Bob Kaler, a lifelong resident of Patchogue, New York, has spent most of his life in the area and on the same street. He transitioned into crabbing after the decline of clamming in the 1970s. During his clamming days, he engaged in raking for hard clams. When he is not crabbing, Bob works as a bait musseler on the North Shore of Long Island in the spring. He has been involved in crabbing for twenty years and describes the area and his boat as beautiful, dubbing his boat "Paradise" to reflect the surroundings.

Scope and Content Note
Bob discusses the process of setting trap lines for crabbing and highlights that his start in the industry came naturally by living near the bay. He emphasizes the importance of learning along the way and recalls beginning with bait fishing at the age of eleven. One of the significant changes he has witnessed is the increase in the number of crabbers due to the decline in clamming and the demand for crabs. The freedom associated with his job is one of the main reasons why he continues crabbing. Once he retires from his job with the school system, he plans to devote himself fully to working on the bay. In the interview, Bob talks about using traps in his crabbing operations. He expresses that the year has been good so far, and after a day on the bay, he must quickly load his truck and transport the crabs to the market. He notes that crabs prefer humidity, and buyers will not purchase dead crabs, requiring him to place them with the brown side facing up. To add a touch of humor, Bob refers to taking the crabs to market as if they are going to a hot tub or sauna. Bob stresses the importance of knowing the bay and mentions his preference for avoiding work during the winter. He wants people to understand that working on the bay is a long and tough job but provides fun and freedom. He believes that as long as the bay does not become excessively polluted, it will remain in good condition. Bob mentions that having two incomes is necessary for survival in the bay industry, with his wife working as a nurse. He also discusses how recreational boaters have made many bay workers unwelcome due to the smell of the workboats. Overall, Bob Kaler shares his experiences and perspectives as a crabber, highlighting the challenges, rewards, and the importance of preserving the bay's condition for future generations.