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.

Mr. Combs comes from a long line of baymen. He speaks about being a captain, shipbuilding, and other experiences in the fishing industry.

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.

Jack Combs was born on May 1, 1988, and grew up in Freeport and Massapequa, Long Island. He spent his childhood surrounded by the bay and developed a deep connection to the marine environment. Jack's family owned a bay house and a houseboat on Goose Creek. His father and grandfather played significant roles in shaping his love for the bay, with fishing trips in Greenport and oyster shucking being regular activities. He later took over Captain Jack's Bait Station, where he continued the family tradition of stunts and tricks to entertain customers.

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 Nilson, born in Bay Shore in 1947, is a seasoned fisherman who spent his formative years on West Island, West Fire Island, where his father ran a live shrimp and killie business. Lenny comes from a long line of fishermen, with his family having emigrated from Sweden in 1929, bringing with them centuries of commercial fishing heritage. At the age of 16, Lenny started working on the bay, assisting his father in the fishing endeavors. Lenny earned a degree in Marine Biology from Suffolk Community College after serving in Vietnam.

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.

Interview with Joe Scavone

Frank Cona, a fifth-generation fisherman from Macata, a small town in southern Sicily, Italy, was born on June 7, 1987.  Cona grew up in a fishing family.  At six, Frank began assisting his father and older brother on their family’s dragger boats, primarily cleaning fish and eventually becoming a captain.  In his hometown of Macata, shellfishing was not practiced; instead, Frank's fishing endeavors revolved around haul seining for sardines and anchovies.

Edward (Lowell) Ockers is a lifelong resident of West Sayville. Lowell was born and raised in the area and started working on the bay after returning from the Navy in 1957. He began his career by catching eels using traps purchased from his father, a bayman. In addition to his fishing endeavors, Lowell engaged in other activities to support himself. During the winter, he found work bulkheading, cutting ice, and digging clams to earn some grocery money. He also participated in scalloping, crabbing, and even sailing on the ice when the bay froze over.