From cockpit to coastline: Former pilot turns to fishing in Grindavík
Brothers Eiríkur, Einar and Jón Gauti are eagerly awaiting the launch of Grindjáni GK. Morgunblaðið/Árni Sæberg
For years, Einar Dagbjartsson, a retired Icelandair pilot, dreamed of making small-boat fishing his livelihood rather than just a hobby. Now, that dream is becoming a reality.
Einar, captain of the Grindjáni GK 169, has begun acquiring fishing quotas and aspires to become a "quota king." Alongside his brother, Jón Gauti, branch manager of Olís in Grindavík, he co-founded the company Fyrir þjóðina ehf. ("For the Nation") with the goal of expanding their small-boat fishing operations.
"We are sacrificing ourselves for the nation," says Einar, who will turn 65 in May and recently stepped away from commercial flying after a prolonged illness this winter.
A family affair in small-boat fishing
The brothers were previously joined by their third sibling, Eiríkur, in operating the Grindjáni fishing company. However, when Grindavík’s long-established fishing and processing company, Þorbjörn hf., was divided last year, Eiríkur lost his job as fishing director. He has since shifted focus to small-boat fishing, selling the family’s cod quota to purchase a new vessel, Ólafur GK 133.
"Eiríkur will operate that boat as he winds down his career, while Jón Gauti and I will continue with Grindjáni and work on building up our quota again," says Einar.
The brothers have also invested in upgrading their vessel, recently completing renovations at Trefja in Hafnarfjörður, including a new engine and expanded deck space.
Natural disasters have disrupted the lives of the people of Grindvík. mbl.is/Eggert Jóhannesson
Staying true to Grindavík despite challenges
Like many in Grindavík, the brothers have faced significant disruptions due to recent natural disasters. Einar, for instance, has relocated to Álftanes but remains optimistic.
"The silver lining is that I now live close to all eight of my grandchildren," he says. "There’s even a bit of a Grindavík feel to Álftanes—the smell of seaweed drifts in on westerly nights."
Despite the uncertainty, the brothers remain committed to their hometown.
"We’ll weather the next storm in Sandgerði if needed, but our goal is to keep working out of Grindavík," Einar affirms. "Rebuilding our lives there is crucial."
With 48 designated fishing days allowed starting in August, Einar plans to head to Hornafjörður in July to finish the season.
Flying and fishing: A retirement of adventure
Fishing isn’t the only pursuit keeping Einar busy. Once an avid shore fisherman during his flying career, he now balances fishing with piloting small planes in his spare time.
"We’re finishing up a hangar and planning to keep a plane out east near Hvolsvöllur," he says.
For Einar, retirement isn’t about slowing down — it’s about enjoying the ride.
"People don’t stop playing as they get older. The only difference is that the toys get more expensive," he jokes. "The key to our boating business is having fun. Earning a bit of retirement money along the way is just a bonus."
