Buddy Davis has spent his life in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, where his family has deep roots in the fishing industry. His father and grandfather, originally from Davis Shores, were also fishermen. Davis began accompanying his father on fishing trips at a young age, around six or seven years old, and by the age of fifteen or sixteen, he started running the boat himself. His three sons and one daughter have also been involved in the fishing business, with his sons participating in shrimping and his daughter marrying a fisherman. 

Scope and Content Note
The oral history interview with Buddy Davis, conducted by Matthew Barr, provides a comprehensive overview of Davis's life and career in the fishing industry of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. The interview details his early experiences accompanying his father on fishing trips and his progression to running his own boat as a teenager. Davis discusses the generational nature of his family's involvement in fishing, highlighting how his father and grandfather were also fishermen and how this tradition has continued with his children and grandchildren. Davis shares insights into the practical aspects of fishing, such as boat maintenance, rigging, and the changes in fishing practices over the years. He explains the family's approach to buying and rebuilding boats, as well as the hands-on skills required for tasks like welding and engine building, which he learned through experience rather than formal training. The interview also touches on the impact of regulations on the fishing industry, with Davis noting how fishermen have adapted to new rules over time. Throughout the interview, Davis emphasizes the deep connection to the fishing lifestyle, describing it as a way of life rather than just a job. He reflects on the independence and fulfillment derived from being one's own boss and working in nature. Additionally, Davis provides anecdotes about the challenges and rewards of fishing, including navigating difficult conditions and the camaraderie within the fishing community.