Charlie Phillips
Boat Stories
Commercial fishing has deep cultural ties to the Georgia coast, particularly the shrimping industry, which is the state’s largest and most economically valuable fishery. Shrimping has played an integral role in shaping the identities of the commercial fishermen who have spent most of their lives on the water. At the heart of these identities are the fishing boats that have carried captains and their crew for decades.
These vessels have been bought and sold by fishermen up and down the coast for decades, connecting multiple generations of fishing families. They serve as the backbone of Georgia’s shrimping industry and have become iconic symbols for fresh and locally harvested seafood for the millions of residents and tourists who visit the coast.
In 2020-2021, Anthropologists at Georgia Southern University collaborated with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant to record the stories and experiences of local shrimpers and their boats. Funded by Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resource Division through a Coastal Improvement Grant (NOAA #NA20NOS4190175), student researchers learned about commercial fishing as they conducted these oral history interviews. These recordings powerfully preserve the voices and culture of commercial fishing to be shared with current and future generations. This database of knowledge is also available to guide science and regulatory decisions. Get to know Georgia's commercial fishermen by listening to their "Boat Stories"
Sierra Sutton
Charlie Phillips is a seasoned fisherman and business owner based in McIntosh County, Georgia. He has been involved in the fishing industry since his high school years, when he began working on shrimp boats during the summer. By the time he was a senior in high school, he was running shrimp boats on the weekends for his father. His commitment to the fishing industry led him to leave college when a professor insisted he attend a final exam on June 1, a crucial day for shrimp fishing. From that point on, Phillips became a full-time shrimp boat captain. Phillips has owned several fishing vessels over the years, including a 42-foot duffy hull boat named the Beagle. He has a deep knowledge of boats and their maintenance, having spent years working on and restoring the Beagle. His experience in the fishing industry extends beyond shrimping, as he has also ventured into clam and oyster farming. In addition to his fishing ventures, Phillips has also owned a restaurant. Despite the challenges and hard work involved in his various businesses, Phillips has a philosophical outlook on his experiences, viewing them as opportunities for learning and growth.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Charlie Phillips, conducted on November 13, 2021, provides an in-depth look into his life and experiences as a fisherman and business owner in McIntosh County, Georgia. The interview is part of the research project and interview collection titled “Boat Stories.” Phillips discusses his current and past fishing vessels, particularly the Beagle, a 42-foot duffy hull boat. He shares the story of how he acquired the boat and the extensive work he put into restoring it. He also talks about his experiences working on shrimp boats from a young age, including his decision to leave college to become a full-time shrimp boat captain. In addition to his fishing experiences, Phillips also talks about his various business ventures. He discusses his restaurant business and his ventures into clam and oyster farming. He shares stories from his experiences in these businesses, reflecting on the lessons he has learned and the ways these experiences have shaped him. The interview provides valuable insights into the life and work of a fisherman and small business owner in McIntosh County, Georgia. It contributes to a broader understanding of the fishing industry and the experiences of those who work within it.
Project Note
This project is supported under grant award #NA20NOS4190175 to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources from the Office for Coastal Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of DNR, OCM or NOAA.
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