It’s not much to go on, but I’m hoping someone either remembers or has better Google-fu than I do.
Some time in the late 80s or early 90s I read a YA book about a teen-ish girl in the Aluetian Islands. My most vivid memory is of her description of crabs, calling some “Jimmies,” and going into extraordinary detail about the fishing process. I have the shadow of a memory that she was the first girl/woman to embark on fishing.
That’s all I have to go on. Ring any bells?
Island of the Blue Dolphin?
Thanks for the suggestion! Based upon the Wikipedia description I don’t think this is it, but I’ll read it to be sure.