Carmine Marinnacio

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Long Island Traditions

Description

Folklorist Nancy Solomon has documented the maritime culture of Long Island through these interviews spanning the years 1987 – 2016. The collection includes baymen, fishermen, boat builders and other maritime tradition bearers.   

Interviewer
Date of Interview
05-07-1987
Principal Investigator
Audio
Supplemental Material
Biographical Sketch

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.

Scope and Content Note
Carmine shares his life experiences and insights, providing a glimpse into his family's Italian heritage and their migration to the United States. The interview delves into Carmine's childhood and early years in Long Beach, where his family relocated due to his mother's health issues, including asthma and anemia.  He recounts intriguing tales of rum runners, hidden brothels, and his involvement in the fishing industry. Carmine discusses his journey to becoming a charter boat captain, starting with his purchase of a sailboat in 1929. He navigates through stories of challenging customers, obtaining licenses, and learning the ropes through trial and error. The interview also touches upon his experiences in Florida, including hospitalization and financial setbacks. Carmine's resourcefulness and determination shine through as he recounts surviving a white squall and various sailing adventures. The interview provides an in-depth exploration of Carmine's passion for fishing, particularly line fishing. He discusses techniques, bait types, and the evolution of lures, including his own creations. Carmine elaborates on the manufacturing process, the qualities that make his lures effective, and his business philosophy. He candidly shares his successes and challenges in running a home-based lure business, including the importance of assembling lures correctly and the struggles of balancing production with profitability. Carmine reflects on the risks and rewards of his occupation, his attitude towards fellow boatmen, and his frustrations with the influence of alcohol in the fishing community. He touches on encounters with sea creatures and dismisses the existence of sea legends, preferring to focus on practical experiences. Carmine shares his thoughts on rods, joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the changing dynamics of the fishing industry.  Finally, Carmine discusses various lures, including the Huntington drone spoon-lure, and the stories behind their designs and marketing. He reflects on the depletion of fish and changes in fishing practices over time. Carmine also expresses his perspective on the economic system and its impact on his life as a fisherman. Throughout the interview, Carmine's strong connection to the maritime environment and his resilience as a rugged mariner shine through, providing valuable insights into his life as an Italian-American fisherman and charter boat captain.


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