Originally from Tennessee, Charles Pennycuff's parents moved their family to Eastpoint in 1971. Since Charles first saw the bay at the age of seventeen, he has made his living from it. Over the years, Charles has done it all. He has shrimped, oystered, crabbed, and even grunted for worms. His son, Rex, worked the bay, too. Like a lot of folks, though, they wanted something more reliable. In 1993 Charles opened Fisherman's Choice Bait & Tackle in Eastpoint. He has no employees, only his family. From this modest storefront, every fisherman, hunter, and seafood worker can get what he or she needs. From crickets to rubber boots, fishing poles to dog food, they've got it. And the nature of this kind of business is that it's the center of all things bay-related. Locals stop in for bait, friends stop in to chat, and strangers get tips on good fishing holes. Even though the Pennycuffs don't get on a boat to go to work anymore, they are still very much connected to the bay.

Scope and Content Note
Mr. Charles Pennycuff shares his extensive experience in the seafood industry. Having worked in oystering, crabbing, fishing, and shrimping, Mr. Pennycuff explains that he moved to Eastpoint in 1971 from Jamestown, Tennessee. The decision was influenced by his wife's family connections and the opportunity to involve their nine children in the seafood business. Reflecting on his early days in the industry, Mr. Pennycuff recalls starting with oystering and gradually acquiring his own boat and equipment. He mentions the costs of boats and motors at the time and compares them to the present. Eventually, he transitioned from commercial fishing to running the bait and tackle shop. Throughout the interview, various aspects of the seafood industry are discussed. Mr. Pennycuff touches on the challenges faced by those working in the industry, their experiences on the water, and the fluctuations in business due to factors like storms and red tide. He also highlights the crucial role played by his wife in shucking oysters and provides insights into the bait and tackle business, including the types of bait they sell and the local sources of shrimp. Charles and Rex Pennycuff explain that their main focus is on dealing with mullet and shrimp for bait. However, they don't have any commercial fishermen supplying them. They discuss the various types of fish and bait used for fishing, including trout, redfish, sheepshead, brim, bass, flounder, pompano, and saltwater species. They note that the availability of fresh fish is limited due to seasonal regulations, leading them to primarily sell frozen products. The interview delves into the impact of imported and farm-raised fish on the market, affecting prices and availability. Charles and Rex share their background in oystering and shrimping and how they transitioned to running the bait and tackle business. They express uncertainty about the future and highlight the changing landscape of the area. Charles mentions the collaborative nature of their business, working alongside his wife and daughter, while Rex joined the business after an accident prevented him from pursuing his education. They describe the wide range of products they offer, including rods and reels for deep-sea and freshwater fishing, live bait such as shrimp, minnows, worms, and crickets, as well as hunting dog food and livestock feed. They note that their business operates seven days a week, with varying hours depending on the season. The conversation also touches on hunting activities in the area, including deer hunting, hog hunting, duck hunting, and turkey hunting. The interviewees discuss the regulations and seasons for hunting and mention the draw system for hunting on St. Vincent's Island. Charles recalls his experience as a crabber, mentioning owning hundreds of crab pots. They briefly discuss cultivating soft-shell crabs, explaining the process of identifying peeler crabs about to molt and keeping them in vats until they shed their shells. They note the time-consuming nature of this process and the need for constant monitoring. The interview concludes with Charles expressing his contentment with Rex's involvement in the business and their teamwork. They depend on local trade and the seasonal influx of tourists. The interview provides insights into the impact of natural disasters, changing industries, and regulations on the Eastpoint community, particularly the seafood industry. The interviewees express their love for the area and its people while highlighting the challenges faced by those involved in traditional industries like fishing and shrimping.