David Rowsey
The Gulf Podcast Baffin Bay Oral History Project
The Gulf is an oral history project and podcast that shares stories about people and nature on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Alyssa Lucas
Captain David Rowsey is a seasoned fisherman and real estate appraiser known for his passion for saltwater fishing, particularly for trophy trout. Born in Ferriday, Louisiana, he was raised by a family of fishermen and developed a love for fishing from a young age. After his mother's divorce, he moved to Natchez, Mississippi, and later to Hunt, Texas, where he continued to nurture his love for fishing. Rowsey's first taste of saltwater fishing in high school marked a turning point in his life, shifting his interest from freshwater bass fishing to saltwater fishing. His passion for fishing was so strong that he frequently traveled from San Antonio to Corpus Christi to fish during his free time. Eventually, he moved to Corpus Christi to be closer to the water and to have more time for fishing. Rowsey's career as a real estate appraiser allowed him the flexibility to schedule his work around his fishing trips. He is known for his unique and unorthodox fishing techniques, such as fishing around schools of drum, which have led to his success in fishing tournaments. He is a strong advocate for the conservation of Baffin Bay and encourages others to respect and protect the bay.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Captain David Rowsey, conducted by Jen Brown on March 13, 2022, provides an in-depth look into Rowsey's life, his passion for fishing, and his work with Baffin Bay and Baffin Bay water quality samples. Rowsey shares his early life experiences, his introduction to fishing, and his transition from freshwater to saltwater fishing. He discusses his career as a real estate appraiser and how it allowed him to balance his work and passion for fishing. He also shares his unique fishing techniques and experiences, including his success in fishing tournaments. A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to discussing Baffin Bay. Rowsey shares his experiences fishing in the bay, his observations of the bay's conditions, and his concerns about its future. He emphasizes the importance of conservation and responsible fishing practices, and he criticizes the detrimental effects of social media on the bay. The interview concludes with Rowsey's plea for everyone to respect and protect Baffin Bay, treating it "like a lady."
Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc. The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry.
The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.
Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.