On May 6, 1987, Nancy Solomon interviewed brothers Lenny and Danny Koch as part of the Long Island Traditions Oral History Collection. Lenny and Danny grew up in Baldwin, New York, where their family developed deep ties to the boating and fishing industries. Their grandfather was a captain and their father, along with many other relatives, worked as a fisherman in the region. Lenny’s career along the eastern seaboard has included diverse activities, from shrimping in Florida to dragging off the Connecticut shoreline.

This is an interview with Leonard "Lenny" Nilson, conducted by Steve Warrick on July 15, 2000, at L & L Bait and Tackle in Islip, Long Island. Lenny Nilson was born in July 1947 in Bay Shore, Long Island. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in commercial fishing, with his father immigrating from Sweden in 1929 and establishing a fishing and bait business on West Fire Island. Nilson's early years were spent working alongside his father, gaining hands-on experience in the industry.

On February 4 & 5, 2004, Nancy Solomon interviewed Mike and Helen Van Essendelft as part of the Long Island Traditions Oral History Collection. Mike and Helen are long-time members of the West Sayville community, and both participated in the local clamming and oystering industry. Mike discusses the history of the Dutch community in West Sayville, including stories of prominent figures and the creation of Bluepoints Oyster Company, where he worked for 12 years.

On May 11, 1988, Nancy Solomon interviewed Rick Verity as part of the Long Island Traditions Oral History Collection. Rick is a skilled bayman who learned the art of eeling from his father, Elwood Verity. He shares his lifelong experiences as a bayman, inheriting his knowledge and skills from his father and uncle. He discusses his early introduction to clamming, the intricacies of eel trapping and combing, and the craftsmanship behind creating various types of traps and nets.

On June 20, 2011, Nancy Solomon interviewed Tom Jefferies as part of the Long Island Traditions Oral History collection. Born in 1955, Jefferies is an experienced bayman who has operated out of Freeport, New York for decades. Jefferies was exposed to life on the bay from an early age; his family owned two fishing stations and a bay house that he visited during summers as a child. In this session, he provides a brief sketch of haul seining for spearing, chumming, and harvesting horseshoe crabs.

The interview with Tom Kuhner, conducted by Mary Lee on June 11, 2001, provides a comprehensive narrative of his life as a fisherman on Long Island. Born in Freeport, Kuhner’s earliest memories include crabbing and clamming, and starting a lucrative salmon bait business as a child. His fishing career spans various locales, from Freeport to Patchogue, before settling in West Babylon in the mid-1970s. Kuhner’s experience is enriched by his relationship with a commercial fisherman who lived with his family during his youth, significantly influencing his skills and career path.

On May 8, 1987, Nancy Solomon interviewed Tony Sougstad as part of the Long Island Traditions Oral History Project. Sougstad is a seasoned ocean fisherman and captain of the boat E.T. His first discussion with Solomon covers his entry into the fishing industry, the species of fish he harvests, the gear he uses, and the seasonal nature of his profession. After working as an engineer for a time, Sougstad decided to make a living out on the water, specializing in trawl or bottom fishing.