ATKINSON FISHERY
One of the few surviving family businesses from the shutdown of Commercial Fishing across America
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Dedicated to Arthur "Burt" Atkinson and all other American commercial fishing advocates who dedicated their lives to the trade
A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY by Captain David Atkinson
"Clifford J" - Atkinson Fishery's 50' Great Lakes Commercial Fishing Tug built by Burger Boat in 1937 and in reliable service to the family since 1974!
2024 Season
2024 Season
* NOTE: Some pictures have links for additional information
A calm sunrise at Waukegan Harbor as we prepare for the Spring Surveys!
First day of the Spring Surveys
High-tech fishfinders show life below...and brrr, the water is cold!!!
A beautiful afternoon at Belmont Harbor (Chicago)
Constant maintenance required!!!
No, that's not the sun...it's the moonrise at Waukegan Harbor!
Chicago has amazing views at night from the lake and harbors
Two of several visible fresh water intake "cribs" off of Chicago which are the source of the city's water supply (these were constructed in the late 1800's and early 1900's) - These two are still in service today!
View of the Chicago skyline from the Clifford J in the early morning on a calm day
Latest updates!
A calm start to the 2024 Fall Trout Survey! It would soon turn into 3-5' seas out of the Northwest and a ROUGH ride back to the harbor!
Clifford J is blessed to have an Allis-Chalmers 6-Cylinder Diesel engine...one of the most dependable engines ever made!
Making progress!
The Lake Trout are looking great in southern Lake Michigan!
An 11" knife from Dawson knives for dressing large fish - their knives are outstanding quality, last a lifetime and well worth the price!
One of the many freighters operating on Lake Michigan! This was running southeasternly just a few miles east of where we were working this day.
A beautiful morning!
A burbot (freshwater cod) - rarely caught in open waters anymore and a strange looking fish indeed!
A cluster of quagga mussels on a small rock, brought up in the nets in over 120' of water.
A cargo barge and tug northbound on our last day of the 2024 survey.
Red toward morn, sailor be warned!
Blowing steady 25 knots this morning as we prepare to pull the Clifford J out of the water.
Clifford J comes out of the water for the 2024 season - thank you Doug Larsen and the Larsen Marine team!
Additional photos are continually being added and thanks to all photo contributors!
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