John Sutton is a lifelong resident of the Texas coast, having lived in various cities, including Brownsville, Corpus Christi, and Kingsville. He comes from a family of sports fishermen, which includes his grandfather and father. Sutton's early life was largely spent on the coast, with fishing being a significant part of his upbringing. His first memory of Baffin Bay dates back to 1957, when he caught an extra-large speckled trout at the age of thirteen, an experience that deepened his love for Baffin Bay. Sutton's fishing experience extends beyond his early life and into his adulthood. He has witnessed the evolution of fishing practices, from the use of numbered lures like Mirrolure and Bingos to the advent of monofilament. Sutton has also been involved in research projects related to water quality in Baffin Bay, working with students and researchers.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with John Sutton, conducted by Jen Brown and Michael S. Wetz on May 5, 2022, provides a rich account of Sutton's life and experiences as a lifelong resident and fisherman on the Texas coast. Sutton shares his early memories of fishing in Baffin Bay, the evolution of fishing practices, and his observations on the changes in the fishing environment over the years. He also discusses his involvement in research projects related to water quality in Baffin Bay, where he worked with students and researchers, including a woman from China who impressed him with her work ethic and curiosity. Sutton's experiences provide valuable insights into the history and changes in the fishing practices and environment of Baffin Bay over several decades.