Sashimi at $35/lb

[lawaia]

Nope that's not the price in Japan, that's what happens here in Hawaii for New Year's parties!

The first ahi (yellowfin) that sold at auction this past Saturday went for $17.50 a pound on the hoof - that's head, bones, guts, tail, all included. At 152# that one fish alone was worth $2660 to the lucky fisherman (not me ) who caught that bugger. The fish market that won the bidding for that fish will butcher it and sell the fillets for $35/lb to someone who wants the premium grade fish for the must-have traditional sashimi on New Year's day. That first fish went for so much because it was fat, fresh, and big. Others in the lower hundred pound size went for $9-10/lb. Retail prices are expected to range from $15/lb for the lower grade ahi up to that $35/lb for the premium stuff.

The prices are determined by the good old free market, the laws of supply and demand. With the lousy weather we've been having (lucky we live Hawaii, lousy weather = wind and rain, no snow) the seas have been rough so only the largest or commercial boats have been fishing. Thus the supply is somewhat down while the demand is sky high with the New Year's celebrations. Additionally this year the Hawaii football team playing in the Sugar Bowl is reason for more parties than usual as fans gather to watch the game. GO WARRIORS!

Besides ahi for sashimi the red bottomfish, the snappers, are also in high demand but they're even more scarce when the seas are rocking and rolling. Trolling in rough water is one thing; trying to get a bait down over a hundred fathoms from a drifting boat in rough water is nigh impossible.

The fishing gods were kind enough to drop the winds for a day on Sunday so us small boat guys were able to get out after the fish. It probably would've been cheaper to go buy some fish from the market but hey, we fishermen know that it's not about the destination, it's all about the journey. I got my sashimi and it didn't cost me $17.50 a pound!

Hope 2007 was good to you all and that 2008 will be even better. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[Holy Smoke]

Thanks for the info

[lawaia]

Today the most prized red snappers (etelis coruscans - we call 'em onaga) went for $30 a pound at the auction! That's $600 for a 20# fish! The supply of ahi (YFT) continues to fall short of the demand and so the wholesale price (paid to the fisherman, less 10% commission to the auction house) is up to around $20 a pound for the premium fish.

Any of you guys catching tuna on the "right" side of the country know what it costs to airship fresh caught tuna over here? There might be some money to be made...

Happy New Year to all.

[hotrodmarlin]

Good report- I hope your 2008 journey brings you to calm seas and some fat onaga and ahi !