The narrator is a seasoned commercial fisherman in his early 60s who actively fishes out of Barnegat Light, New Jersey. He began his fishing career before the age of 10 and already assumed the role of a mate by the time he was 14. Throughout his journey, he transitioned to become an owner/operator in the early 1970s, taking full control of his fishing operations. In pursuit of viable fishing opportunities, the narrator temporarily relocated to Florida for a period of 10 years from 1989 to 1990. Despite the move, he maintained a connection to New Jersey waters, frequently traveling back and forth to fish due to the decline of certain species, notably codfish. Throughout his career, the narrator has engaged in a diverse range of fisheries, initially starting in a mixed gill net fishery that primarily targeted blues, weakfish, and stripers. Around 1990, he ventured into monk fishing, a new fishing endeavor that proved to be successful. More recently, he has expanded his fishing activities to include corakers.

Scope and Content Note
The narrator shares their fishing experiences and background. He recalls the days of catching codfish in New Jersey, including a remarkable haul of up to 5000 pounds on a single set line. The interviwee delves into the challenges faced by commercial fishermen, particularly the impact of regulations. He expresses frustration about the restriction on selling striped bass in New Jersey and the influence of recreational fishing associations on commercial fishing practices. The narrator reminisces about earlier fishing techniques, such as using gill nets for blues, weakfish, and stripers, as well as nylon drift nets for nighttime bluefish fishing. The interview explores the close-knit social fabric of the fishing community, highlighting the camaraderie found in bars, house parties, and the strong bonds among fishing families. They also discuss the informal nature of fisheries training, emphasizing the importance of learning on the water. However, the interviewee notes the limited organization among fishermen when it comes to lobbying or seafood associations. He shares insights into fishing seasons and preparations, describing the rigging process for shad fishing in the spring and the transition to targeting bluefish and weakfish in April and May. The Barnegat Ridge was a prominent fishing area for the narrator where he often targeted bluefish and other species. He also discuss the impact of bait availability on fish behavior and migration patterns. The interviewee mentions the decline of cod fishing, attributing it to a decrease in the cod population, potentially influenced by Russian fishing vessels. In the 1960s, he estimates that there were around 11 fishing boats in the fleet, with shad, weakfish, bluefish, and stripers being the primary targets. Fishing is not only a livelihood but also a vital part of the Barnegat Light community, providing social cohesion and economic support. The narrator reflects on the limited employment opportunities in the area during their early years, which led many individuals to turn to fishing as their main occupation. He discusses changes in fishing patterns, such as the shifting distribution of weakfish up the coast and the emergence of croakers as a new target species. The interviewee also mentions the use of temperature gauges on their vessel to track water temperature changes, aiding successful fishing endeavors. Challenges faced by fishermen are brought to light, including the significant time and effort required to succeed in the industry. The narrator traces changes in technology aboard vessels.  Finally, the narrator highlights the impact of regulations on profitability and the increasing fish prices over time. Overall, the interview provides insights into the significance of fishing to the Barnegat Light community and the challenges faced by fishermen. It covers topics such as social dynamics, fishery management concerns, and the observations and experiences accumulated by this narrator throughout their fishing career.