Dolphus Thompson
Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town
For 300 years, the fishermen of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina have practiced sustainable, small- scale commercial fishing, passing on the traditional lore of the sea from generation to generation. In the early 21st century, imported farm-raised shrimp, skyrocketing coastal development, and complex regulations threatened to push many fishermen to the brink of disaster. Wild Caught captures the wisdom and resilience of an extraordinary community.
National Capital Contracting
On August 1, 2000, Matthew Barr interviewed Dolphus Thompson for the Wild Caught project in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Born and raised in Sneads Ferry, Thompson grew up in a tight-knit community where fishing was a way of life. From an early age, he participated in the local fishing industry, starting with rowing skiffs and moving on to more complex operations. His lifelong career in fishing took him across the Gulf Coast and beyond, venturing as far as California, though most of his work centered around North Carolina waters. Throughout the interview, Thompson reflects on his experiences with various fishing techniques, including shrimping and net fishing. He discusses the evolution of the industry, recalling how he and others cleared rocks from local inlets to improve fishing grounds. Thompson also shares insights into how fishing regulations have impacted the industry, noting the increasing complexity of licenses and restrictions. He provides personal anecdotes about facing harsh weather and dangerous situations at sea, including a life-threatening encounter involving a piece of glass during a storm. Thompson also recounts the role of older fishermen in teaching the younger generation, passing down knowledge essential for survival in the industry. His mentor, "Mr. Jim," played a significant role in teaching him about wind patterns and boat construction.
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