happy new year!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks a ton Corberator. Glad you sad it was fun. Editing it, it felt very self-indulgent. But, I guess all us KZbin hosts have something of an ego. Ha ha.

[@ickycarp7232]

I was just there last weekend and seen that it burnt down.

[@WAFishQuest]

Suck a loss... Been there since 1962. And the new owner only had it one year.

[@bernieburns4416]

Ive been enjoying your videos for a couple years now, have learned a lot and been inspired. Honestly surprised I haven't run in to you in the field yet. We hit the same spots. I keep an eye out.

[@WAFishQuest]

Give me a shout if you see my Bernie! Thanks so much!!!

[@Shokenryu]

It is not asking for likes, it's more like reminding me to like. I forget to like a video good after watching.

[@WAFishQuest]

Good perspective! Thanks. As long as your watching was good, I know I'm happy tho!

[@kevinstorm2167]

Another great video!

[@WAFishQuest]

thank you Mr. Storm!

[@bobsnextadventure]

Love it! Man... That's too bad about Westport...

[@WAFishQuest]

Yeah, that was a major bummer. The high winds there be sure can make a fire burn intensely. Thanks as always Bob!

[@ronjones1414]

Like I keep saying, you keep making videos, and we'll keep watching. Maybe this spring you can host a meet and greet, we'd love to wet a line.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Ron! That would be cool. A fish in of some kind!

[@ronjones1414]

@Washington Fish Quest Perfect. Something easy like the opener before Memorial Day?

[@Jarom.M]

Given the location of those leaks, it is probably stress fatigue that caused the pinhole. Aluminum is notoriously poor at resisting repeated flexing. Being that they were adjacent to rigid points, greater flexing forces would be applied to those areas and fatigue the metal. Your video on starry flounder is what helped me to find your channel. At the time, there were only two videos around catching them: yours and Spilt Milt. I started following both of you after I found your videos and have been hooked (pun intended) since. I know I don't speak for everyone, but I'll take the "doof in a boat" over major productions any day. As long as you keep making videos, you'll always have at least one viewer (me).

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Jarom! Heck, I'm probably still here thanks to that advice you gave me that one time. Super appreciate the perspective on the aluminum. I'm sure that what's going on!

[@Jarom.M]

@@WAFishQuest Thanks for the compliment! Now I'm curious as to which advise it was...

[@WAFishQuest]

@@Jarom.M well, i suppose information would have been a better word choice. I'm going to try to rivet it. But, if I keep it, will except that leaks will be forthcoming.

[@Jarom.M]

@@WAFishQuest Keep us posted!

[@dgarreis]

Been following forever. You should monetize!

[@WAFishQuest]

Thank you Daniel! And never! Ha ha. I refuse to (intentionally) push ads on my viewers. Besides taking time from your day, in my philosophy, I'm personally responsible then for the content and consequences of those ads. If some kid gets addicted to a pay-to-play game, because they clicked a link on my channel, that's on me.

[@HobbiesHobo]

I would consider myself a pretty loyal follower of most of the channels I enjoy, but in the back of my mind I am very wary of channels that monetize, some just start spewing garbage for the sake of ad hits. Those channels eventually get removed from subscriptions. On the other hand I also see the potential for some great channels to grow big, much faster after they monetize because it is obvious that KZbin prefers to push monetized channels to the front over fun channels of equal quality. I don't watch shorts anymore and videos over 30 minutes rarely , if ever. Good or bad, every video I watch gets a thumb up, many get a comment or at least a smiley. It's a very interesting topic, I could go on .....

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Mike! We're pretty much of the same mind here. I've stopped following a lot of channels when I see their third "unboxing" in a row. You are then getting KZbin ads as well ads directly from the channel. Unfortunately, that's what KZbin ultimately is. But it is viewers like Mike, that keep me going! 🤙

[@CodyRickert]

Last time I stayed at the Harbor resort my buddy was cooking food in the oven and when he stuck his hand in the stove shocked him so bad we had to rush him an hour to the closest hospital as his finger looked like hotdogs you leave in the microwave too long.

[@WAFishQuest]

Holy **** Cody! I hope your friend retained dexterity in that hand.

[@CodyRickert]

@WAFishQuest oh he did! Miss that place though!

[@duanebochmann622]

What boat do you use in MA9?

[@WAFishQuest]

That was my lund WC-14. Probably about as small as you'd want to go.

[@AaronSprague1]

On the sub and like subject. I listen to youtube as I work on other stuff. Often times even when a video is entertaining Sub and like is not currently on my radar. I will happily like your videos but need to be reminded that.. Don't think of it as begging for approval. I want to help motivate you to create more content but need to be reminded by you what you would like me to do to support your efforts. Cheers my friend.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Aaron. You're the second person to say something like that. I kind of do the same with live streams I watch on KZbin. Thanks for the perspective, I hadn't really considered that!

[@4stringmanagmaildcom]

I think you've done well Blake and I do enjoy the variety of your videos. I'm an early viewer .... Strait vs Straight? Haha. :-) I would like to see you do a review of other other channels, especially the ones you think are very good.

[@WAFishQuest]

Thanks Captain Mike! I really appreciate that. I'll always remember "Straight" cause it was such a big oversight. 😂 Thank you! Maybe I will do a video like that. 🤔