By Carson Meacham
Every year in the small town of Astoria, Oregon, the annual Fisherpoets Gathering invites those who have worked in the commercial fishing industry to convene for a festival of poetry, songwriting, performance, storytelling, art, and education. This gathering has captured the hearts and minds of thousands of fans across dozens of states, with just one theme: Fishing.
In February 2024, Fisherpoets celebrated their 27th gathering with a crowd bigger than ever before. Before seeing it with my own eyes, I imagined a small-scale, dimly lit, backroom poetry slam from the Beatnik era. I certainly didn’t expect dozens of salty sailors with storied fishing careers filling out theaters, bars, and performance spaces across Astoria for two days.
In those two days, I heard a song about Chessie the Sea Monster. I heard the story of one sailor’s wettest (and, unfortunately for the speaker, muddiest) day at sea. Fisherpoets told tales of quiet days watching the fishing lines stay still and stories of busy, bone-aching days with broken gear. Going in, I wasn’t sure poetry about fishing would be my cup of tea. Now, I’m planning my return for next year.
Who are the Fisherpoets?
The Fisherpoets are united by one idea: “Anyone who’s ever earned a share on a commercial fishing boat, a wage in a boatyard, or a salary in a fish plant can join us.” Authors at the 2024 gathering hailed from Washington State, Oregon, British Columbia, Alaska, Idaho, Maryland, Arkansas, and as far-flung as Maine, all with backgrounds in a variety of fishing industries.
According to the Fisherpoets website, at each gathering “hundreds of fisherpoetry fans come to hear the authentic, creative voices of deckhands and skippers, cannery workers and shipwrights, young greenhorns and old timers, strong women and good-looking men.” Across 17 venues and locations, crowds pack into rooms, descend on local eateries, and fill theaters for standing-room-only presentations. Most venues are also open to the public if they would like to grab a beer at a brewery or a cookie at a cafe, but listeners need a Fisherpoets badge to stick around for the whole show.
Along with the main attraction of Fisherpoet presentations, the gathering also hosts a fully packed special events schedule. Educational opportunities abound for Fisherpoet attendees, including writing circles, knot-tying lessons, printmaking demonstrations, and cannery tours.
Fisherpoet sessions also explore the history and culture of the maritime world. At the 2024 gathering, for example, Pete and Deb Granger from Bellingham hosted an afternoon presentation about the traditional Coast Salish fishing technique of reefnetting. In reefnet fishing, two boats with a net suspended underwater trick fish into feeling safe amongst fake seagrass adhered to the net. Then, on the orders of a spotter with specialized sunglasses, the crew hoists the nets, catching fish without moving the boats.
How to Visit Fisherpoets
The Fisherpoets Gathering is held in Astoria every February. The 2025 gathering is on February 23 and 24, and the website includes information about special guests and events.
Arriving at the Fisherpoets Gathering, your first stop is the “Gathering Gearshack” to get your badge and peruse the available goods. Usually open during the daylight hours, this is a great place to find art at the silent auction, as well as merch, books, art, and music available for sale. The Gearshack goods are in limited quantity, so get there early to make sure you can see everything!
After picking up your badge, you might want to visit one of the many special events. These vary year-to-year and run early in the day until late in the evening, covering a wide variety of topics. Some also require advance registration, so check the schedule before your visit to see what you might like to attend.
When evening rolls around and the cool air starts to blow in off the Columbia River, the Fisherpoets gather in venues around town. Filing in by the dozen, attendees gather in the brew halls and theaters. Fisherpoetry is also broadcast on a local radio station from the Liberty Theater for those who aren’t present. Fisherpoets speak, sing, and share about difficult weeks spent at sea with frustrating companions and sparse catches, when they have struggled to stay afloat—both in the fishing industry and at sea. They also share tales of the good times, when fish are plentiful, the coffee pot is full, and their crew works like a seamless machine.
Fisherpoets of all ages, careers, and backgrounds pass the baton of storytelling from one talented orator to the next throughout the evening, painting a vibrant picture of life aboard boats, on docks, and on shore. Consider a visit to Astoria to explore this unique gathering of artists sharing their unique professions. You might even be inspired to try out a new career on the water, and maybe the year after that, you’ll have your own poem to share at the Fisherpoets Gathering.