Brad Keene is a seasoned boatman with a deep-rooted connection to his family's maritime legacy. Born on April 5, 1988, Brad's passion for the sea was ignited at the age of twelve when he purchased his first boat, Garvey. Growing up in Freeport, he had the privilege of working alongside his father, who owned a dragger, on Woodcleft Canal. Brad's family history in the boating world can be traced back several generations. His grandfather, Henry Uktch, was instrumental in the establishment of the Freeport Boatman's Association, and his great-grandfather, Van Schaaner, had a fish market in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Scope and Content Note
Brad Keene shares his experiences and family history related to the fishing industry in Freeport, particularly focusing on cod fishing and duck hunting. Brad's connection to the fishing industry began at a young age when he purchased a Garvey boat and worked alongside his father, who owned a dragger. The Keene family has a rich history in Freeport, as Brad's grandfather, Henry Uktch, founded the Freeport Boatman's Association. Brad traces his family lineage back to his great-grandfather, Van Schaaner, who had a fish market in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Throughout the interview, Brad reflects on the lessons and skills his father taught him, including fishing techniques, operating boats, and mending nets. He also discusses his involvement in clamming, explaining the techniques and tools used, such as rakes and tongs. Additionally, Brad shares stories of friends who taught him about cod fishing, particularly Herb White, and discusses the process of setting cod lines and using clams as bait. He mentions the timing of cod fishing during the winter when the cod are migrating and refers to "resident" cod fish. Brad recounts his experiences working on his father's dragger, the Nora, from 1967 to 1970 and his father's charter boat. He talks about the daily routine of cod fishing, including the number of tows per day and the catches they made. He also acknowledges the influence of Dick Abbot, who taught him a lot and with whom he worked closely. Brad mentions encountering foreign boats, such as the Russian fleet and Japanese vessels, while out at sea and provides insights into the communication and interactions between different boats. The interview delves into the risks and challenges Brad faced as a fisherman. He shares a particularly harrowing incident when his boat sank during a winter storm on January 5, 1988, and describes the crew's reaction and their survival using a raft until rescued by the Coast Guard. Brad discusses other storms he encountered while fishing in the winter and transitions into a discussion about his passion for duck hunting. He learned the art of duck hunting from Wink Carman and speaks about carving decoys, their design, and construction. The interview concludes with Brad discussing the connection between hunting and bay houses, as well as the joy of duck feasts.