Don Kearsley is a seasoned fisherman hailing from Linwood, New Jersey. Growing up near Scull's Bay, Don developed a love for fishing from an early age. He learned the art of fishing from Harry Toma, a professional fisherman and the father of a friend. Although there were no fishermen in Don's family, he was drawn to the fishing profession due to his proximity to the area and the influence of local fishermen, who were descendants of early settlers dating back to the 18th century.

Scope and Content Note
After enduring a seasick-inducing first ocean trip in high school, Don made the decision to become a fisherman after finishing high school. Commuting from New Jersey, he initially worked on a boat owned by someone else. In 1967, Don relocated to Freeport, New York, where he was introduced to other fishermen who informed him about the productive fishing grounds in the area. Despite being a newcomer, Don was warmly received and learned valuable skills and knowledge from experienced fishermen such as Jimmy Lyons and Burt Cummings, including understanding fish habits and learning where to find them. Throughout the interview, Don emphasizes the importance of knowing the seasons and understanding the weather, mechanics, nets, and marketing in the fishing industry. He describes the challenges of learning electronics and the art of making and maintaining fishing nets. From linen and cotton nets to later versions made of manila and nylon, Don shares his expertise in caring for and repairing nets, often due to encounters with wrecks at sea. He also discusses the essential skills of tying knots and performing engine work on his wooden boat, which he diligently maintains by scraping barnacles, applying copper paint, and performing other necessary repairs. Don reflects on his experiences facing storms at sea, encounters with marine creatures such as sharks, whales, and tuna, and the day-to-day routines of a fisherman. He appreciates the independence and autonomy of his profession, relishing the role of being his own boss. Don learned primarily through observation and watching others, as there was no formal schooling for fishing. The interview concludes with Don discussing the diverse ethnic composition of Freeport's fishing community and the challenges and rewards of the fishing profession. He compares fishing to farming, with good years and bad years and a reliance on nature's unpredictability. Don takes pride in his occupation, referring to himself as an ocean farmer and highlighting the mobility that comes with being a fisherman. Overall, Don Kearsley's interview provides valuable insights into the life of a fisherman, his experiences in Freeport, and the intricacies of the fishing profession, showcasing the knowledge and skills required to navigate the waters and make a living from the ocean's bounties.