Roland Clark was born and raised on Shelter Island, New York, where he has spent his entire life working on the water. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in maritime traditions; both his father, Ed Clark Sr., and his grandfather, Albertus Clark, were experienced fishermen and clammers. Roland attended school on Shelter Island and, from a young age, joined his father and grandfather in various fishing activities, including clamming, scalloping, and hand lining.