Meet the Fisher: Darian Schramm
Posted on October 15, 2023 by The Local Fish Team
Local Fisherman Darian Schramm has been an indispensable asset to our advisory committee since its inception. His unwavering dedication to sourcing the finest quality products through sustainable methods and ensuring their delivery to local communities exemplifies the highest standards and practices upheld by our program. We recently had the privilege of sitting down with Darian to delve deeper into his profound love and passion for the local fishery.
NAME: Darian Schramm
BUSINESS NAME: Paramount Fish
VESSEL NAME: Rebecca Jean
HOW DID YOU GET INTO FISHING?
I fished when I was a little kid. I’ve been fishing pretty much my whole life. We lived inland, so I would fish wherever I could find water, in lakes and ponds. When I moved to the coast I would fish off piers and beaches and it snowballed to fishing off boats for sport and now commercially.
WHAT SPECIES DO YOU FISH?
I fish Blackgill, Black Cod, Rock Cod, Mackerel, Tuna, Yellowtail, Halibut, Dorado, and Bonito.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN YOUR JOB?
Weather is a huge challenge. Not so much now, but in the winter months it becomes challenging to get out and fish. Fuel cost is another challenge. I’m trying to figure that out now by changing my boat type. I make my money off hunting. It’s not something caged; it’s wild. Sometimes everything could be perfect and it still doesn’t work. You just never know because there’s so many variables there. Everything can be lined up: the weather, the gear, the bait, the moon, and still the fish will not bite. We don’t have it all figured out. I’m constantly looking for new ways to market and sell my catch. You can’t put all your eggs in one basket. I’m always looking for new pop ups, restaurants, food banks, food programs. I’m looking for anything I can do to spread out my catch and maintain total transparency in how I do that and exactly where the fish goes.
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT THE INDUSTRY WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I don’t like the idea of being able to rent permits. If you have a permit you should have to fish it and not be able to rent it out or lease it. Larger companies or corporations can come in with a whole bunch of money and buy up all the permits and it makes it a challenge for someone like me to own that permit. There’s certain permits that I just can’t find to buy. I can lease it. The owner can lease you a quota. If you own the permit you should use it; if not you should get rid of it. It doesn’t make sense. I’m having trouble getting permits in general. There is a lot of confusion around the process and no answers.
WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE FISH TO COOK AND EAT, AND HOW?
I love Blackgill Rockfish. I love it. I love catching it. I keep it as simple as possible and sear it in a pan with olive oil, salt and pepper. I love the flavor of the fish so I like to let it be what it is.
Photo by Paramount Fish