Historic F/V Pelican (1930): A Wooden Longliner Still Fishing Halibut & Black Cod in Puget Sound

by Oleg Nikitenko January 22, 2026

Step Aboard the F/V Pelican: A Living Legend of the Pacific Northwest Fishing Fleet

Most boats fade away with time. The sea is hard on wood, and harder on memory. But every now and then, a vessel defies the odds — not by sitting in a museum, but by still doing exactly what it was built to do.

Meet the F/V Pelican, a 78-foot wooden longliner built in 1930, still actively fishing today for Pacific halibut and sablefish (black cod) in the waters of Puget Sound, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest. It’s not just seaworthy — it’s living proof that craftsmanship, tradition, and a respect for the sea never go out of style.

⚓ Built to Last: The Story of F/V Pelican

Launched during the Great Depression, the Pelican was crafted in an era when wooden boats were built to endure the toughest seas. Originally designed as a research and exploration vessel, she was later outfitted as a commercial longliner, targeting two of the most prized deepwater species in the North Pacific:

  • Sablefish (also called black cod)

  • Pacific halibut

While most boats from that time have long since retired or rotted away, the Pelican still cruises the same salty corridors — now with updated navigation and safety gear, but with the same rugged hull and classic lines.

She’s a working relic — as rare as they come, and still helping to harvest some of the finest seafood in the world.

🎣 What the Pelican Catches Today

Every season, the F/V Pelican heads north, following the migratory paths of bottom-dwelling giants. Using longline gear — a method that minimizes bycatch and preserves fish quality — she targets:

🐟 Pacific Halibut

Prized for its mild flavor and meaty texture, halibut is a cornerstone of Northwest cuisine. The Pelican’s catch often ends up as:

🐟 Sablefish (Black Cod)

Known as the “butterfish” for its high oil content and silky flesh, sablefish is one of the most luxurious and underrated fish in the sea. The Pelican’s sablefish often reaches consumers as:

📍 Filmed in Puget Sound — Still Working Local Waters

Unlike many boats her age, the F/V Pelican still calls the Pacific Northwest home, docking regularly in Puget Sound ports before heading north for the commercial fishing season.

In the off-season, she may be spotted along Washington’s coast, standing out among modern steel hulls with her handcrafted wooden frame, clean decks, and timeless silhouette.

Her continued operation is a tribute to:

  • The power of traditional boatbuilding

  • The value of sustainable fishing

  • The legacy of working families on the water

🌿 A Sustainable Fishing Legacy

The Pelican doesn’t just fish — she fishes right. Longlining is widely considered one of the most sustainable commercial fishing methods, especially when it comes to:

  • Reducing bycatch

  • Protecting seafloor habitats

  • Maximizing quality and traceability

This makes products harvested by boats like the Pelican a smarter choice for eco-conscious seafood lovers.

When you buy sablefish or halibut from reputable sources like Global Seafoods, you’re supporting that chain of integrity — all the way back to boats like this one.

🎥 Watch the F/V Pelican in Action

Want to see the Pelican on the water? Her journey through Puget Sound and footage of her deck work are featured on our YouTube channel.

🔗 Subscribe to Global Seafoods on YouTube for behind-the-scenes looks at:

  • Real working boats

  • Longlining gear in action

  • Seafood journey from sea to table

Why This Boat Still Matters

In an age of fast boats and factory fishing, the F/V Pelican represents something slower, better, and more meaningful. She’s not just about the catch — she’s about:

  • Doing the job right

  • Preserving tradition

  • Feeding people with purpose

Almost 100 years old, and still catching premium fish? That’s a legacy worth celebrating.

Conclusion: A Living Legend of the Pacific Northwest

The F/V Pelican isn’t a museum ship — she’s a working, fishing legend. Built in 1930 and still harvesting the Pacific's best halibut and sablefish, she bridges the gap between past and present, between heritage and harvest.

So next time you enjoy a piece of buttery black cod or a flaky halibut fillet, think about the people — and the boats — that make it possible.

🛒 Explore the seafood caught in that same tradition:

🎥 See more fishing heritage on YouTube

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