Manny Toledo
Endangered Fishing Traditions of the Greater Miami Area
Broadly, the project seeks to preserve the rich history of endangered fishing traditions in the Greater Miami Area. These oral histories expand our knowledge and enrich our understanding of the region's fisheries as well as the role that fishing has had in shaping the region’s economic and cultural life. Our goal was to interview key individuals connected to the fishing history of Miami, including: commercial and for-hire fishers; fish dealers/processors; fish markets; and bait and tackle shops. Geographically, we aim to cover major fishing areas that are endangered and undergoing rapid change. These include the following: Miami River, Coconut Grove (Montys), Haulover Park in North Miami. The first collection of interviews are focused on the Miami River. These interviews are conducted in English and Spanish.
Fantastic Transcripts
Manny Toledo is an experienced fisherman hailing from a family with deep fishing traditions. Growing up in a fishing household, he honed his skills in Cuba before migrating to Miami, where he continued the family legacy of building and selling high-quality commercial traps. Known for his expertise in trap building and as a dealer for fellow fishermen, Toledo is a respected figure in the fishing community.
Scope and Content Note
Manny Toledo shares his background in fishing and his family's fishing traditions, which originated in Cuba and continued in Miami. He discusses the similarities and differences in techniques and trap styles between the two locations, highlighting the materials used. Toledo emphasizes his family's reputation for producing high-quality commercial traps. He mentions superstitions within the fishing community and the challenges faced by fishermen in their relationship with fish houses, including underpayment and increased expenses. The interview also touches on the lack of younger generations entering the fishing business and the trap certificate program.
Toledo also talks about forthcoming changes in crab traps that will have financial implications for stone crabbers. He expresses concerns about the uncertain future due to river development. Toledo describes the seasonal patterns and fishing activities throughout the year, focusing on the lobstering and stone crabbing seasons. He mentions the lobster march and notes changes in seasonal patterns and species in the water, attributing them to global warming. He also discusses past experiences with sponging and fish trapping, which are no longer pursued due to regulations.
Toledo explains how fishermen commonly place their traps in specific areas, respecting each other's space, but conflicts can arise when traps get crossed or lines tangled, leading to arguments and "trap wars." Newcomers to the fishing community are often seen as competition and may face resistance. Resolving trap-related issues involves confrontations, fights, and reliance on common sense. Forensic evidence on traps, such as mud or handprints, can help determine tampering. He goes on to describe how own fishing team and activities.
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