Brad Keene is a seasoned boatman with a deep-rooted connection to his family's maritime legacy. Born on April 5, 1988, Brad's passion for the sea was ignited at the age of twelve when he purchased his first boat, Garvey. Growing up in Freeport, he had the privilege of working alongside his father, who owned a dragger, on Woodcleft Canal. Brad's family history in the boating world can be traced back several generations.

George Streit, born on May 19, 1987, is a lifelong enthusiast of fishing, whose love for the sport has shaped his life and experiences. Originally from Queens, George moved to Freeport in 1940, where he discovered his passion for fishing at an early age. He acquired his first sport fishing boat, Tiger, and ventured into the world of big game fishing, which became a significant part of his life. Growing up with a father who was a cabinet maker, George learned the ropes of fishing while working on the shore.

Danny Koch is a lifelong bayman who has been working the bay area for his entire life, just like his father, uncle, and grandfathers before him. Danny primarily focuses on catching killey, a type of bait, using traps that he sets in creeks where clam shells are found. Having learned the trade from his family, Danny's roots in the bay area go back to the early 1900s.

Bill Tunney is a commercial fisherman based in East Patchogue, near Bellport village. He began his career in fishing at the age of thirteen when he bought his first boat with money earned from mowing lawns. His initial interest in fishing was sparked by the popularity of clamming in his area during his youth. Over the years, Tunney has expanded his fishing activities to include dredging crabs and scallops, gill netting, and potting blue claw crabs. He is known for his innovative approach to fishing, often experimenting with different techniques and equipment to improve his catch.

Lenny and Danny Koch hail from a family deeply rooted in the fishing industry. Their relatives were fishermen, and their father transitioned to working for an oil company, running yachts along the coast. Growing up in Baldwin, New York, Lenny and Danny were surrounded by their grandparents and great-grandparents, who also had ties to the fishing tradition. Their grandfather operated charter and party boats, establishing a family legacy spanning over six decades. Lenny and Danny's maternal grandparents originated from Ukraine, although they did not have a background in net making.

Mike and Helen Van Essendelft live in Oakdale, New York. Mike Van Essendelft, born on April 16, 1908, worked for Bluepoints, a renowned oyster company, for over 12 years. Starting as a waiter at the Snapper Inn, Mike eventually became a sales assistant at Bluepoints and worked his way up to the position of sales manager. Helen Van Essendelft supported the oyster industry by shucking and freezing oysters for Birdseye. Together, Mike and Helen provide a unique perspective on the history and operations of the fishing industry in West Sayville.

Tom Kuhner is a fisherman from Long Island with a lifelong engagement in the local fishing industry. His early years were marked by a deep connection to the traditional practices of fishing and clamming, which he began as a child. Kuhner's initial foray into the industry started with a bait business, which eventually expanded into eeling and crabbing. Over the years, he transitioned to working on larger boats, facing the challenges of crew recruitment and adapting to the evolving landscape of the fishing industry.

Rick Verity is a skilled bayman who learned the art of eeling from his father, Elwood Verity. Growing up in Blue Point, Rick's family has a long history of working on the bay, with his grandfather, Bill Verity, being a lobster catcher. Rick began his bay adventures at the age of three or four, accompanying his father to rake clams in the bay. His father taught him the best spots and techniques for clamming, including treading clams in the soft mud. Over the years, Rick and his father expanded their expertise, engaging in activities such as combing and setting traps for eels.

Carmine Marinaccio was born on May 7, 1987, in the Bronx. His parents hailed from Basilaca and Okadi, near Mount Vesuvius, and arrived in the Bronx when his father was 11 years old. Carmine's grandfather worked as a laborer, crafting furniture and harboring resentment toward tax collectors, which eventually led him to leave. Growing up near the water, Carmine developed a fondness for the beach and found ways to earn money, such as catching bait and reselling boats.

Cory Weyant is a full time commercial fisher from Freeport, New York. He traps eels, killies, crabs and other finfish using traps he has built himself. He also works on trawler fishing boats. Cory grew up in Freeport and learned his skills through the community. His father was also born in Oceanside and worked in the boating industry, running transport boats and working at bait stations. Cory started fishing and swimming at a very young age