Gig Harbor in Pierce County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Gig Harbors Fishing Fleet and Families
Photographed by Charlie Powers, December 29, 2025
1. Gig Harbors Fishing Fleet and Families Marker
In tribute and respect to the history of the fishermen of Gig Harbor and close surrounding areas, these pavers represent the names of fishermen and various vessels they owned or operated during their fishing careers. It took great tenacity and effort for many of the early immigrants to establish themselves in the commercial fishing industry.
The fishermen were strong of will and did not yield when confronted with the many challenges of this profession. Early in the 20th century, many of the vessels recognized on these pavers were built in Gig Harbor shipyards.
Paver Key:
Vessel Name
Year Built G/L/S/T/TR/TW*
Captain(s)
This letter represents the vessel type and/or layout based on the desired seafood and gear used. Some vessels have been converted to accommodate multiple uses and types of nets. Below is a legend to identify the respective vessel type:
G-Gillnetter (catches fish in nets "by the gills")
L-Long Liner (Uses a long line with baited hooks)
S-Seiner (catches fish using purse seine net)
T-Tender (carries fish from boat to cannery)
TR-Troller (multiple baited lines are dragged)
TW-Trawler (uses a drag net to catch fish)
Gig Harboar
The Maritime City
Photograph by Frank Owen Shaw
Harbor History Museum collection
This photo shows the Blessing of the Fleet in 1972, a tradition that continues today, on Sunday of the first full weekend in June. Photo is taken from what is now Ancich Park looking toward the netshed.
Topics.
this page online
Location. 47° 20.03′ N, 122° 35.204′ W. Marker is in Gig Harbor, Washington, in Pierce County. It is on Harborview Drive, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located in Ancich Waterfront Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3557 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor WA 98332, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Puget Sound Region and in Greater Seattle. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, in the Cascade Range, in the Inside Passage, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Malich Home (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Harvesting the Seas (about 400 feet away); A Rich Boat Building Legacy
Photographed by Charlie Powers, December 29, 2025
2. Gig Harbors Fishing Fleet and Families Marker
The marker is at the City of Gig Harbor Ancich Waterfront.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2026, by Charlie Powers of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 89 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 3, 2026, by Charlie Powers of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
